The 10 Best Keychain Multitools
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in January of 2018. IF you carry around one of these keychain multitools, you'll have some of the most useful implements within arm’s reach at all times. Many of these handy devices feature everything from knives to wire cutters to bottle openers, while others strategically avoid any sharp edges, allowing you to get through TSA checkpoints and fly with your tools on hand. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Gerber Dime
2. Leatherman Squirt
3. SOG MacV SM1001
Editor's Notes
September 25, 2019:
Like a pocket knife but much more versatile, these keychain multitools are portable and lightweight, so you’ll probably forget you have them on your key ring – until you realize you need them. They come in folding designs that house sharp scissors, knives, and files, as well as flat options that aren’t as sharp, but prove just as useful and can also make it past TSA when you fly.
The Leatherman Squirt comes from a trusted manufacturer of multitools and knives. Unlike much of the competition, it includes a handy pair of spring-loaded pliers. It also provides wire cutters, scissors, and a handy bottle opener. You’ll have all the tools you need for everything from cutting fishing line to wrapping a birthday gift on the go.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic has roots that date back to well over a century ago. It comes in many models, the main difference being which and how many tools each contains. We featured the classic version that offers seven of the most basic components: a knife, a nail file, scissors, a screwdriver, tweezers, a toothpick, and a key ring. It’s back by the company’s longstanding lifetime warranty, so you can buy it with confidence and might just even pass it down one day.
Unlike many others, the Gerber Shard is an airline-safe tool that features an overall flat design, and it’s a good size to carry on a lanyard or a keychain. It gives you small and medium flat drivers, a Philips head driver, a wire stripper, a pry bar, a bottle opener, and a lanyard hole. Although it’s not as sharp as many others, it’s not a pocket-friendly choice, yet it sure is handy to have on hand when treated with care.
The Kershaw PT-2 is another non-folding choice that proves useful for many jobs around the house like tightening bolts and screws, splicing wire, or removing nails. It’s more comfortable than many of its counterparts, thanks to its nylon handle that sports a textured pattern. This will help provide a stable, secure grip.
Leaving the list are the Boar Tools 13-in-1, the Wombatools Compact Plier, the Swiss+Tech ST66676M2 Utili-Key, and the Life Gear Light WRX 6-in-1, all due to their lack of availability.
Since these tools contain sharp components, children should never be allowed to play with them. Always exercise caution when you’re using them and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding usage and care.
4. Leatherman Micra
5. Victorinox Swiss Army Classic
6. Gerber Shard
7. Keyport Moca 10-In-1
8. Kershaw PT-2
9. SilverHero Survival 12-In-1
10. Gerber Curve
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.