15 Miniature Tools That Are Surprisingly Functional

Our favorite mini tools from brands like Stanley, Leatherman, and Milwaukee are functional, make great stocking stuffers, and may get you out of a jam.
Mini Tools that Actually Work
Photo: BobVila.com Team

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Miniature tools aren’t just novelty gifts. Many are surprisingly functional and are just as sturdy and functional as their full-sized counterparts—and in some ways, even more useful. The ratchet in the Klein 3-piece tool set, for example, fits into such a tight space that it needs only a 5-degree sweep; the Saker mini chainsaw’s 4-inch bar is even smaller than those in our tested guide to the best small chainsaws, yet it can still capably cut through small limbs.

These 15 pocket-sized tools prove that good things really do come in small packages.

Bucket

The Home Depot 2-Gallon Orange Bucket

Buy it at The Home Depot

Pliers

Crescent 4-1/2 in. Mini Pliers

Buy It at The Home Depot

Ryobi Mini Recipricating Saw

Mini Recipricating Saw

Buy Now (Check In-Store)

Mini Bucket

Lowe's 0.4-quart BPA-Free Mini Bucket

Buy It at Lowe's

Storage Bin

HDX 6.5-Qt Tough Storage Tote

Buy It at The Home Depot

Ratchet

Milwaukee 7-in-1 Multi-Bit Mini Ratchet

Buy It at The Home Depot

Hammer

Kikkerland Mini Hammer Tool

Buy It at Ace Hardware

Tool Set

Klein Tools 3-Piece Tool Set

Buy it at Amazon

Ryobi Mini Battery

Level

Bethel Mini Pocket Bubble Level

Buy It at Amazon

Multitool

Leatherman Micra Multitool Keychain Multi-tool

Buy It at Amazon

Tape Measure

Stanley Fat Max 6 ft. Tape Measure

Buy It at The Home Depot

Chainsaw

Saker Mini Chainsaw

Buy It at Amazon
 
Several Tool of the Year 2026 Awards winners pictured with the awards seal, including Stihl, Makita, DeWalt, and Bauer

Meet the 2026 Tools of the Year

After months of scouring the market and putting products through their paces, we’ve named the best of the best in new tools. There’s something for everyone, from veteran pros to average Joes.

 

Daryna Tobey

Deputy Editor

Daryna Tobey has been Deputy Editor of the BobVila.com Service & News team since 2021. An editor and writer who specializes in home, garden, wine, health, and lifestyle content, she has also written for Fortune.com, Reader’s Digest, Food52, Eater, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and other publications.


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