Thats the whole point of the multitool, its there with you when you need it. Like the sub compact or compact gun vs the full size one that gets left home b because its too big. Even a basic SAK will give you both flat and Phillips screw capability, and that may make all the difference in the world. I keep a bag with a few basic tools in the car trunk so I have vise grips, screw drives, wire cutters and crescent wrench on hand, along with some wire and small roll of duct tape.
BUT...that little three letter word, sometimes we're with our friends in their car, or off on a three day trip to San Antonio, or on vacation in Key West or someplace. Then its just what made the trip with us in checked baggage. My wife and I both keep a small SAK and Leatherman squirt on hand, so we both have tools on hand. An old credit card with some duct tape wrapped around it and a few paper clips will do a lot of repairs. Its really surprising how much you can do even with the little squirt pliers and wire cutters. And that little chisel ground blade gets to be like a scalpel with a little honing. I love that blade, it goes though packing tape and opens boxes like Superman leaps tall buildings.
So many of the unexpected problems life throws at us are actually pretty small and easy to fix, IF, you have one or two basic tools with you. A small multitool in the pocket goes a very long way to that end.
