They’re great to have anywhere from an apartment’s emergency toolbox all the way up to a professional contractor’s workbelt. The trick is finding the one that’s right for you! So how can you find the perfect lightweight multitool for your needs? We’ve compiled a list. Check it out now!
Here are our recommendations for the 4 best lightweight multitools on the market:
Gerber Suspension Multitool / Multi-Plier [22-01471]
The Gerber Suspension multi-plier is an excellent lightweight multitool that combines 15 essential hand tools into a single unit that measures 4” long and weighs just over 6 ounces!
This lightweight multitool is almost as light as air to the point where you don’t even notice it when it’s in your hand, much less in a pouch or on a belt. The primary pliers are toothed to get a good grip on whatever you need, and there’s also a hand saw, scissors, bottle opener, flathead screwdriver, and Phillips screwdriver, among other tools.
This multitool also features an open-frame stainless steel body that lets you see every tool, even when they’re inside the handles! Best of all, it comes with a convenient ballistic nylon carrying case that will keep your handtool safe, secure, and accessible at any time.
If you’re looking for dollar-by-dollar value, you can’t do much better than the Gerber Suspension multi-plier! It’s easily among the best lightweight multitools period.
LEATHERMAN Skeletool Lightweight Multitool
The LEATHERMAN Skeletool lightweight multitool is a durable and pragmatic unit that makes it easy for you to do just about anything you need. This lightweight multitool is ultra-lightweight, weighing in at just 5 oz. and measuring only 4” long.
It comes with seven tools, including the standard pliers, a knife, a bottle opener, wire cutters, and a Phillips head screwdriver. Unlike many other multitools, however, this one doesn’t use the fold-out design that you commonly see.
Instead, many of the tools — like the Phillips-head screwdriver — are permanently set in place for fast and easy access. It also comes with a pocket clip so you can sling this lightweight multitool on a belt loop, workbelt, or even the outside handle of your toolbox. Made of stainless steel and equipped with a 25-year warranty, it’s a challenge to find a more reliable or user-friendly multitool that also weighs less than a pound!
Gerber Center-Drive Multitool
The Gerber Center-Drive multitool is a clever all-in-one tool that prioritizes torque over general usability.
This lightweight multitool weighs just 13.6 oz., and it measures 4.7” when closed and 6.6” when open. The main attraction of this lightweight multitool is how much leverage you can get when using the popout screwdriver, which comes with a combo Phillips-flat head. When it’s completely extended, you can use the screwdriver in a variety of different angles to get the best possible torque and grip on a screw that’s giving you trouble, making this a handyman’s dream for working somewhere with lots of drywall screws or tapcons.
The Gerber Center-Drive multitool (see full specs) also comes with the standard toothed pliers, along with a 3.25” blade that’s designed to stay sharp day after day, use after use. Plus, it also comes with a spring-loaded lock so you can flip it, get the tool you need, and get to work.
With all of that done, it only takes one hand to use this lightweight multitool at any time. The only time you may need to use both hands is if you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn screw — but with a multitool designed like this, you probably won’t run into that very often (if at all).
LEATHERMAN Surge Heavy Duty Multitool
The LEATHERMAN Surge heavy duty multitool is the apex combination of lightweight convenience, one-handed usability, and tool quantity all packed into one unit.
This lightweight multitool (see full specs) weighs less than a pound and comes with a whopping 21 individual tools that you can use for hundreds of different jobs! The size of this multitool is deliberately larger than almost any other one you can find because it packs an incredibly long blade with oversized pliers, giving it an even more incredible range of application than your standard multitool.
Overall, this multitool comes with multiple knives, screwdrivers, scissors, openers, and more — including an awl! Amazingly, you can use all of these tools with just one hand so you can truly multitask and solve problems by flipping the right tool out of your LEATHERMAN Surge.
The Surge lightweight multitool comes with a convenient lanyard ring so you can keep it anywhere you want. With a 25-year warranty, you can be sure you’re buying one of the best lightweight multitools for the money.
Which Lightweight Multitool Is Right for You?
All of these lightweight multitools weigh less than a pound and pack multiple tools into one convenient package.
The Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier is your standard multitool that can still work for a variety of different applications. The major selling point here is that it’s affordable, which makes it perfect for any amateur or handyman who’s just starting a business.
The LEATHERMAN Skeletool is a few more steps in the direction of quality and versatility by comparison. This multitoool weighs roughly the same, but it packs more tools inside its handles so you can do more jobs with the same tool.
The Gerber Center-Drive Multitool prioritizes torque and power over straight-up convenience. This is the ideal multitool for working with stubborn screws of any kind, giving you extra leverage when you need it most.
Finally, the LEATHERMAN Surge lightweight multitool packs an incredible 21 different tools into a single unit that weighs less than a pound. It’s strong, it’s durable, it’s convenient, and it also comes with a 25-year warranty. It could cost the most (but price fluctuations do happen), but it’s well worth the price!
Are you ready to pick the best lightweight multitool for your needs? Check out our list now! Good luck!
