Best Small Multi-tool

[Harayasu]

Here another vote for the Spirit. It's nice and compact and carries light. Another non-LM option for a smaller multitool would be the Gerber MP400. I also have some multitools which are even smaller, but consider those suitable only for light duty work.

 

[A.L.]

I know I've beaten this one to death, but a pair of small knipex cobras along with an sak definitely doesn't weigh down the pants, and pairs nicely with another folder. I used the small tinker for a while, but I've since switched to a pioneer and couldn't be happier. View attachment 1448511

This. And Knipex recently came out with even smaller model than the cobra.

 

[Lee D]

I know I've beaten this one to death, but a pair of small knipex cobras along with an sak definitely doesn't weigh down the pants, and pairs nicely with another folder. I used the small tinker for a while, but I've since switched to a pioneer and couldn't be happier. View attachment 1448511

If the Pioneer pictured was a Pioneer or Farmer X, I’d be 100% content with the Knipex/Vic combo. Love the pioneer, as well as the farmer, but I’m gonna say it again...for me, scissors are a must.

 

[Wild Willie]

If the Pioneer pictured was a Pioneer or Farmer X, I’d be 100% content with the Knipex/Vic combo. Love the pioneer, as well as the farmer, but I’m gonna say it again...for me, scissors are a must.

I keep a rambler in my backpack... So while I don't have them on my person, there's scissors in the truck.

 

[Triton]

Here another vote for the Spirit. It's nice and compact and carries light. Another non-LM option for a smaller multitool would be the Gerber MP400. I also have some multitools which are even smaller, but consider those suitable only for light duty work.

Although the one hand opening ability on the mp400 is appealing, I have to admit that the tools being on the inside is a complete no go for me. The Spirit seems to be leading the pack here!

 

[Smaug]

I know I've beaten this one to death, but a pair of small knipex cobras along with an sak definitely doesn't weigh down the pants, and pairs nicely with another folder.

Knipex pliers in dress pants pockets? Hard pass.

Gerber Dime isn't horrible, I had one of them for quite a few years and it's held up well. They're cheap so if you take a chance it won't be a big loss if you don't like it.

Not as good as a Leatherman squirt but I'd say comparable to a SOG.

Agreed on all counts. The Dime isn't as good quality as the small Leathermans, but it is fair. Definitely pocket-friendly, and they break in nicely.

Here another vote for the Spirit. It's nice and compact and carries light. Another non-LM option for a smaller multitool would be the Gerber MP400. I also have some multitools which are even smaller, but consider those suitable only for light duty work.

I have an MP400, but the tips of its pliers protrude from the handles when retracted; it would tear up dress pants pockets in short order. It MIGHT be an option if you ground the tips down to make it a blunt nose?

The blade grind is so steep that I find it nearly impossible to sharpen. The nail nick is on the wrong side of the blade. Somehow though, it's a good little MT anyhow.

I have an original SwissTool and also a Spirit X. The Spirit X is indeed smaller, lighter, and more pocket-friendly than the original SwissTool, but to me, it would still feel like quite a load in dress pants pocket. The weight is very dense, as there's no plastic. If you can handle this weight and size class, this is the obvious choice. It is by far my favorite plier-based MT. The only thing it lacks is an integrated bit driver.

In the size class between the Spirit X and Dime is the Leatherman Juice S2. Bigger than a SAK pliers, but smaller than something like a Spirit X or MP400. Quality is excellent. Shame you ruled out LM. They have some models just a smidge bigger than the Dime that are better quality too...

Here's an off-the-wall option: Victorinox CyberTool M. It has an excellent bit driver, the SAK pliers, plus the other usual great SAK tools, including the Plus scale tools. I found the second set of bits for the Swisschamp XAVT on ebay so I could have Torx bits for it, and now I can use it to work on my tactical knives! Better in the pocket than a Spirit.

 

[Smaug]

It's also worth noting that if you're wearing dress pants to work, chances are that the mini-pliers in the CyberTool will meet your needs. ;-)

 

[Wild Willie]

Knipex pliers in dress pants pockets? Hard pass.

So you'd rather stuff an 8oz multi tool into a pair of dress pants? I did carry a juice s2 for years, ruined the first one, then petered out the the warranty replacement... I've also broken an original wave, a supertool 200, a supertool 300, and a rebar. An alox sak with a small pair of pliers shouldn't weigh down any pair of pants, and if pliers are a tool you need that much in an office, then maybe a good pair of jeans is in order...

 

[Triton]

It's also worth noting that if you're wearing dress pants to work, chances are that the mini-pliers in the CyberTool will meet your needs. ;-)

Thanks, I appreciate you taking the time to address the issue and for focusing on the problem that I'm wearing dress pants. You are right of course, I don't NEED to carry something as robust as the swiss tool and the Cybertool would probably actually meet my needs on any given day. Having said that I sure like the idea of having the capability to handle things beyond what one might expect to run into around the office.

 

[Hickory n steel]

This. And Knipex recently came out with even smaller model than the cobra.

I thought the new minis would be something I'd like to check out till I saw the price, those little things are about $50
That's a lot for a tiny little pair of pliers like that.
If I knew for sure I'd fall in love with 'em and carry 'em every day maybe, but my carry habits just don't support this idea anymore.

 

[A.L.]

I thought the new minis would be something I'd like to check out till I saw the price, those little things are about $50
That's a lot for a tiny little pair of pliers like that.
If I knew for sure I'd fall in love with 'em and carry 'em every day maybe, but my carry habits just don't support this idea anymore.

That is pricey! They are about 30€ here. I might pick one up eventually but I haven’t seen them yet in hardware stores, only online shops.

 

[Hickory n steel]

That is pricey! They are about 30€ here. I might pick one up eventually but I haven’t seen them yet in hardware stores, only online shops.

Apparently that price was when they just came out, I just looked and I guess they're now available for around $30-$35.
Much more reasonable and I may try a pair, but it's hard when the channellock 424 that has worked so well for me is $10-$15.
If I didn't pair it with the 4" adjustable I'm so attached to the Knipex might be a no brainer.

I'll think on it some more, and probably pull the trigger.

 

[Guy McVer]

This is really surprising. The Victorinox mini screwdriver fits inside the SOG PowerLitre's corkscrew, which is weird because the corkscrew spirals of SOG and Victorinox don't look the same. There's even a little cutout for the mini screwdriver to rest inside of while the PL corkscrew is closed. It's as if they purposefully designed it for that. A Fire Ant would likely fit too. The SOG's little flat driver is too big for eyeglasses and small electronics, so being able to carry the Victorinox mini screwdriver is nice.

The SOG's Phillips driver is an odd size. It's too small to be really useful, yet still too big for using it on small electronics. It will work on trivial light duty stuff such as electrical outlet faceplate screws, but it would probably strip the screws on anything that's tougher to turn.

The scissors are almost worthless. They barely cut paper and it's nearly impossible to cut in a continuous straight line. You are better off using the knife to cut paper. The scissors do cut 550 paracord if you push the paracord all the way back towards the pivot, which is good because the pull cutter can't cut paracord at all. The pull cutter does seem to be decent at cutting cardboard. The one thing the scissors are good for is cutting thin strands of thread. They do that really well, so you can at least use the scissors to trim loose threads on your clothing.

The QC on these things is still kinda sketchy. The PP and the PL that I bought both have minor issues and inconsistencies between them.

The bottle opener is pointless. It would have been better to have something else in that spot, like a flat driver/prybar or a chisel.

These are fun fidget toys. Flicking the pliers open and closed is enjoyable. If you buy one, then definitely don't pay full price. I'm really glad that I didn't. I think I would've felt cheated.

So far I actually like the PowerLitre more than the PowerPint.

 

[ROCK6]

So far I actually like the PowerLitre more than the PowerPint.

I have both and ironically prefer the PowerPint

All three (two PPs) of mine are pretty decent with quality control, but they're not really the best finished tools. They are a good option to the Leatherman Juice size (kind of a two-thirds sized multitool) and I have come to appreciate the collection of tools on it.

I don't see these as heavy duty but for mundane "office-work" environment tasks, it's come in handy. I have some severe restrictions and access control points where I work, so I'm limited on blade size...the PP is perfect. I also found it will fit perfectly in a leather 1911 magazine belt pouch which gives it a classy look if worn on a belt with a suit:



There are quite a few mini/key-chain multitools on the market as well as numerous full-size tools. However, there is a pretty open market for these "compact" sized multitools.

ROCK6

 

[Guy McVer]

I suppose this topic being bumped gives me an excuse to contribute some more...

Here's the parameters:

1) Smaller and lighter than a full size multi-tool
2) Not made by Leatherman
3) Should be pliers based
4) Should have scissors
5) Would like it to have a can opener
6) Needs usable screw drivers

A minimal edc combo consisting of the Victorinox Compact, a Knipex Cobra XS, and a small 1/4" hex bit ratchet meets all of your criteria. It also has the added bonus that you can use any 1/4" bits in addition to the 2 that you store in the ratchet itself, which gives you a huge amount of expandability. With a 1/4" hex to 1/4" square adapter, you can use the ratchet as a socket wrench. You can also throw in an extender to give yourself some extra reach or some additional leverage. You can even use the pliers at the same time as the screwdriver, which is something you can't ordinarily do with a standard multitool. This is useful for loosening screws that are secured with a nut on the opposite end.

 

[Triton]

I suppose this topic being bumped gives me an excuse to contribute some more...

A minimal edc combo consisting of the Victorinox Compact, a Knipex Cobra XS, and a small 1/4" hex bit ratchet meets all of your criteria. It also has the added bonus that you can use any 1/4" bits in addition to the 2 that you store in the ratchet itself, which gives you a huge amount of expandability. With a 1/4" hex to 1/4" square adapter, you can use the ratchet as a socket wrench. You can also throw in an extender to give yourself some extra reach or some additional leverage. You can even use the pliers at the same time as the screwdriver, which is something you can't ordinarily do with a standard multitool. This is useful for loosening screws that are secured with a nut on the opposite end.

Wow! There is a blast from the past! I did indeed end up getting the Swiss spirit multi tool. Still heavy but better than the Swiss tool I was using. I put the Swiss tool on the exchange and it is now somewhere serving its new (and third) owner well.

 

[littleknife]

I am sure it’s not the best, but the SOG PowerPrint is really decent. For its size it packs a lot of tools. I think its quality is better than that of the low end Leathermans, except the scissors on the Micra, but those are the latter’s main feature.
The Spirit is really a great tool, but significantly larger and heavier. I would go with the SOG PP.
Good pliers, OK screwdrivers and can opener, multiple blades and acceptable file and scissors + some additional tools. You have to hold it to appreciate how compact and relatively light it is and use it to realize that it is really useable tool.
If you really need the pliers AND good scissors, just add the Micra to the SOG PP: it willl be still more compact than many of the other combos of multiple tools mentioned above. The other tools on the Micra will feel gimmicky next to the SOG PP, but you will have at least some additional small yet useful tools.

 

[littleknife]

Sorry, I didn’t read your last post, I guess I am late to the game.
Congratulations, the Spirit will serve you well, even though it’s a medium rather than small multitool.

 

[Triton]

Sorry, I didn’t read your last post, I guess I am late to the game.
Congratulations, the Spirit will serve you well, even though it’s a medium rather than small multitool.

Thanks for chiming in, you never know! I am intrigued with the pp now. Have you had one for a while and how durable has it proven to be?

 

[littleknife]

Triton,
I had it for about 3 months now and used it for light chores a few times. Mostly the pliers and knives, but this morning I used the scissors to cut some loose threads on my jacket.
I think it is a better multitool than the Dime. Its biggest strength is the large number of tools packed in a relatively small package. For the size it has great pliers and good sized knife blades, but don’t expect the strength and utility of larger tools. All the tools are useable, but not all have the same proportional strength.
I don’t have it long enough, but it feels quite sturdy.
The steel isn’t great, but it’s comparable to that of most multitools, and better than some.
The knife blades are OK for light cutting, but don’t expect to regularly break down cardboard boxes and retain sharpness.
The few screwdrivers are OK for occasional work but these are not contractor grade everyday use drivers. The PP has magnetic 1/4” hex bit holder, which allows for the occasional driving too, but once again, don’t expect contractor grade strength. The choice to ise any proper size bit is an excellent utility feature though. Very few small sized multitools offer this option.
The scissors are useable but not great.
The compound leverage pliers are great and much stronger than those on most similarly sized multitools.
That could be also a problem, because one might be tempted to use them for much bigger jobs than what they would be able to handle. They are not a 5” Knipex equivalent for sure, but are much stronger than the ones on the Squirt or the Dime.
I personally don’t like the pocket clip: I think the tool is too short for that to be helpful, it will just chew up your pocket. But I don’t like pocket clips in general, not only on multitools but on knives too.
Also, they could have done a better job for accessing the scissors. The other tools are relatively easy to grab, unless you have really large hands and thick fingers with the nails clipped too short.
I like it that it can be with me all the time without being bulky. I prefer a pack carry vs. a pocket carry, but it wouldn’t be too bulky in a pocket either. For pocket carry I would put it in a pouch if you would have other things in the same pocket.
I have carried a Micra in the past, and while it’s a lighter and slimmer multitool, most of its functions are a little bit gimmicky. Its only great feature are the scissors. Compared to it, the PP is a much more serious and much better balanced ensemble. I have considered the Squirt iterations in the past, but they all felt imbalanced like the Micra with only a few features being serious, or at least that’s my feeling.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the SOG PP. I suggest you handle one before buying, because individual tastes can vary tremendously.

All that said, I think the SOG PP is one of the best multitools in its size and price range: compact, useful and relatively sturdy.

Hope this helps.