Best Keychain Multi Tools – The Right Stuff To Be Useful

You may not know when a problem will happen, but you can always be ready. Nothing comes in handier than a set of multi tools that fits in your pocket – compact, lightweight and reliable.

That way, you can tackle those pesky little repairs like a boss, on the spot.

You pride yourself on being a useful man.

It’s in your DNA.

You need to have the right tools that will cover your bases – anytime, anywhere.

Now you can create the ultimate pocket toolkit for yourself. Take a look at this list of the best keychain multi tools out there.

In a hurry?

Best Keychain Multi Tools – Functions

Having the right tools matters so you can do more with less.

Before we dive into the details, here is a list of functions and tools that will take care of most issues.

Cutting

• fine-edge straight blade
• serrated blade
• scissors
• awl/punch
• saw
• wirecutter/wire stripper/crimper
• drill

Car Rescue/Egress

• glass breaker
• seatbelt cutter

Grabbing/Holding

• pliers
• tweezers
• attachment loop/belt loop
• carabiner

Prying

• pry bar
• nail puller

Opening/Tightening

• bottle opener
• can opener
• screwdrivers – Philips, flathead, hex drivers
• nut wrench – different sizes
• spoke tightener

Measurement

• ruler

Sharpening/Grinding

• sharpener
• file

Light

• flashlight

Fire Making

• lighter
• ferro rod

Make sure you read to the end of this article. We put together the best combination of keychain multi tools that provides as many of these functions as possible.

Folding Keychain Multi Tools – So You’re Always Prepared

Overall Best Keychain Multi Tool: Leatherman Squirt PS4

Of course it starts here.

Leatherman products are the gold standard when to comes to quality multitools.

So it should be no surprise that the Squirt PS4 makes the list.

It provides:

• pliers
• knife
• scissors
• wire cutters
• bottle opener
• screwdrivers
• wood and metal file

That’s a lot of usefulness packed into a 2-1/4 inch (closed), 2 oz. body.

This multitool resists rust with its stainless steel body and anodized aluminum handles. The blade is made from 420 high carbon steel.

When you get a Leatherman, you get true craftsmanship.

They just don’t make a sub-par product.

That’s why you also get Leatherman’s 25 year warranty. They are built to last.

Best Upgrade: Victorinox Pioneer X Swiss Army Knife

We can’t talk about Leatherman’s gold standard without bringing the granddaddy of multi tools into the conversation.

There’s a reason why Victorinox Swiss Army Knives still outsell any other multi tool out there.

Do they have critics?

Sure.

Any product line this popular and this widely sold will have someone complaining about something, and others singing its praises.

But we’ve all carried one at some point in our lives. They are awesome.

Their functionality, looks and quality speak for themselves.

The Pioneer X carries on the Swiss Army Knife tradition. A smart and practical multi tool that has:

• a blade
• a punch
• 3mm and 5mm screwdrivers
• scissors
• a can opener
• a bottle opener

All wrapped up in Alox aluminum skins for a handsome look.  You have to admit, it makes a perfect edc keychain tool.

It folds down to 3.5 inches long and weighs 3.2 oz.

So this is a standard size Swiss Army Knife instead of the micro tools like the Leatherman Squirt or Gerber Dime.

Yes, this option is heavier than the 2 oz. Squirt or Dime.

But in return, you get bigger and stronger tools. Worth checking out.

Best Budget Friendly: Gerber Dime

The Gerber Dime has achieved cult status among the EDC crowd because of its functionality, easy carry, and reasonable price.

This multitool makes a great entry level multi tool.

It may not be the same quality as a Leatherman multi tool, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good.

It comes in a very campact size and weighs 2 oz.

So it easily carries on your keychain.

The clamshell design allows easy access to:

• pliers
• knife
• screwdrivers
• package opener
• file
• scissors

Makes for a lot of tools in your pocket so you can get things done when you have to.

Gerber Bear Grylls Compact Multi-tool

Gerber is throwing everything they’ve got at Leatherman for top spot among keychain multi tools.

They have teamed up with celebrity survivalist Bear Grylls in offering the Compact Multi-Tool.

It’s similar to the Gerber Dime, but The Bear Grylls Compact Multi-Tool replaces the scissors with a second blade (serrated edge).

It has 9 other stainless steel tools:

• needle nose pliers
• wire cutters
• fine edge knife
• Phillips screwdriver
• small flat driver
• medium flat driver
• lanyard ring
• bottle opener
• tweezers

At 2-1/2 inches long and weighing 3 oz., it is a little heavier than the Dime.

The Bear Grylls Compact Multi-Tool provides another option with a slightly different tool package than the Dime.

Leatherman Micra

The Leatherman Micra has become one of the most popular micro tools on the market today.

And you can see why.

It comes with highly functional scissors and 3 different sized screwdrivers.

A bottle opener prevents any beer from being unopened.

And for those guys who take pride in your grooming, you’ll find tweezers, a nail file and nail cleaner.

Many keychain multi tools choose to have the sharp edges easily accessible on the outside.

Whereas the Leatherman Micra keeps the sharp tools hidden away when it is closed.

You are less likely to snag your clothing or accidentally cut yourself when digging around in your pockets.

So you may prefer this configuration.

The folding clamshell design won’t really slow you down either.

Access to the tools is still quick and easy.

It has 10 tools packed into a folding stainless steel clamshell that weighs only 1.8 oz.

This multi tool comes with:

• medium Flat/Philips screwdriver
• tweezers
• bottle opener/small screw driver
• small (very small) clip point blade in 420HC
• medium straight screwdriver
• nail file/nail cleaner
• ruler
• scissors

Those spring-loaded scissors are some of the sharpest you’ll find on a keychain multi tool.

Leatherman Style CS Multi Tool

Do you like the Leatherman Micra and its light weight?

But wish it had a bigger blade?

Enter the Leatherman Style CS.

The Style CS cuts back on the number of tools, but makes the keepers better.

You still get 8 useful tools:

• knife (bigger than Micra’s knife)
• spring-loaded scissors
• flat and Phillips screwdrivers
• nail file
• metal tweezers
• bottle opener
• integrated carabiner clip

The lack of pliers (like the Leatherman Squirt PS4) reduces the weight down to 1.4 oz. making it less noticeable in your pocket.

Designed around the carabiner clip, the Leatherman Style CS has a look all its own but keeps all the Leatherman pedigry and quality.

Victorinox Minichamp Alox Swiss Army Knife

No keychain multi tool list is complete without a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife.

And this is the second on our list.

Packed with functionality (14 of them), this compact EDC tool contains items like:

• blade
• nail file
• nail cleaner
• scissors
• cuticle pusher
• screwdriver
• ruler
• emergency blade (letter opener)
• hook tool/package opener
• scraper
• bottle opener
• magnetic Phillips screwdriver
• wire stripper
• key ring

You get durable stainless steel construction so you know it will last.

The silver coloring of the aluminum alloy skins adds a touch of sophistication.

At 2.3″ long and 1.6 oz., the Minichamp brings a lot of everyday capability without taking up much space or weighing you down.

Victorinox Classic Alox Swiss Army Knife

The Victorinox Classic keychain pen knife includes only the essentials.

That means it weighs only 0.6 oz, at 2.3″ long. It includes:

• 1.25″ blade
• nail file
• screwdriver
• scissors
• key ring

Like the other Swiss army knives on this list, we opted for the Alox aluminum skins which can take more punishment and daily wear-and-tear than the classic red thermoplastic.

But the choice is yours.

It comes in many different colors and is one of the most popular Swiss army knives.

Keychain Multi Tools – Pry Bars With Wrenches

True Utility FIXR

This well thought out design provides all kinds of functionality in this simple carabiner style tool.

The True Utility FIXR may only be 3″ long, but it has more than 20 different tools like:

• Large flat driver
• File
• Quick release clip & bottle opener
• 14mm /12mm /10mm /8mm /6mm wrenches
• Small eyeglass driver
• Medium Phillips driver
• Box opener
• Medium flat driver
• Pry bar
• Spoke spanner
• Small Phillips driver
• Gold Titanium coated disc
• Wire stripper
• Nail cleaner
• Flight safe cutting blade
• Measuring ruler

This little tool comes in 420 stainless steel with a black titanium coating.

Handle one of these multi tools and you’ll quickly find a well-built, refined piece of engineering.

True Utility has developed a remarkable piece of equipment that moves to the top of the list for everyday carry.

Gerber Mullet

Gerber has cleverly packed 9 tools into a single piece of metal.

At 3″ long, it comes with a pry bar, nail puller, flathead screwdrivers, wire stripper and a 1/4″ hex driver all designed around a belt loop hanger.

There is no exposed blade so it’s safe to carry on your belt or as a keychain multi tool.

The thickness creates a tough tool like a keychain tool should be.

The keyring hole is large enough so it combines nicely with your keys.

Weighing just 0.7 oz., the Mullet just blends in with them. It stays out of the way and stealthy until you’re ready to use it.

You may not know when problems will happen, but you sure can be ready.

Gerber Shard

If you like the Mullet but are looking for a more affordable alternative, then check out the Gerber Shard.

This is the Mullet’s predecessor, and has been a very popular keychain multi tool for years.

But you’ll have to do without the belt loop hanger.

Gear Infusion EverRatchet

The Gear Infusion EverRatchet manages to balance size with function.

It’s only 2-1/2″ long but it manages to incorporate:

• flathead screwdriver
• scraper
• 7 sized wrenches
• ruler
• bottle opener
• #2 Phillips bit

The all metal design comes in your choice of stainless steel (0.7 oz) or titanium (0.42 oz).

The most noticeable feature is the separate bit driver included and secured in place.

Clever design integrates a ratcheting feature.  This allows the tool to rotate back to its starting position once the hex bit is under resistance.

Griffin Pocket Tool Original

The Griffin Pocket Tool Original is designed to be a key dangler.

So you have the option to hang it from your belt loop or put it in your pocket.

It comes in either a metric or standard model.  If you work on cars, the metric model will come in handy.

The wrenches in the tool’s center are 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 mm.

A keyring holder acts as a 13mm hex wrench.

The standard model contains 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″ center wrenches as well as the keyring holder acting as a 1/2″ hex driver.

The tool functions as a pry bar, a flathead screwdriver, a nail puller and it includes a ruler and straight edge.

A 1/4″ hex driver is fitted into the dangler slot. The corner by the keyring holder acts as a scoring tool.

Of course, it has a bottle opener.

The stainless steel Pocket Tool measures in at 4.3″ long and weighs 2.2 oz.

You can upgrade to titanium and the weight drops to 1.1 oz.

Keyport Moca 10-In-1 Keychain Multi tool

The Moca is an understated prybar/wrench combo keychain multi tool.

It doesn’t look like it has 10 different tools but it does:

• 2 inch ruler
• box cutter blade/seatbelt cutter
• 3 wrenches (1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″)
• 1/4″ doubles as hex bit driver
• pry bar
• scoring edge
• straight edge

This tool may not be fancy, but sometimes less is more.

The key takeaway is it does what it’s supposed to, and does it well.

Made from 420 stainless steel, it is reliable and practical. Exactly what you’d want from your tools.

Other Multi Tools – Small & Specialized

CRKT Micro Tool & Keychain Sharpener

This little gem of a tool ads something most folks don’t think about when it comes to their keychain multi tools – a way to keep them sharp.

The smallest multitool on this list, CRKT’s little field sharpener will keep your multi tool blade sharp whenever you need it.

Also, the CRKT Micro Tool has the seat belt strap cutter (like the CRKT K.E.R.T. tool).

Combine the field sharpener and cutter into a 3.4 inch long keychain tool and you’ve really got something unique.

And of course, wouldn’t you know it, it’s also a bottle opener.

True Utility Firestash Multi Tool

The True Utility Firestash is a tiny butane lighter.

A cylindrical shape with a flat bottom allow the lighter to stand upright.

The screw lid with integrated carabiner tightens onto a neoprene o-ring making the lighter waterproof.

You can refill the lighter with standard lighter fluid.

The Firestash Multi Tool measures 2.8″ tall x 0.7″ wide. It weighs a mere 1.12 oz.

Simply add this to your keyring and now you have the ability to make fire.  So if you’re ever away from home and find yourself in a survival situation, likely you’ll have your keys in your pocket or your vehicle.

And now you have the ability to start a fire quickly.

Add this stealthy piece of survival equipment to your gray man gear.  A small fire can create a diversion or distraction if the situation warrants.

Alotm EDC Keychain Multi tool

The Alotm keychain multi tool provides a refreshingly different set of functions than other multi tools.

Mainly a set of hex bit screwdrivers.

It doesn’t come with any blades or cutting tools. But it does come with an LED flashlight.

The carabiner attachment allows you to clip it to your belt or a backpack. Or it can serve as your keychain.

The sturdy build allows you to put this tool through its paces and keep working for you.

Key-Shaped Multi Tools

Closs Industries 8-In-1 Keychain Multitool

So now we dive into keychain multi tools that are shaped like an actual key.

The Closs keychain multi tool is made from Gr. 5 titanium so it’s ultra lightweight. It weighs 0.2 oz.

You won’t even notice it on your keyring. It provides 5 different tools:

• wrench (4 different sizes including 1/4″ hex driver)
• flat screwdriver
• bottle opener
• file
• scraper

Swiss+Tech 6-In-1 Utili-Key

One of the great features of the Swiss+Tech Utili-Key is a key sized multi tool that has a straight and serrated blade.

And the best part, it folds up so the blade is not exposed, keeping you and your pocket safe when it’s not in use.

It also comes with:

• straight blade
• serrated blade
• flat screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• micro screwdriver
• bottle opener

The whole thing weighs only 5 oz. You can easily make minor repairs or undertake small jobs.

And the Utili-Key attaches to your keyring by closing the multitool.

The tool is a clamshell design and has a quick release design that forms a loop at the top of the device when the blade is closed.

At 2-3/4″ long, you won’t even know this handy tool is on your keychain.

Carabiner Multi Tools – Keeping Your Tools Together

Tacray Carabiner 12-In-1 Multitool

Made from Ti-6AL-4V titanium alloy (4 times the strength of stainless steel), the Tacray Carabiner will hold up under tough conditions.

And being corrosion resistant, it will look good for years to come.

Weighing 0.6 oz, this ultralight multitool has 12 different tools:

• bottle opener
• scraper/tape cutter/scorer
• flat-head/ Phillips screwdriver
• pry tool
• measuring ruler
• 7 wrenches

It also has a keychain loop which allows the carabiner to be set up as a belt loop dangler.

Outdoor Element Firebiner

What if you get caught out in wilderness, or your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a way of making fire?

Or at least have a back up in case your lighter stops working?

The Firebiner does just that.

Along with a bottle opener, screwdrivers and a small utility blade, you get a the Ever Spark Fire Wheel.

All this built into the carabiner itself.

So there’s nothing that folds out or detachs. It’s all one unit with easy access to all the tools.

This multitool is built to be durable with quality materials so that it will work when you need it to.

The Most Useful Combination of Keychain Multi Tools To Carry

At the beginning of this article we listed all the different functions and tools you can get from various multi tools.

As hard as they try, no one multi tool will provide everything.

So we have chosen the best keychain multi tools that, when combined, provide the most tools, and usefulness.

1. Leatherman Squirt PS4
2. True Utility FIXR
3. CRKT Micro Tool & Keychain Sharpener
4. True Utility Firestash Multi Tool

This combination gives you:

Cutting

• fine-edge straight blade
• scissors
• wirecutter/wire stripper/crimper

Car Rescue/Egress

• glass breaker (corner edge of pry bar)
• seat belt cutter

Grabbing/Holding

• pliers
• carabiner

Prying

• pry bar
• nail puller

Opening/Tightening

• bottle opener
• screwdrivers – Philips, flathead
• hex bit driver capability
• wrench – multiple sizes
• spoke spanner

Measurement

• ruler

Sharpening/Grinding

• sharpener
• file

Fire

• lighter

Grooming

• nail cleaner

What’s missing from this combination of tools is a pair of tweezers, an awl and a can opener. Of these, the tweezers are probably the most handy.

Probably not too many people running around asking for help opening a can.

Another key item missing from the list is a flashlight.

That’s on purpose.  Here’s why.

Having a small flashlight on your keychain is highly recommended.

But the highest quality flashlights are not integrated into multi tools.

Since this article is about multitools, we are not including a flashlight.  The best flashlights are stand alone and a topic for another article.

For more survival gear, see our Survival Gear List with over 230 pieces of survival equipment.  Build your dream survival kit.

Recap Of The Best Keychain Multi Tools

So our top picks go to:

Best Overall Pick   – Leatherman Squirt PS4

Best Large Choice – Victorinox Pioneer X Swiss Army Knife

Best Budget Pick   – Gerber Dime

So there you have it.  Our list of the best keychain multi tools you can carry in your pocket for your everyday carry.

Carry the right stuff and stay useful.