This Affordable Multi-Tool Has an Incredibly Useful Function Even Leatherman Can’t Claim

Understandably, this device isn’t suitable for every EDC multi-tool. But it’s so handy that it should definitely be more common.

NexTool Adjustable Wrench W4 Multi Tool closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published 3 hours ago

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Multi-tools are a lot like magic wands. No, they can’t cast spells, but they pack a shocking amount of utility into a format that, most times, slips comfortably into your pocket.

Yet, for all their permutations, some remarkably valuable functions have never successfully made the cut. Whether that’s a practicality issue or an engineering one, I can’t confidently say.

Maybe it’s just a question of nudging the rest of the industry toward these innovations. At least, that could be the case with the NexTool W4, a pocket-friendly multi-tool that could change the entire multi-tool category forever — hopefully for the better.

NexTool Adjustable Wrench W4 Multi Tool used as spanner — *How* has nobody made a ratcheting spanner multi-tool until now?

Monkey, meet wrench

Two words: ratcheting spanner.

That’s what sets this multi-tool apart from its siblings and cousins. Also known as an “adjustable wrench,” spanners are useful for loosening and tightening bolts, screws and the like. The adjustable versions allow users to change the size of the tool’s jaws, offering greater utility and versatility.

While that’s not new to multi-tools in and of itself — this tiny titanium spanner multi-tool recently popped up on our radar, for instance — the NexTool W4’s format is pretty unique for a couple of reasons.

NexTool Adjustable Wrench W4 Multi Tool — No, the spanner doesn’t replace the pliers. Both are included!

First, it’s applied to a more traditional folding multi-tool — the kind popularized by the likes of Leatherman and Gerber. Over the years, this has become the standard for multi-tools for its combination of convenience, compactness and security.

Second, it’s not simply an adjustable spanner; it also ratchets. This means that when you rotate the tool, you don’t have to reset it with each turn. Instead, you can turn it back and forth more fluidly — similar to how ratcheting screwdrivers work.

Together, this makes for one marvelously useful tool not even seen in Leatherman’s fan-favorite tools. And now that a brand has successfully managed it, it could shift the multi-tool landscape entirely.

NexTool Adjustable Wrench W4 Multi Tool wire crimpers crimping wires — Yes, it still has pliers, as well as wire cutters, wire crimpers and a bevy of other, classic, expected tools.

Raising the bar, lowering the price

You might think that the ratcheting spanner comes with some sacrifices — namely, other tools or a high price tag. Well, you’d be wrong. The NexTool W4 is comparatively extremely affordable at $60 (comparable tools could range from $100-$300).

It also doesn’t eschew other classic functionality — not even the pliers. That’s right; the ratcheting spanner is on one end of the tool and the pliers are on the other, as are wire cutters, wire crimpers and more.

NexTool Adjustable Wrench W4 Multi Tool knife blade cutting wood — The knife blade is made of 8Cr14Mov steel, a solid, affordable material often found in pocket knives.

It also has a full suite of other functions, like an 8Cr14Mov steel knife blade, a saw, a driver (with bit storage), a file and more. Granted, it doesn’t have quite the same toolbox-ranging functionality as some of the more ambitious tools, but the trade-off seems largely worth it.

The other materials are pretty standard (albeit on the more budget-friendly side of the spectrum), too, including 30Cr13 steel and aluminum 5052.

Best of all, even with the new addition, the tool is still reasonably sized, measuring just over 6.0 inches closed and 11 ounces (heavy for a knife but not outside the realm of reasonability for a multi-tool).