If an engineer carries a multi-tool with them, it can open up a whole new world of empowerment and problem solving. It is similar to carrying a flashlight around with you, if you never have one, you never think of using it. Once you have one with you every day however, you couldn’t imagine how you ever got by without one. Many different multi-tools were tested to determine which were the best multi-tools for engineers.

We have included sleek, minimal, and ultra-functional designs in this list, to ensure that the tool that you have in your pocket can get the job done for you every time. They will features all of the tools that you actually need with you, not an array of tools that you don’t even know what they do, never mind use them on an almost daily basis. Screwdrivers, bottle openers, knives, and pliers are the name of the game here, and having these on you at all times will no doubt help you tackle anything you encounter throughout the day.

Best Multi-Tools for Engineers

We hope you enjoy our list of the best multi-tools (in our opinion!) for engineers!

Leatherman Skeletool CX

The absolute best option for a multi-tool that we found, is the Leatherman Skeletool CX. You can deploy the knife easily and lock it again with one hand, without having the open the pliers first. The knife blade is made out of 154CM steel, which will keep its edge longer than a lot of other steels.

A lot of other multi-tools need to be carried on a belt sheath as they are quite bulky, however the Skeletool CX can fit easily in one’s pocket if desired. The tools included on this model are regular pliers, needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, hard wire cutters, (2) Phillips screwdrivers, (2) flat screwdrivers, carabiner clip, and the all-important bottle opener. IT also comes with a 25 year warranty, so rest assured that Leatherman are confident that this tool will not let you down!

Leatherman Skeletool

A direct downgrade from the previous entry on this list, the Leatherman Skeletool is a great option if you cannot find the Skeletool CX or it is not available. it features the same design as its big brother, that means it is extremely easy to carry, lightweight, and has only the tools you need. However, the non-CX model has lower-quality steel, and the edge of the steel is slightly serrated, which makes sharpening the blade significantly more difficult,. The pivot points on this model are also tigher than the CX mode, which means it is harder to take the tools in and out.

These disadvantages do mean that this model does come in at a lower price point than the CX, and if you are on a really tight budget that could make the difference for you. In our opinion, it is worth the extra money for the upgraded model, and the better quality steel and construction will pay dividends years down the line. Included features here are exactly the same as the CX model above.

Leatherman Free P2

Again from Leatherman (this post is not sponsored by them, they just make great multi-tools!), the Leatherman Free P2 is a larger multi-tool that is very easy to use. This model was brought out in 2019, and is a completely new design from Leatherman, differing from the previous two entries on this list. When the handles are closed, you can still access all of the tools, with one hand! This is basically unheard of in the multi-tool industry. Even the pliers can be used with handles closed, with one hand, and a flick of the user’s wrist.

The main advantage of this multi-tool over others is that it does not feel clunky to use. Other models are significantly heavier than the Free P2, and feature a generally bulkier design. The slender design of the Free P2, along with the belt/pocket clip make it easy to carry, and one can forget that they are carrying around a slightly larger tool. There are quite a number of tools available here, including regular pliers, needle-nose pliers, replaceable wire cutters, replaceable hard wire cutters, Phillips screwdriver, small flat screwdriver, medium flat screwdriver, ruler, pry tool, electrical crimper, knife, wire stripper, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, package opener, and more!

SOG PowerAccess Deluxe

Another larger multi-tool (i.e. “full-sized”) entry on this list is the SOG PowerAccess Deluxe, finally a different company! This model places a certain emphasis on screwdrivers, and pliers, so if they are important to you and you use them very frequently, this could be the model for you. The pivot point in the middle is geared, which gives the ire cutters and the pliers more power, and also makes it easier to open the tool with just one hand.

Using this added strength, this tool is classed as the strongest on this list as it was able to deal with rusty bolts better during testing. It cuts through wire easily, however heavy-duty sheep fencing did dent the jaws, which means that if you are doing some really intense wire cutting, there is nothing else to use but a dedicated wire cutter. More strength does come with a little downside, as it is slightly harder to deploy the tools on this model when compared to the slender Free P2. Included on this multi-tool is a saw, hard wire cutters, wire cutters, ruler, protractor, precision screwdriver, 1/4 inch bit driver, needle-nose pliers, regular pliers, medium flat screwdriver, small flat screwdriver, three sided file, chisel, can opener, bottle opener, serrated knife, and a 1/4 inch driver.

Gerber Dime

The last (but not least) entry on our list of the best multi-tools for engineers is the Gerber Dime. This compact option is without a doubt the most affordable option on this list, but do not get put off by its size. Despite being smaller than a Bic lighter, it is satisfying and a capable multi-tool to use. It features some nice tools like the externally mounted bottle opener (similar to the Skeletool), some cool color options, precise plier jaws, and a price that is generally under $25!

There are obviously some downsides to a smaller, cheaper multi-tool, the knife blade doesn’t lock, and the pliers are quite small so they actually make better tweezers than the tweezers that are included on the tool itself. However, if you are looking for a quality multi-tool at a cheap price, the Gerber Dime is a great option. Its tools include a lanyard ring, fine and coarse file, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, scissors, clamshell opener, knife, bottle opener, tweezers, wire cutter, regular pliers, and needle-nose pliers.

Thank you very much for being here – we appreciate you taking the time to read our content. So, what do you think of this list of the bets multi-tools for engineers? Will you be picking up any of these models, or do you own a multi-tool that you think belongs on this list? MEHQ would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! And sign up to our newsletter for more of the same content!

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