Best Edc Multitools in 2026: 3 Top Picks + Buying Guide

Here is our best edc multitool 2026 shortlist. All three are sold as everyday carry tools. Prices change often, so tap a button to see today's price.

1. Best Overall: Gerber Truss 17-in-1

Gerber Truss 17-in-1 EDC Multitool

• Tools: needle nose and standard pliers, wire cutters, saw, plain and serrated blades, scissors, drivers, openers, awl, ruler, file
• Size and weight: 4.25 in closed, 6.5 in open; 8.4 oz
• Build: stainless steel, tool lock, lanyard hole, butterfly opening
• Included: standard sheath; limited lifetime warranty (per listing)

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Why it made the list: The Truss packs full-size pliers, scissors and a saw into a slim frame, so it covers daily fixes and campsite jobs without switching tools. The locking tools add safety when you are working hard on a stake loop or a stuck bolt. It holds 4.7 stars across more than 5,400 ratings, the top rated edc multitool in our shortlist.

Highlights:

• 17 tools, including pliers and scissors
• Tool lock for safer use
• Sheath included

Trade-off:

• At 8.4 oz it is heavy for a pants pocket, so the included sheath is the easier way to carry it

Best for: Campers and anglers who want one best edc multi tool for daily and trip use.

2. Best Budget (Under $30): PERWIN 17-in-1 Multitool

PERWIN 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool

• Tools: needle-nose and regular pliers, knife, saw, scissors, screwdrivers, YG12 wire cutter, ruler, file, openers, rope cutter, wire stripper
• Steel: 440A stainless, 54 +/- 2 HRC (per maker)
• Safety: side lock on every tool except the pliers heads
• Size: 4.3 x 1.57 x 0.78 in; 0.66 lb; nylon sheath

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Why it made the list: For under $30, you get a full pliers tool with locking implements and a sheath. PERWIN says the wire cutters are tungsten and the blades are 440A stainless. It holds 4.7 stars across about 1,700 ratings, which makes it our best value pick.

Highlights:

• Locking tools at a budget price
• Pliers, scissors and saw
• Nylon sheath

Trade-off:

• Less brand support than Gerber or Leatherman, and no stated warranty length

Best for: First-time buyers and anyone who wants a spare tool for the truck or camp box.

3. Best Premium / Upgrade Pick: Leatherman Skeletool CX

LEATHERMAN Skeletool CX 7-in-1 Multi-Tool

• Tools: blade, pliers, bit driver, wire cutters, bottle opener, carabiner clip
• Weight: about 5 oz
• Handles: open-frame carbon fiber (per listing)
• Warranty: 25 years; made in Portland, Oregon (per Leatherman)

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Why it made the list: The Skeletool is built for carry first: an open frame keeps weight to about 5 oz while keeping pliers, a blade and a bit driver. Leatherman backs it with a 25-year warranty. It holds 4.7 stars across more than 3,300 ratings, making it the best edc leatherman for minimalists.

Highlights:

• Very light for a pliers tool
• 25-year warranty
• Carabiner clip for packs

Trade-off:

• Only seven tools; no scissors or saw

Best for: Minimalists who want a light, premium tool for every day and every hike.

We researched and compared these tools; we did not test them. We started with the usual shortlisted models (Leatherman Wave Plus, Skeletool, Charge+ and Arc, Gerber Suspension NXT, Victorinox SwissTool and Huntsman) plus the most-rated EDC tools on Amazon. The Arc was not found with a priced listing, and full-size tools like the Wave Plus are heavy for daily carry. We compared:

• Weight and packed size
• Durability and weather resistance: steel and build
• Comfort and ease of use: opening, locks and grip
• Features for the trail and campsite
• Warranty and value

We weighed ratings with rating counts. If you have searched for best edc multitool reddit threads or edc multitool reviews, our practical answer stays the same: these picks come only from this research.

Type

• Compact: Small pliers tools that fit a pocket; the sweet spot for EDC.
• Full size: More tools and leverage, but heavier.
• Keychain: Tiny tools with a blade or scissors; see our best keychain multitool picks.
• Pliers: Pliers-based tools, like all three picks.
• Tactical: Black finishes, glass breakers and firearm tools.
• EDC: Tools sized and shaped to carry every day.

Features worth paying for

• Pliers: The main reason to carry a multitool over a knife.
• Scissors: Great for cord, tape, first aid and fishing line.
• Saw: Handy for small sticks at camp.
• Bit set: Interchangeable bits cover more screws.

Weight vs comfort: car camping or backpacking

For daily carry and backpacking, aim for about 5 to 7 oz. At car camps, a heavier full-size tool is fine; see our best multitool for camping guide.

Weather & season ratings

Stainless steel resists rust, but salt water and sweat still cause spots. Dry your tool after rain or fishing.

Setup, packing & storage

Carry in a pocket, a clip or a sheath. Store tools dry and slightly oiled at the joints.

Materials, repairs & warranty

Look for stainless steel, locking tools and a stated warranty. Leatherman lists 25 years for the Skeletool and Gerber a limited lifetime warranty for the Truss.

How much should you spend?

• Under $30: Budget pliers tools like the PERWIN.
• Under $50: Name-brand compact tools.
• Under $100: Premium EDC tools like the Truss and Skeletool.
• Under $150: Full-size premium tools with more implements.

An edc multitool is light and slim enough to carry daily, so it is there when something breaks. Full-size tools offer more leverage and implements but often end up in a drawer. Keychain tools are always with you, but they lack pliers.

For fishing trips, our best multitool for fishing guide goes deeper. Check local knife laws before carrying a bladed tool.

What is the best edc multitool?

For most people, the Gerber Truss is the best edc multitool: 17 tools including pliers, scissors and a saw, a tool lock, and a slim 4.25 in closed length. The PERWIN 17-in-1 is our budget pick under $30, and the Leatherman Skeletool CX is the premium lightweight choice.

Are edc multitools worth it?

Yes, if you fix things often or spend time outdoors. An EDC multitool handles loose screws, cord, packaging and camp repairs without a trip to the toolbox. If you only need a blade, a small pocketknife is lighter and simpler.

How long does a multitool last?

Makers do not publish a standard lifespan, but a well-made stainless tool can last many years. Leatherman lists a 25-year warranty on the Skeletool. Clean and oil the pivots, keep blades sharp and dry the tool after wet use to extend its life.

Is a multitool worth it?

Yes. A multitool puts pliers, blades and drivers in one small package, which is handy at home, in the car and at camp. For campers, it replaces several separate tools and handles everyday repairs on tents, chairs and stoves.

How do you clean a multitool?

Open all the tools, rinse or soak in warm soapy water, and scrub the joints with an old toothbrush. Rinse, dry thoroughly and let it air out. Add a drop of light oil to each pivot and wipe off the excess before closing.

What is the most reliable multitool brand?

Leatherman and Gerber are the most established multitool brands, and their tools carry thousands of Amazon ratings. Leatherman lists a 25-year warranty on the Skeletool, and Gerber lists a limited lifetime warranty on the Truss. Choose a brand with clear warranty support.

The Gerber Truss is our best edc multitool for most people. The PERWIN 17-in-1 is the budget pick under $30, and the Leatherman Skeletool CX is the lightweight premium upgrade. Check price on Amazon for today's deals, and see our best multitool guide for more options.