Best Keychain Multi Tool: Getting A Tool That Meets Your Needs

When was the last time you were out and about somewhere and needed a tool? Maybe your glasses came apart and you needed to tighten the screw back up. Maybe you needed to cut a string off your shirt or even open a bottle.

You have to agree that all those little things might not seem like a big deal, but they can be annoying when you’re trying to enjoy yourself, and all the sudden, you’ve got a problem. With the best keychain multi-tool, you don’t have to worry about that because you’ll be able to take care of those annoying little things right away.

The next time you find yourself with a bottle that needs opening, a wire that needs cutting, a blade, some tweezers or anything else, you’ll be able to find them with your little multi-tool. Of course, it can be difficult to figure out whether the multi-tool you’re looking at is really going to have all the features that you need.

You could end up with something that seems great, but when it comes down to it you’re missing the one thing you really wanted or needed. So how do you know you’re looking at the right thing?

Well, the answer is that we can get it taken care of for you. We have already created a list of some of the best multi-tools around so you can take a look and see which one is the best option for you. We’ve also done even more than that.

We’ve figured out the top features that you should be looking at in any multi-tool before you even consider it as a possible option and we’ve compiled those for you as well, along with some accessories you’re going to need to get the most out of your tool. So, let’s take a look at what we’ve got!

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ProductWeightDimensionsNumber of toolsPrice
Swiss+ Tech ST535003.2 ounces0.1 x 1.3 x 0.2 inches19Check price on Amazon
Gerber Curve Pocket1.6 ounces1 x 4 x 2 inches5Check price on Amazon
SPYDERCO ClipiTool1.8 ounces3.2 x 2.2 x 0.2 inches5+Check price on Amazon
Gerber Dime2.24 ounces0.6 x 2.75 x 4 inches10Check price on Amazon
Columbia River Knife Multitool8 ounces2.5 x 1.5 x 0.2 inches5+Check price on Amazon
Griffin Pocket0.3 ounces3 x 0.6 x 0.2 inches7+Check price on Amazon
Victorinox Swiss Army Cadet1.6 ounces1 x 1 x 4 inches7+Check price on Amazon
Gerber Shard0.03 ounces3.1 x 1.3 x 0.7 inches6+Check price on Amazon

Best Products on Today’s Market

There are plenty of products out there that you’ll want to at least take a look at. Each of these provides you with some of the basics when it comes to tools, as well as providing you with some extra features that are definitely unique to each one. Only you can choose which one is perfect for your needs.

Swiss+Tech ST53500 Multitool

Swiss+Tech ST53500 Multitool

Weight: 3.2 ounces

Dimensions: 0.1 x 1.3 x 0.2 inches

Specific features: 19 mini tools in one keychain multi-tool including a hand drill, two rulers, a file, two ruler extensions, pliers, wire crimper, wire cutter, wire stripper, bottle opener, hand drill, and two Allen wrenches

Best use: DIY projects, minor repairs, hunting, camping

The Swiss+Tech ST53500 Multitool is affordably priced for everything that comes with it. You’ll get a little of everything in this 19 ‘piece’ set complete with a hand drill, rulers, pliers, wire cutters, a bottle opener and a whole lot more.

When you’re on the go you never know what tools you might need and this multi-tool is going to make sure that you never have to worry about being short on something. Because it’s small it’s easy to carry around, especially compared to full-size tools, and it is a moderate weight as well.

Minor repairs and adjustments for just about anything around the house are definitely going to be possible and you can do a lot of minor building when it comes to surviving out in the wilderness. You can fold this up small enough to fit into a tin or your pocket and even take it on a plane with you when you travel.

PROS:

  • Made with stainless steel
  • 19 different tools in 1
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Can be taken on aircraft
  • Great quality and function
 CONS:

  • Doesn’t close perfectly
  • Bolt can get loose
  • Can be somewhat small

Related: A high-quality and durable carabiner can be a great way to carry this type of tool around with you if you want to hook it to your belt loop. This DAOKI Multifunctional Carabiner is durable and strong and even has a few extra tools of its own. You can hook it through your belt loops and the hook on the end of your multi-tool and be ready to go.

Check the price on Amazon

Gerber Curve Pocket Multitool

Gerber Curve Pocket Multitool

Weight: 1.6 ounces

Dimensions: 1 x 4 x 2 inches

Specific features: Carabiner clip, file, blade, screwdrivers, curved knife, stainless steel construction, stylish design

Best use: Office use, home use, do it yourself projects

The Gerber Curve Pocket Multitool is stylish, light, easy to tote, and packed with all the right tools for do-it-yourself tasks. You can even get it in two different colors to match your personal preference for carrying around.

As you’re using them or putting them away you can lock each item into place so you know it’s going to be out of the way or stay right how you need it. Easy keychain compatible, this tool clips however you like to, making it even easier to carry with you wherever you might go.

Easy to hold because of the moderate size and the style of the tools, it’s safe for just about anyone because of the way you can slide away each of the tools when you’re not using them. It’s made of stainless steel to resist rusting and to keep it working great for a long time.

Stylish and sleek while being small enough to fit in your pocket or on your keychain, it’s something that you won’t want to go without.

PROS:

  • Stainless steel for rust resistance
  • Lightweight for easy carry
  • Small for easy attachment to keys
  • Good quality knife
  • Lock is good quality
 CONS:

  • Lock is difficult to release
  • Carabiner clip is not ideal
  • Edges can be sharp

Related: If you want to make it even easier to carry this multi-tool you can add the True Utility Cash Capsule, which includes a key ring. You can clip the carabiner directly to this and then hook it onto your keyring to get a more secure attachment and an added tool.

Check the price on Amazon

Spyderco ClipiTool Multitool

Spyderco ClipiTool Multitool

Weight: 1.8 ounces

Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.2 x 0.2 inches

Specific features: Bottle opener, flat blade screwdriver, 8Cr13MoV blade with full-flat design, slip joint with non-locking features, forefinger coil, high-grade materials

Best use: At home, in the office, do it yourself fast repairs

The Spyderco ClipiTool Multitool is made with high-quality stainless steel to resist rusting and to increase durability while decreasing weight. Small and easy to use, this tool includes a screwdriver, bottle opener and knife.

You can slip this tool directly into your pocket with no problems and you’ll also be able to clip it to your belt with the attached belt clip. Smaller than the palm of your hand, you won’t have to worry about it taking up too much space or being too bulky.

The grooves on the handle make it much easier to hold and make sure that you’re not going to accidentally close it while you’re in the middle of using any of the tools. The scales on the handle, increase the ability to hold it as well.

Super sharp right out of the box, you’ll find a thick blade and opener makes for a lot of qualities and a whole lot of features.

PROS:

  • Includes clip for easy transport
  • Small for easy carry
  • High-quality blade
  • Pieces are stiff and secure when folded
  • Stainless steel for rust resistance
 CONS:

  • Few tools included
  • A little heavy for the size
  • Difficult to open with one hand

Related: If you need a place to store your multi-tool when you’re not using it the Spyderco Spyderpac is a great option. It can hang anywhere you want and holds up to 18 different knives for easy transport or display. The shoulder strap makes it easy to carry and each pocket holds one knife, keeping them safe and secure.

Check the price on Amazon

Gerber Dime Multitool

Gerber Dime Multitool

Weight: 2.24 ounces

Dimensions: 0.6 x 2.75 x 4 inches

Specific features: Stainless steel body, 10 tools including medium flat driver, scissors, retail package opener, fine edge blade, wire cutter, spring-loaded pliers (needle nose), tweezers, file, bottle opener, and crosshead driver

Best use: Camping, hiking, outdoor adventure, do it yourself tasks, fast repairs

The Gerber Dime Multitool is priced moderately, especially for all the tools you’re going to get. The unit is made of corrosion resistant stainless steel to ensure the longevity of the tools. With twelve tools included, you will be ready for just about any task.

No matter what you find yourself in need of, you’ll be able to find something right here between the scissors, needle nose pliers, screwdriver and a whole lot more. It’s all right there at your fingertips in an easy to use format.

Lightweight and simple to fold up when you’re not using it, this tool comes in a variety of different colors for your own personal style and preference. When it’s folded up you’ll also have no problem carrying it with you wherever you want to go.

Attach it to your keychain and you’ll be able to carry this right in your pocket or bag. It’s small enough to be comfortable while still being useful.

PROS:

  • 10 tools included
  • Lightweight and small
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Tools are easy to access
  • Color options for personal preference
 CONS:

  • No case included
  • No belt clip
  • Not all tools feel high-quality

Related: If you need something to carry around your multi-tool or anything else you are definitely going to want the Maxpedition EDC Pocket Organizer. It comes in several different colors and is easy to use for anything you need to carry.

Check the price on Amazon

Columbia River Knife Multitool

Columbia River Knife Multitool

Weight: 8 ounces

Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.5 x 0.2 inches

Specific features: Made out of superior stainless steel, fitted with a key ring, .25 hex wrench, oxygen tank opener, belt cutter, flat blade, driver, and bottle cap opener

Best use: Emergency situations, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, do it yourself, and minor repairs

The Columbia River Knife Multitool is priced low so it’s something you can easily afford. Simple and small, it’s also easy to attach to your keychain because it doesn’t take up too much room or add too much weight.

You’ll get a few great tools and features in this unit, with things like a bottle cap opener, flat blade driver, belt cutter, hex wrench and more. Complete with a lifetime warranty you’ll be able to pick out the tool you want and use it quickly and easily. When you’re ready to head out you’ll be able to latch it onto your keychain and get on your way.

Don’t underestimate this small tool and you’ll be prepared for whatever it takes throughout the day, no matter what you may encounter or what your line of work may be. Screws and even seat belts will have absolutely nothing on you when it comes to using this tool.

PROS:

  • Small and lightweight
  • Includes keychain for easy carry
  • Works very well and very easily
  • Extra sharp blade
  • Great for professionals
 CONS:

  • Key ring is not ideal
  • Too small for some uses
  • Rubber cover is not ideal

Related: The Radio/EMT Combo Pouch is going to be ideal for carrying your new multi-tool because it’s inexpensive and fits right over your belt. This pouch is also able to carry a radio and other tools at the same time.

Check the price on Amazon

Griffin Pocket Multitool

Griffin Pocket Multitool

Weight: 0.3 ounces

Dimensions: 3 x 0.6 x 0.2 inches

Specific features: The unit comes with a box opener, prying tool, multi wrenches, scoring tools, bit holder, flat head screwdriver, and bottle opener, the clips on the unit are deep pockets

Best use: Fast repairs, work, office, outdoors

The Griffin Pocket Multitool is priced moderately, and you might not immediately know by looking at it that this ultra-compact unit is one holding eleven useful tools that can help you on the job.

Made with titanium, brass or stainless steel for durability and available in a range of different color options, you’re definitely going to have something strong. You can choose from different sizes as well, to make it a whole lot easier to carry around.

Complete with a box opener, prying tool, wrenches, scoring tools and a whole lot more, you probably wouldn’t even notice what all it can do just by looking at it. This tool may not look like much, but it’s definitely doing a whole lot for you.

The hole at the top makes it super easy to attach directly to your keychain and the price means that it’s something you can easily afford to carry, especially with the high-quality materials.

PROS:

  • Ultra lightweight
  • TSA approved
  • High-quality materials
  • Very sharp tool
  • Small and easy to carry
 CONS:

  • Pocket clip is somewhat tight
  • A little expensive for what it is
  • Design is not ideal

Related: in order to attach this tool to your keys you’re going to need a keyring and the FreeKey System is a great way to do it, with a low price and high-quality rings. This tool keeps your keys or anything else together tight and strong with a super easy detach option when you want to take it apart.

Check the price on Amazon

Victorinox Swiss Army Cadet Knife Multitool

Weight: 1.6 ounces

Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 4 inches

Specific features: Knife, key ring, wire stripper, screwdriver, can opener, nail file, fingernail cleaner, and stainless steel body

Best use: Office, at home use, simple DIY tasks

The Victorinox Swiss Army Cadet Knife Multitool is priced similarly to most items in this category and this size. The unit is small, compact, durable, and very sturdy. Not only that, but it’s made by one of the most well-known manufacturers in the knife and tool making industry, Victorinox.

Made of stainless steel, it is resistant to corrosion and the tool has conveniently compact dimensions. The blade is large and you get a good cutting edge while the other tools are the perfect size to use with ease but still fold away easily.

The tool has a wire stripper, screwdriver, nail cleaner, nail file, screwdriver, and a key ring. The handle is made of aluminum materials for a durable, attractive look. This also makes it much lighter than you might think.

You’ll get a lifetime warranty and a high-quality Swiss Army knife style. Fold it up and you’ll have a loop on the side to attach to your key ring or even attach directly to your belt.

PROS:

  • High-quality tools and blades
  • Ready whenever you are
  • Variety of tools available
  • Factory made colors
  • Moderate pricing
 CONS:

  • Some tools can be a little small
  • Not all tools work great
  • Aluminum can be a little weaker

Related: The Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Pouch is great for carrying this knife because it’s small, lightweight and easily fits on your belt. You won’t have a problem storing your knife or having it ready to go whenever you are.

Check the price on Amazon

Gerber Shard Keychain Multitool

Gerber Shard Keychain Multitool

Weight: 0.03 ounces

Dimensions: 3.1 x 1.3 x 0.7 inches

Specific features: Small flat driver; medium flat driver; Philips driver; lanyard hole, bottle opener, pry bar, and wire stripper

Best use: Do it yourself, simple repairs

The Gerber Shard Keychain Multitool features seven convenient components in a compact tool that might at first deceive you about its capabilities. It may not look like a whole lot, but it’s definitely great and it’s airline safe, so you can take it wherever you want.

Made of titanium nitride, you’ll have no problem with rust and corrosion and you get a lifetime warranty. The variety of tools means that you’re getting everything you need and because it’s so small you don’t have to worry about added weight on your keys.

Super lightweight, this is a tool you can count on because it can offer you a range of different features that you’re looking for when it comes to a multi-tool. It’s simple to use, no matter what you need, and since everything is merged in one tool you don’t have to worry about locks or anything else when you need something.

PROS:

  • Overall sturdy and durable
  • Small and lightweight
  • Titanium and stainless steel for strength
  • Easy to carry on keychain
  • Variety of tools
 CONS:

  • Not as convenient to carry
  • Not all tools are high-quality
  • Many knockoffs out there

Related: You’ll need something to carry this multi-tool around with and the Bomber and Company Paracord Carabiner is the perfect thing. It’s inexpensive and offers you an additional few tools while keeping your tool right there, ready for you.

Check the price on Amazon

Things to Consider Before Buying

Keychain multi-tools are made in a myriad of configurations. The primary tools you can expect are knives and pliers, but some tools come equipped with even more. You may find not just one, but several screwdrivers in flathead and Philips styles and you can get units featuring hex wrenches and more.

What You Need

The first thing to think about is what you’re definitely going to need. That means things like a bottle opener if you’re taking bottles with you and some type of knife or scissors for cutting while you’re out in the wilderness. The things you absolutely need are first on your list.

Things that might be nice or that you might need but not necessarily are going to go further down the list and shouldn’t be as important when you’re picking things out. These are the extras that won’t make or break your choice.

Price

Don’t get sucked in by one of those $1.99 multi-tools next to the register at the gas station. It may look cool and have a great price, but it’s definitely not going to give you all the features that you’re looking for. You’ll end up with something that breaks or just doesn’t have the tools you need.

You’ll spend a bit of money on a good quality multi-tool, but it’s definitely going to be worth every cent that you spend. So make sure you’re looking at something with high-quality materials and the tools that you actually need.

Weight

The weight of the multi-tool that you select is going to be extremely important because you want to make sure that it’s going to be comfortable to carry. If you’re putting it on a keychain especially you don’t want something that’s going to weigh down your keys and make it hard to do what you want to do.

Get something that has a moderate weight to it as this is going to help you get a good balance of qualities and features without being too heavy to carry. If the tool you have is too lightweight, it won’t be able to give you the capabilities that you actually need, after all.

Alternate Carry

Is there another way to carry your multi-tool or does it only fit on your keychain? Some will have a clip or other type of clasp that you can use if you prefer to carry it a different way so you can pick what’s more comfortable for you.

It’s up to you if another way to carry your multi-tool is important or not and it’s definitely going to make a difference on what you’ll do for times when you are or aren’t carrying your keys or need different access to the tools as you go.

Materials

Look at the material that each of the different pieces is made from. You want a multi-tool that is going to last and that means you need something that’s made with some good materials like metals and stainless steel.

Look at how sturdy the different pieces seem to be before you buy the tool. You don’t want to buy something and then realize that the pieces are too flimsy to really do a good job on the tasks that you want to complete.

Wrap Up

We have reached the end of our article. So, we’ve looked at some of the best multi-tools out there and we’ve figured out which ones are going to give you the best possible features. You now have an idea of what tools you really want in your next multi-tool and which one of these is going to give you everything you’re looking for.

Go through the product reviews again, keep an eye on the features that you are looking for, and single out the best candidates. Once you do that, compare the prices and see which one best fits your budget, but also pay attention to features to price ratio as you want to get the best value for your money, right.

When you get all that done, you will get the ideal multitool for your needs. However, rest assured that, no matter on which model your choice lands, you will have one of the best models on the market as we singled out only the finest ones worth reviewing!

Do you have any of these multi-tools yourself and absolutely love them? Do you have a different multi-tool that you think should have been included in this list? We definitely want to hear all about it and make sure you’re getting the best of the best.

5 thoughts on “Best Keychain Multi Tool: Getting A Tool That Meets Your Needs”

  1. I have been SEARCHING for the right multi-tool for my car keys and finally found The Gerber Curve Pocket Multi-Tool . Why I like this is there’s no bulk to it, it’s about an inch long and weighs nothing. It’s small, light weight and has the right tools I need. Blade is sharp, caribiner clip is a tight spring initially. No pliers, but from what I’ve read most small tools with small pliers are garbage. But so far so good with the Gerber.

    Reply
  2. Glad you like the Gerber Curve Pocket Multi-Tool. It’s an excellent tool to carry around anywhere. I still have my Victorinox Swiss Army Cadet Knife with me which I had for ages. It has seen me through some tough adventures and very reliable, if I must say so.

    Reply
  3. The Gerber Dime Multi-Tool is a great multi-tool. This little guy had all the tools I wanted in a nice small package perfect for EDC on my keychain. I was surprised by the quality. Pliers work great and the tip is kind of sharp and meets up perfectly. The spring action is great. For pliers of their size they work great. Fixed exterior bottle opener is also excellent. It’s nice and wide and you never have to use it twice. I’ve always hated the fold-out bottle openers because they take too long to deploy when you got a cold one in your hands and your thirsty ;). Overall still a great little tool to have on the keychain, when I need a tool in a pinch.

    Reply
  4. This small gem is also affordable and you’ll be surprised that those small pieces do work. The sleek, stylish design makes this a crowd-favorite and quite handy for everyday use or when you’re going camping.
    I also like the retail package opener! It’s such an excellent tool to use.

    Reply
  5. You are definitely right; the Victorinox Swiss Army Cadet is a great multifunction knife. It can also be a very resourceful every day carry with its nine functions.

    Reply

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