How to Choose the Right Multi-Tool for Your Work or Adventures
Alright, here’s the short answer:
Pick the tool that matches what you actually do. Not the one with 35 random gadgets you’ll never touch.
Don’t overthink it. If you just want to open boxes and crack a cold one, you don’t need something that looks like it was built by NASA.
So… what are you actually using it for?
Forget all the fancy names for now. Start here.
1. You’re a tradie?
Get something tough. Needs to have:
• Good pliers
• Flathead and Phillips screwdriver
• Wire cutters that don’t snap after 3 jobs
• Locking tools so you don’t cut your fingers off
Don’t get sucked in by gimmicks. Get one you can use with gloves on. Belt pouch is a bonus.
2. You go camping or fishing?
You want:
• A decent blade
• A saw that doesn’t suck
• Can/bottle opener
• Tweezers for pulling out thorns or hooks
Also: lightweight matters. If it’s too chunky, it’ll live at the bottom of your bag forever.
3. You just want something for daily carry?
Stick to:
• Small blade
• Scissors
• Screwdriver
• Bottle opener (duh)
You’re not building a cabin. You just want something you can carry every day without looking like Bear Grylls.
4. You’re chucking it in the glovebox or bug-out bag?
Look for:
• Tough build
• Blade + pliers combo
• Can opener
• Something with grip
Don’t care if it’s light—just needs to work when your car breaks down or you get stuck in a storm.
How many tools do you actually need?
More tools doesn’t mean better. It just means heavier.
If it’s got 27 tools but you only use 4, that’s a waste of money and pocket space. Stick to what you need. That’s it.
Here’s a cheat list:
| What you do | What you need |
| Sparky | Pliers, wire cutter, screwdrivers |
| Camper/Fisher | Blade, saw, bottle opener, tweezers |
| Office life | Scissors, file, screwdriver, bottle opener again |
| Tradie | Strong pliers, bit driver, file, solid knife |
Build quality: Cheap tools are expensive
Don’t buy some $20 no-name junk from the servo. It’ll fall apart when you need it most.
Look for:
• Stainless steel (420HC is solid)
• Tools that lock in place
• Smooth open/close (if it squeaks, don’t trust it)
If it feels rattly out of the box, imagine what it’ll be like after 3 weeks in your toolbox.
Pocket or pouch?
If you’re carrying it every day:
• Needs to be under 200g
• Should fit in your pocket without making you look like you’ve got a brick in there
• Pocket clip = win
If it’s for heavy use:
• Go bigger
• Get the sheath
• Put it in your work pants or bag
And don’t worry about looking “tactical.” Just get something that works.
If it’s going near water, dust or mud…
Make sure it won’t rust the second it gets damp. You want:
• Corrosion-resistant coating
• Grippy handle if your hands are wet
• Easy to clean gunk out of
You don’t need to baby it—but you shouldn’t have to replace it after a rainy weekend either.
Quick tip: Look after it
Even the best tool needs a bit of love.
• Wipe it down
• Oil the joints every now and then
• Sharpen the blade if it gets dull
• Don’t leave it wet
Easy stuff. It’ll last years if you give a damn.
Price vs value (real talk)
Here’s the breakdown:
• Under $50? Light use only. Good for backup or glovebox.
• $50–$100? Solid all-rounders. This is where most good tools sit.
• $100+? You’re buying better steel, better locks, longer life.
Don’t overspend. But don’t underspend and regret it either.
Final thoughts: Keep it simple
You don’t need the flashiest tool. You need the right one.
• Figure out what you’ll actually use
• Ignore the rest
• Get something tough enough to handle it
Now go get yourself a pocket knife multi tool you’ll actually carry. And use. And not lose after two weeks.
