If you’re on the hunt for the best multi tools for survival and preparedness, you’ve come to the right place.
We know it can be overwhelming trying to find the right survivalist tools.
Multi tools often have a vast number of similarities. It’s hard to tell them apart and hard to determine which one has the best bang for your buck.
To save you the trouble, we tested out a ton of survivalist multi tools and put together this list of the top picks.
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BEST MULTI TOOLS FOR SURVIVAL
Quick Access Links:
1.Leatherman Wave Plus Multi Tool
2. Leatherman Surge Heavy Duty Multi Tool
3. Gerber Gear Suspension Needle Nose Pliers Multitool
4. Gerber Gear Truss Multi tool
5. Survival Frog 11-in-1 Wallet Multi Tool
6. Survival Frog ‘Zombinator’ Multi-Tool Survivor Hatchet
7. Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool, SwissChamp Pocket Knife
8. Roxon 14-in-1 Outdoor Survival Portable Multi Tool Set
9. Rovertac 18-in-1 Multitool Survival Knife
Here’s a detailed breakdown of their features and why we selected these as the best multi tools for survival.
Don’t worry: you won’t need to buy all of these tools. This guide is designed to lay out the important features of each tool so you can make the best decision for your survival kit! Most folks will only need one or two of the items from this list.
Leatherman Wave Plus Multi Tool
Leatherman is known for their high quality tools and gadgets. This multi tool has nearly 4,000 five star reviews on Amazon alone. Get 18 tools in one with this # 1 best seller.
It includes:
Pliers
Replaceable wire cutters
Wire stripper
Knives
Saw
Spring-action scissors
Ruler
Can & bottle openers
Files
And screwdrivers
This survivor multi tool is made in Portland Oregon, USA. It includes a 25 year warranty. And you only need one hand to open and use it.
If you can only afford one multi tool right now, grab the Leatherman Wave Plus right here!
Leatherman Surge Heavy Duty Multi Tool
The Surge also has thousands of five star reviews. It’s a tad bit pricier than the Leatherman Wave Plus, but it has 21 tools in one, so you have a few more uses that come out of this multi-tool.
Surge is one of their largest multitools for heavy-duty use. It’s built with larger pliers and longer blades than all their other tools.
It comes with the same 25 year warranty as the Wave, so we definitely recommend having AT LEAST one Leatherman survivalist multi-tool in your possession. You can grab the Leatherman Surge multi tool right here.
Gerber Gear Suspension Needle Nose Pliers Multitool
If you’re looking for a super affordable multi tool, look no further than this one.
Here are some of its features:
- Twelve integrated tools with butterfly design for easy everyday carry
- Open frame for easy carrying on tool belt or in pocket
- Easy access opening to conveniently access needle nose pliers, knife, and more
- Ballistic nylon sheath included for easy transport and secure storage
- Saf.T.Plus locking system designed to keep the knife edges/tools locked in place
With over 10,000 4 and 5 star reviews, this multi tool is definitely one of the most impressive tools for this price point.
Grab your Gerber Gear multi tool right here.
Gerber Gear Truss Multi tool
Another affordable option from Gerber. The Gerber Gear Truss includes these new features: wire stripper, medium flathead driver, awl, file, and ruler.
Survival Frog 11-in-1 Wallet Multi Tool
Y’all know how much we love Survival Frog around here! So of course, their survival multi tool that fits into your wallet is going to be a must-have on our list.
Under 10 bucks, combining 11 useful tools, and small enough to fit in your wallet. Take my MONEY!
Features:
Can Opener
Knife Edge
Slotted/Flathead Screwdriver
Ruler
Bottle Cap Opener
4-Position Wrench
Wingnut Wrench
Saw Blade
Direction Ancillary Indicator
2-Position Wrench
Leather Sleeve & Diagram Instructions
Grab your Survival Frog 11-in-1 Wallet Multi Tool right here!
Survival Frog ‘Zombinator’ Multi-Tool Survivor Hatchet
One more multi-tool recommendation from Survival Frog: their ‘Zombinator’ Survivor Hatchet.
This is a 10-in-1 hatchet, which is why we recommend it as a survivalist tool!
Features:
- A strong and durable nylon sheath to protect the blade
- Paratinder Cord that contains flammable paratinder to start fires.
- Hammer head, nail claw, and pry bar
- Hex sockets carved into the axe head
- Hardened steel glass breaker to shatter car side windows and escape
- Seat belt cutter
- Scream whistle: 120-decibel whistle to signal rescuers.
Whether it is for protection, chopping wood, alerting someone from a distance, or starting a fire, the Zombinator is a worthy investment for every prepper.
Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool, SwissChamp Pocket Knife
Our survival list wouldn’t be complete without a Swiss Army pocket knife.
This multi tool features 33 different functions including a 2.45″ blade, Phillips screwdriver, bottle opener with screwdriver, pliers, a corkscrew, and more.
It’s an affordable tool for anyone that wants a compact pocket knife with a lot of useful functions.
Roxon 14-in-1 Outdoor Survival Portable Multi Tool Set
This Roxon multi-tool is packed with useful functions, it includes a super sharp knife, and an independent locking mechanism ensures that all parts lock in place.
It has 14 functions in 1, it includes:
- Saw
- Knife
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Flat screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Wire cutters (Soft/Hard material)
- Flint stone
- Whistle
- Reamer
- Scraper
- Awl.
An affordable option if you’re looking for a useful outdoor multi tool for under 25 bucks. You can grab the Roxon Outdoor Survival Tool right here.
Rovertac 18-in-1 Multitool Survival Knife
Another affordable and practical option, the Rovertac has 18 different tools including pliers, knife, saw, multiple screwdriver bits, wire cutter, wine bottle opener, ruler, and comes with a durable nylon pouch.
You can grab this survival knife right here.
Grabbing one or two of the multi-tools listed above will help you prepare for any situation that comes your way!
If you can only choose one or two for now, go with the Leatherman Wave and the Zombinator Survival Hatchet.
IMPORTANT SURVIVAL MULTI TOOL FEATURES
No matter which survival multi tool you choose, it should have these important features.
- Functionality
- Durability
- Practicality
Let’s break them down real quick and make sure that your top choice fits the bill!
FUNCTIONALITY
Does the multi-tool that you’re using have all of the important features and functions that you might need or use in an emergency or survival situation?
Tons of tiny attachments and gadgets does NOT always mean that you have found a functional tool.
Don’t ever assume that an ‘18-in-1’ multi tool is more functional than a ‘10-in-1’ tool.
Pay attention to the features of the tool itself and make sure it has all of the functions that you are going to need in tough situations.
A fire starter and a whistle are super important functions to have in your multi-tool or at least in your emergency kit.
DURABILITY
A lot of new preppers and aspiring survivalists make the mistake of buying cheap tools that don’t have any durability.
You NEED your tools to be durable so they can withstand the force of use in an emergency situation. If your tools break before they complete their job, you’re going to be in for some trouble.
Read reviews. Ask around in your prepper groups. Get recommendations like the list we created for you above.
Find a multi tool that is strong and durable.
No multi tool is going to be indestructible, but you absolutely can find one that gets you through an emergency situation without breaking. The materials used to build the tool will impact how durable it is and how long it will last.
Any of the tools listed above should last you several years if they are used properly and cared for properly!
PRACTICALITY
We aren’t trying to find the best multi tools for survival just so that we can check something off our prepper list and then forget all about it.
We want to choose practical tools that fill some potential needs and fit into our emergency packs or bug out bags.
Multi tools are designed to be small, lightweight, and portable.
You might choose larger tools to store in an emergency bin or your bug out location, but a practical multi tool is going to be small and easy to carry.
HOW TO USE YOUR SURVIVAL MULTI TOOLS
Multi tools have a wide variety of functions packed into a compact device. Usually a pocket knife or small folding tool.
Most multi tools have common features that we’re all used to using, like screwdrivers and bottle openers. To get comfortable with the features that you are not familiar with, make sure you open up your multi tool and check out all of its parts and functions (do this before an emergency strikes).
Watch videos on YouTube if there is a particular part of your multi tool that you aren’t familiar with or comfortable with. Play around with the different tools until you are confident in your ability to use most of them.
Multi tools bring a lot of bang for their buck!
Make sure you understand all of the various uses so you can utilize them to the full in the event of an emergency or disaster.
NON-PARANOID WRAP UP
We’re all about preparedness and surviving around here, and a multi tool like those listed above are going to be essential.
You need to choose one (or two, or three) multi tools that are durable, functional, and practical for your situation.
If it fits in your budget, try to include at least one multi tool in your bug out bag, in each of your emergency kits, and in each of your vehicles. This will allow you to be prepared no matter where you are or what you are able to carry.
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