The Best Multitools for DIYers

This modern classic does the work of 12 tools: needle-nose pliers, a straight blade, a serrated blade, a Phillips screwdriver, large and medium flathead screwdrivers, a wire cutter/stripper, scissors, bottle opener, can opener, saw, and awl. The open-frame design makes it lightweight and versatile, and its safety locking system prevents it from accidentally opening in your pocket (and makes this multitool a great choice if you may leave yours around children). Slide it into the included nylon sheath for protection from the elements, and you can even attach it to a belt.

Painting is a complex job that can involve a lot of scraping, nail-pulling, and can-opening, among other tasks. This multitool aims to lighten your load by anticipating all of the steps necessary in a typical project and equipping you with just about everything you’ll need along way. The lightweight carbon steel blade—which shaves loose paint, spreads putty, and cleans out cracks—features additional distinct edge profiles that serve as tools for removing nails, cleaning rollers, opening cans, and cracking open bottles. All the while, the handle of the tool stores four different screwdriver bits, specialized tools for spray guns, and a scribe for setting nails.

Leatherman has been at the forefront of multitool design since Tim Leatherman created his first “pocket survival tool” in 1983. This keychain-sized version—which squeezes in scissors, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, a knife, bottle opener, nail cleaner, nail file, tweezers, and ruler—stays true to the neatly-folding design of the original Leatherman, while splashing it with your choice of four bright new colors.

Do you always find yourself needing a multitool at moments when you aren’t carrying one? The solution might be to keep this credit card-sized tool in your wallet at all times. Made from heat-treated steel, the Wallet Ninja is strong, rustproof, and downright reliable whenever you need to use one of its 18 features. Believe it or not, the card packs in the power of six wrenches, four screwdrivers, four openers (letter, box, can, or bottle), two rulers, a fruit peeler, and a cellphone stand. It’s just bound to come in handy one day.