(Redirected from Multitool)A 'multi-tool' is a portable, versatile
hand tool that combines several individual tool functions in a single
grip or in the shape of a
credit card.
Multi-tools are small enough to be carried in a trouser pocket or wallet. Many models also come with a pouch to wear them on the belt.
Among the earliest examples is the famous
Swiss army knife as supplied by makers
Victorinox and
Wenger. The actual version supplied to the
Swiss army includes a
knife blade, a
reamer, a
bottle-opener/
screwdriver/
wire stripper, and a
can-opener/screwdriver.

A Victorinox Swiss army knife
Other versions may include items like a
nail file,
Tweezers, folding
scissors, a
tooth pick, a
magnifying glass, screwdriver bits and others. There are also versions that have special tools for specific sports or outdoor activities like
Golf,
horseback riding,
hunting or
fishing.

Leatherman multi-tool
Another well-known type is based on a pair of strong folding
pliers, usually with
wire cutters, and also has a folding knife blade as well as assorted other folding tools. The best-known product of this type is the
Leatherman tool whose name has become a
genericized trademark for multitools. Other makers include
Gerber Legendary Blades,
Kershaw Knives,
Schrade, and
SOG Knife.
Models like the Wenger Pocketgrip may be viewed as a kind of precursor to the leatherman type. They are basically Swiss army knives with integral pliers that lock down when not in use.

Wenger Pocketgrip
External links
★
Mutlitool.org - Reviews and discussion of multitools.
★
Multi-Tool Museum
★
Reviews of 3 multitools by Buck, Leatherman and Victorinox