Big multi-tools are great. They can pack in more functions, offer better leverage during use, and often come with full-size implements for better utility. Problem is, we all have limited space in our pockets, which is many most people prefer to carry mini multi-tools as part of their EDC kit.
What’s a mini multi-tool? For the purposes of this list, we define mini multi-tools as anything that can collapse to a length of three inches or less. The smaller, the better. These small form factor multi-tools are usually small enough to not just carry in your pocket on their own, they also make sense to hook into your keychain, clip to a belt loop, or even carry on a lanyard in a comfortable manner.
The best mini multi-tools offer a versatile selection of functions, allowing you to perform a variety of tasks while taking up minimal space in your pockets (or better yet, attaching to the keychain carabiner on your waist). They’re heavy on utility and light in actual weight, making them ideal for bringing along, whether in your daily commute, a weekend hike, or an overseas trip. They are capable enough to handle many common light-duty tasks, all while still holding their own (albeit with a little more effort on your part) when faced with tougher, more demanding work.
These are the best mini multi-tools to help optimize your everyday carry.
Gerber Mullet
Pros
- Awesome selection of tools
- Built-in belt loop hanger
- Lanyard hole makes it ready for keychain use
Cons
Functions: Nine
Length: 3.0 inches
Weight: 0.7 ounces
While the Gerber Shard is probably the outfit’s most popular mini multi-tool (we’ve seen lots of folks rock it in their keychains over the decade or so it’s been around), we’re actually more fond of the newer Mullet, which comes in a similar unibody design with an equally affordable price tag. For one, it has more functions than the Shard, as you get a pry bar, a nail puller, a scraper, a bottle opener, two sizes of flathead drivers, a cross driver, a hex driver, and a wire cutter/stripper. There’s even a built-in belt loop hanger, so you can keep out of your pocket. while a hole in the body lets you wind in a key ring for use as a belt loop keychain. It’s really handy. Even better, it delivers all that while measuring just three inches long and weighing a mere 0.7 ounces.
Gerber Dime
Pros
- Very good needle nose pliers in a compact package
- Plenty of functions
- Dedicated package opener
Cons
- Tools don’t open as smoothly as larger multi-tools
Functions: 12
Length: 2.75 inches
Weight: 2.24 ounces
We love the affordability of Gerber’s tools. Sure, they’re not as robust as more expensive brands, but they get the job done more times than not. We particularly adore the versatile utility of this mini multi-tool, which gives you pliers, a knife, and more in a package that folds up to just 2.75 inches long. The butterfly opening just feels special in a multi-tool this small, while the selection of tools gives it genuine utility in both indoor and outdoor settings. There’s a dozen total tools in here, including the aforementioned needle nose pliers, a plain edge knife blade, spring action scissors, a dedicated package opener, wire cutters, two sizes of flat head drivers, two files, tweezers, and a bottle opener. They also threw in a lanyard ring to easily get it on your keychain. Being small, though, it’s a little harder to deploy each of the tools (you will need fingernails), so it’s not as easy to use as its bigger counterparts.
Gear Infusion EverRatchet
Pros
- Makes using driver bits a lot easier
- Brilliant ratchet beam design
- Excellent pry bar
Cons
Functions: Eight
Length: 2.4 inches
Weight: 1.6 ounces
This mini multi-tool has a unique “dynamic ratcheting” feature that allows the tool to keep a bit in place without moving it while the tool rotates clockwise. Instead, the bit only drives when you move it counter-clockwise, making it possible to rotate the tool to get additional leverage instead of lifting it up and realigning the bit’s position. It’s a real time saver for those driving jobs in the field, especially when working in tight spaces. Aside from the built-in 1/4-inch ratchet and included bit, the tool also includes a flat edge scraper, a pry bar, a flathead driver, seven sizes of wrenches, a package opener, a bottle opener, a fire starter, and measurement tools (rulers and dual-angle protractors). Yeah, they packed in a lot for a tiny tool, but the unique ratcheting function, along with pry bar head, are definitely the premier reasons to pick this up.
Leatherman Micra
Pros
- Unique butterfly-style scissors tool
- Smooth opening
- Good-sized knife
Cons
- Not TSA-approved
Functions: 10
Length: 2.5 inches
Weight: 1.8 ounces
Being the foremost name in multi-tools, Leatherman naturally has one of the best mini multi-tools in their lineup in the form of the Micra. While it opens butterfly-style similar to plier multi-tools, this one trades in the needle-nose for a handy pair of sharp scissor blades, giving you arguably the best scissors you can get in mini multi-tool form. We do wish it had finger holes like a real pair of scissors, though, since having to hold it like you’re using pliers just isn’t as ergonomic, although the spring-loaded action does help you make precise cuts once you get used to it. Aside from the scissors, they also throw in a knife, three drivers, a nail file, a small pry tool, tweezers, a bottle opener, and a ruler, making for quite the useful selection of functions. What we love most, though, is its folded shape, which is so neat and compact, it can literally squeeze into the smallest nooks in your pockets.
Victorinox Swiss Army Mini Champ Alox
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for the amount of tools it holds
- Gorgeous scales and finish
Cons
- Knife blade may be too small for some
Functions: 15
Length: 2.3 inches
Weight: 1.4 ounces
At just 2.3 inches long, you don’t expect a lot of tools to fold out of this mini multi-tool. However, that compact frame actually holds a whopping 15 functions inside its scales, making this a great option if you like having plenty of tools within easy reach. You get a small knife, a letter opener, scissors, a nail file, an orange peeler (yes, seems way too random), a 2.5mm screwdriver, a bottle opener, a ruler, and a cuticle pusher, as well as a few other extras. Personally, we’d have liked them to take out a couple of those tools and just fit in a bigger knife blade, but if you just want a small knife for those simple cutting tasks you come across, this will do the trick. We also love the embossed aluminum scales and the shiny silver finish that just levels up the Swiss Army Knife aesthetic.
Victorinox Midnite Manager
Pros
- Includes torch light and ballpoint pen
- Unique tool assortment
- Very practical
Cons
- Knife blade might be too small for some
Functions: 10
Length: 2.25 inches
Weight: 1.1 ounces
The second Victorinox mini multi-tool in the list, this one takes on the familiar red scales of the classic Swiss Army knife. Our favorite feature here is, hands down, the built-in LED flashlight at the tip of the tool, which is such an uncommon element in mini multi-tools. There’s also a small knife blade, a pressurized ballpoint pen, a magnetic Phillps driver, a 2.5mm driver, scissors, a wire stripper, tweezers, a nail file, and a bottle opener. The LED torch, along with the ballpoint pen, just makes it such a unique multi-tool, as it incorporates two things many people need, but don’t usually get from their fold-out multi-tool designs. While we do wish the knife was a little bigger, the inclusion of such unique additions just makes it such a special tool to keep on hand.
Big Idea TPT Slide
Pros
- Unique multi-tool design
- Compatible with standard utility blades
- Wrench function supports 15 socket sizes
Cons
Functions: 11
Length: 3.0 inches
Weight: 2.4 ounces
At first glance, it looks like any keychain-sized utility knife. It just looks the part. However, instead of coming with replaceable sharp blades, it uses a multi-tool that allows it to perform a whole load of functions instead. In fact, it’s designed to fit a standard utility blade in it (not included), so you can use those if you need to do any cutting tasks. It even has magnets inside to ensure it doesn’t accidentally fall out. The included insert, though, gives you access to two sizes of flat drivers, a pry bar, and a scraper, while the tool itself gives you a universal wrench (15 socket sizes) and a 1/4-inch hex bit holder. It also comes with a 550 paracord lanyard that you can remove if you don’t want it and a similarly removable clip, with the entire thing constructed in Grade 5 titanium, which, we guess, justifies the more premium price.
