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The 9 Best Leatherman Multi-Tools for DIY, Everyday Carry and the Great Outdoors

Practically synonymous with the multi-tool category, Leatherman’s catalog is as robust as it is varied. These tools are the best of them.

Leatherman multi-tools arranged on concreteJack Seemer for Gear Patrol

By Sean Tirman

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Since its founding in 1983, Leatherman has become practically synonymous with the multi-tool category. While the brand didn’t invent the concept, it’s fair to say Leatherman’s catalog is the bar by which all other multi-tool brands (and their products) are judged.

Along with their exceptional quality in design, construction and materials, the company’s offerings are also varied. From EDC to DIY to the outdoors, there’s one perfect for every type of person and every environment. Find the one that suits your needs and preferences below.

Best Leatherman Multi-Tool for Daily Use

When it comes to general-purpose usefulness, the Leatherman Wave+ is difficult to beat. While it’s a bit hefty at 8.5 ounces, it makes up for its weight with a whopping 18 built-in tools.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
Not only is the Wave+ handy, but it’s also quite beautiful.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Among its abundance of tools are a 420HC knife blade, multiple wire-related tools (cutters, strippers, crimpers, and so on), a saw blade, bottle opener, can opener, drivers, scissors and more. Better still, all of them — save for the pliers — are accessible when the tool is closed. They also all lock, which adds security and safety.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
When people think of “multi-tools,” they likely imagine the Wave+.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Furthermore, all externally accessible tools are one-hand operable — meaning you can keep one hand free when deploying and using the devices. The Wave+ comes in silver or black finishes, and purchase includes a handy nylon sheath.

Best Leatherman Multi-Tool for Camping

Although the brand’s tools are typically associated more with DIY and EDC, the Leatherman Signal bucks that trend with some seriously capable outdoor tools. While the folding plier-based format is familiar, the array of functions is much more camping- and hiking-friendly.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
The Signal’s integrated carabiner clip also doubles as a hammer, perfect for camping tent stakes.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

The Signal does have some familiar, returning tools, like pliers, a 420HC knife blade, a bit driver and more. But it also has a fire-starting ferro rod, an awl with a thread loop (for gear repair), an integrated carabiner that’s also a hammer (great for tent stakes) and a diamond-coated sharpener (crucial for keeping an edge when away from the workshop).

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
The Signal comes in a whopping 14 different color combinations.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Like many of its siblings, all of the Signal’s tools, save for the pliers, are externally accessible and can lock. They’re also one-hand operable. Finally, the Signal has a removable pocket clip along with its carabiner clip.

Best Leatherman Multi-Tool for DIY

Although not nearly the brand’s most expensive offering, the Leatherman Surge is among its most robust multi-tools, boasting 21 built-in tools. Of course, that does come with a significant downside: it’s 12.5 ounces, a full four ounces heavier than the Wave+.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
The Surge might be your best option if you’re prone to putting your multi-tools through arduous work.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

While that heavy weight might prevent most from using the Surge as an everyday carry pocket tool, it speaks to one of the tool’s biggest strengths: its … strength. It’s a remarkably robust, formidable implement you can rely on for some of the most heavy-duty DIY tasks.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
Though not the most pocket-friendly offering, the Surge is incredibly robust.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Impressively, even with 21 different implements, this one also has externally accessible, locking, one-hand-operable tools—again, save for the pliers. That said, many of the included tools, like the scissors, drivers, and so on, are thicker and stronger than those found on its siblings.

Best Ultralight Leatherman Multi-Tool

Although not as fully-featured as many of its siblings, the Leatherman Skeletool CX makes up for it with convenience and lightness. This multi-tool weighs just five ounces and is easily attached to a belt loop or pack with its integrated carabiner clip.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
This multi-tool’s skeletonized scales help cut its weight down impressively low.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

While you might think seven tools aren’t enough — especially when compared to Leathermans with 18 or even 21 implements — the Skeletool CX has it where it counts. One of the biggest highlights is its 2.6-inch 154CM knife blade, which is made from a more high-performing steel than most other Leatherman multi-tools and is more in line with dedicated everyday carry knives.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
The Skeletool is one of Leatherman’s most colorful offerings.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Unfortunately, this tool doesn’t have a pocket clip, limiting its value in EDC. However, it does have onboard bit storage, durable DLC and cerakote coatings and is available in seven different colorways. It’s also worth nothing that the CX is just one of five different Skeletool styles.

Best Leatherman Keychain Multi-Tool

At only 1.8 ounces and 2.5 inches closed — about the same length as a house key — the Leatherman Micra is positively tiny. That, along with its integrated key ring attachment (and included key ring), makes it the ideal candidate for keychain carry, perhaps obviously.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
Even though it’s tiny, the Leatherman Micra is impressively capable.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Despite its small stature, it’s still outfitted with numerous tools of varying purposes. Believe it or not, it houses a knife blade, tweezers, multiple drivers, a bottle opener and spring-loaded scissors (in place of pliers, as with most other Leatherman tools), among others.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
Yes, the Micra is genuinely this small.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

The brand didn’t skimp on quality, either. The tools are all made from 420HC steel — the same robust material used in most of its larger-scale multi-tools. Yes, the Micra is as tiny as it gets, but it’s still plenty mighty, especially considering how compact and carry-friendly it is.

Best Classic Leatherman Multi-Tool

The Leatherman Bond is the brand’s most traditional EDC multi-tool. For some, it might actually be the best all-around option. While it isn’t as equipped with as many tools as more of its robust siblings, it has it where it counts.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
The Leatherman Bond is based on Leatherman’s original multi-tool, the PST.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Based on the original Leatherman PST, the multi-tool that vaulted the brand into popularity, this plier-based folding device is outfitted with 14 useful apparatuses. That includes a bevy of classics, like a knife blade, bottle opener, Phillips and flathead drivers, an awl and more.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
The Bond’s Cerakote scales are as beautiful as they are durable.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

While the original version of this tool only came in a bare metal finish, it has since been upgraded with numerous color options and Cerakote coatings on its 420HC steel scales. That means this tool is more stylish and durable than ever.

Most Premium Leatherman Multi-Tool

If you’re the type of person to pull out all the stops, even when it comes to multi-tools, then the Leatherman Arc is likely the pick for you. It’s by far the most expensive offering the brand has to offer (the next closest is the $210 MUT EOD), which is prohibitive to many but is made up for with its high-end features and materials.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
You’ll likely not find a stock multi-tool that’s more premium than the Leatherman Arc.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

While the types of tools on the Arc might not surprise you — many of them are standard fare, like pliers, knife blades, drivers and so on — their quality likely will. For instance, the 2.76-inch primary blade is crafted from MagnaCut super steel instead of the more common 420. Some parts also have DLC and PVD coatings to add some style and durability.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
The two-tone colorway of the Arc is one of its most defining features.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

The Arc also sports one of the most comprehensive collections of included driver bits. They cover 18 sizes across five styles, including Torx, Hex, Robertson and more. Furthermore, the tool is equipped with Leatherman’s Free magnetic tech, making it easily one-hand operable. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s an exceptional multi-tool from top to bottom.

Best Leatherman Multi-Tools for EDC

Formatted more like pocket knives than traditional plier-based multi-tools, Leatherman’s Free T2 and Free T4 are ideal for everyday carry. They’re not quite as slim as most dedicated pocket knives, but they have similar silhouettes and handy pocket clips.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
The T2 and T4 are two of Leatherman’s most pocket knife-like multi-tools.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

While they vary in some key ways, these tools are similar in just as many ways. For instance, they both unfold more like pocket knives, boast blades with thumbhole manual deployments, and have external locking mechanisms and glass-filled nylon scales. They also utilize the brand’s “Free” magnetic opening and closing tech, making them incredibly convenient and more easily operable with one hand.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
When folded, the Free T2 and T4 easily slip into a pocket.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

The Free T2 has eight built-in tools, whereas the Free T4 has 12, so you’ll have to decide which one is more appropriate for your wants and needs. In either case, alongside the knife blade, you’ll get an awl, bottle opener, pry tool, package opener and several drivers.

What’s the Leatherman warranty?

One of Leatherman’s greatest strengths is its rock-solid warranty, which says a lot. Every Leatherman tool comes with 25 years of coverage, including manufacturing defects and nearly all damage caused by normal, reasonable usage.

Plus, if you become a Leatherman Insider — an entirely free service, requiring just an email signup — that coverage jumps to 40 years. You can even submit a claim if you’re unsure whether your issue would be covered, and the brand will let you know whether to send in your tool. To read more about Leatherman’s extensive warranty, visit our guide here.

Leatherman multi-tool on concrete backdrop
The Leatherman Arc is the brand’s most premium tool and even boasts a super-steel blade.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Can you customize Leatherman multi-tools?

Leatherman’s Custom Shop offers the best way to personalize the brand’s multi-tools. That said, it has some limitations you should be aware of.

The big one: the types of tools are not customizable. Customization only applies to aesthetic changes to the scales and knife blades. You can typically alter the color and add laser-engraved text, patterns and images. You can even upload images to be applied to your tool.

Leatherman multi-tools on concrete backdrop
With so many spectacular options, there really is a Leatherman multi-tool for everyone.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

What’s the deal with Leatherman Plus (+) tools?

The sole difference between standard Leatherman tools and Plus tools (indicated by a plus sign beside the name) is that the plus versions of tools have premium replaceable wire cutters.

This way, when the wire cutters wear out or chip over time, they can easily be swapped for new, sharp ones. Leatherman has largely phased out non-Plus editions of some existing tools, as with the Leatherman Wave.

It’s also worth mentioning that some tools, like the Signal, feature replaceable wire cutters without a Plus designation.

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