Everyday Carry

The 18 Best Keychain Multitools in 2024

Authored by:
Bernard Capulong
The 18 Best Keychain Multitools in 2024

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Part of putting together your everyday carry is knowing what tools you’ll need on an average day, but it’s hard to be prepared for everything. So many people rely on a reliable multi-tool to cover their bases. Traditional full-size multi-tools aren’t for everyone, however. They can be bulky or heavy for a minimalist carry and can be hard to justify if you don’t use one often enough. Smaller multi-tools that can fit on your keychain, however, are worth a look to keep essentials handy without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for functional alternatives to larger tools or don’t want to be caught without one and are looking for a capable backup, these items are tried-and-tested everyday carry classics.

This post was last updated on 12/17/2023.


Best Keychain Multi-tools — 2024 Edition

The Best Overall Keychain Multi-tool: Victorinox Midnite Manager [Buy]

The Best Budget Keychain Multi-tool: Gerber Dime [Buy]

The Most Capable Keychain Multi-tool: Victorinox Minichamp Alox [Buy]

The Easiest Keychain Multi-tool to Carry: Gear Infusion EverRatchet Clip [Buy]

The Best Butterfly-style Keychain Multi-tool: Leatherman Squirt PS4 [Buy]


Victorinox Midnite Manager 
Gerber Dime 
Victorinox Minichamp Alox 
Gear Infusion EverRatchet 
Leatherman Squirt PS4 





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Material: ABS/Cellidor
MaterialOther
Material: Stainless steel
Material: Stainless steel
MaterialStainless steel
Dimension2.25” x 0.25” x 0.6”
Dimension4” x 2.75” x 0.6”
Dimension: 2.28” x 0.6” x 0.8”
Dimension2.4” x 0.7” x 0.2”
Dimension: 3.1” x 2” x 1.18”
Key Features: All-in-one EDC
Key Features: One-handed operation
Key Features:15 functions
Key Features: Unique ratcheting system
Key Features: Keychain-sized pliers
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now
Buy Now

Victorinox

Victorinox Midnite Manager Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
Magnetic screw
10 functions
Unique design
Specifications
Material
ABS/Cellidor
Dimension
2.25” x 0.25” x 0.6”
Weight
1.1 oz
Rating


Price
$$
Victorinox needs no introduction for everyday carry. The iconic multi-tool manufacturer has been building Swiss Army Knives of every size for decades. If you’re going for small and practical, then the Midnite Manager should be on your shortlist. At a little over an ounce, the Midnite Manager is a classic keychain knife with ten tools, featuring everything from a small blade and flashlight to a screwdriver and pen built right into the small body. It does a little bit of everything and is easily one of the best keychain options around.
GERBER

GERBER Shard Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
7 functions
Titanium Nitride coating
Airline safe
Specifications
Material
Titanium
Dimension
2.75” x 0.25” x 0.5”
Weight
0.64 oz
Rating


Price
$
The Gerber Shard is a surprisingly versatile, TSA-friendly multi-tool. It’s an everyday carry classic and is one of the most affordable additions to any kit. The tool’s minimalist design hides no less than seven tools in plain sight. These include a Phillips screwdriver, two flat drivers, a pry bar, a wire stripper, and a bottle opener. It has a hole for lanyard carry and comes coated with titanium nitride for extra durability.
SOG

SOG MacV Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
12 functions
Pint sized
TSA regulations
Specifications
Material
Synthetic
Dimension
2.5” x 1.5” x 0.05”
Weight
1.1 oz
Rating


Price
$
Besides high functionality, the MacV is designed in a unique, striking style. This gadget is made of premium steel and boasts 12 tools, including wrenches, drivers, a blade sharpener, and a cutter. No more significant than a standard door key, this multi-tool will come in handy for most of your DIY needs while resting on your keychain.
Nite

Nite Ize DoohicKey Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
7 functions
Portable & travel friendly
TSA friendly
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Dimension
2.6” x 0.7” x 0.1”
Weight
0.35 oz
Rating


Price
$
The sturdy Nite Ize DoohicKey multi-tool makes up for a limited number of tools with its robust construction. It features a flat screwdriver but no Philips variant. However, the DoohicKey has the advantage of being TSA-friendly and equipped with a box cutter, a useful bonus. It also has a carabiner clip, making it easy to attach without taking up much space on your keychain.
TPT

TPT Slide: Titanium Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
14 functions
One-handed operation
Pocket clip and lanyard
Specifications
Material
Titanium
Dimension
4.1” x 2.6” x 0.9”
Weight
2.39 oz
Rating


Price
$$
The original Titanium Pocket Tool was a huge success, but the newer TPT Slide has an updated design that lets you deploy its utility blade quickly by simply sliding it out. Like the original, you get several useful tools on your keychain, like a bottle opener, mini pry bar, and universal wrenches. The Grade 5 titanium construction means you don’t have to baby it. Of course, it also comes with a pocket clip if you’d prefer to carry it that way. But at just one ounce, tossing it on your keychain is also a solid option if you don’t want to take up space in your everyday carry organizer.
Keyport

Keyport MOCA 10-In-1 Keychain tool

Purchase
Key Features
10 functions
Lanyard hole
TSA friendly
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Dimension
2.7” x 0.1” x 0.6”
Weight
0.5 oz
Rating


Price
$
The Keyport MOCA is designed so discreetly that you might not notice all ten tools immediately. Packed in this multi-tool shorter than 3” are 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8-inch wrenches, a flathead driver doubling as a pry bar, a scoring tool, box opener, cord cutter, hex bit driver, bottle opener, and even a 2” ruler. Furthermore, the tool is TSA-friendly, so you always have a backup when you fly.
Geekey

Geekey Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
16 functions
Key-shaped
TSA compliant
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Dimension
2.76” x 1.14” x 0.2”
Weight
0.77 oz
Rating


Price
$
When it comes to the variety of tools and design elegance, the Geekey passes with flying colors. The multi-tool features a screwdriver combo, imperial and metric rulers, a wrench combo, a serrated edge, and a wire bender. Better yet, the gadget is TSA-compliant and built from premium stainless steel in the shape of a regular key, making it a perfect fit alongside your other keys.
KeySmart

KeySmart 5-in-1 Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
5 functions
Ruler built into handle
Small and portable
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Dimension
2.39” x 0.44” x 0.13”
Weight
0.32 oz
Rating


Price
$
If you want a small, light everyday carry multi-tool that covers all the bases and integrates perfectly with your key organizer, the KeySmart multi-tool is the right solution. The tool has flat and Philips drivers, a ruler, a pry bar, and a box cutter. The best thing about the KeySmart is how light yet sturdy it is. In addition to its robust stainless steel build, this multi-tool comes with a two-year warranty.
Victorinox

Victorinox Minichamp Alox Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
15 functions
High-grade alox scales
Pocket clip and lanyard
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Dimension
2.28” x 0.6” x 0.8”
Weight
1.4 oz
Rating


Price
$$
When you need a whole load of functionality—18 functions, to be exact—the MiniChamp Alox is worth checking out. It’s fully loaded, considering it’s a keychain-sized Swiss Army Knife. Packed into its compact size are tools like a small blade, an orange peeler, a cuticle pusher, a combo screwdriver, scissors, and even a ruler, to name a few. If you don’t already carry a pocket knife, this could handle more than its share of tasks. The signature Alox scales make the exterior tough enough for life on your keychain, and at only 1.4 ounces, it won’t weigh you down.
Leatherman

Leatherman Micra Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
10 functions
Ring attachment
Personal care tools
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Dimension
9.5” x 5.3” x 0.39”
Weight
1.76 oz
Rating


Price
$$
Leatherman is best known for their popular pliers-based full-size multi-tools, but their larger size makes them harder to carry. The Micra swaps out the pliers to get a more compact tool while still packing a comfortable pair of scissors. The Micra is perfect for your keychain; even at just 2.5”, you get ten different tools that come in handy in a pinch. Plus, the brushed stainless steel construction gives it decent durability while being able to mix in with many everyday carry aesthetics.
Leatherman

Leatherman Squirt PS4 Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
9 functions
One handed operation
Outdoor focused toolset
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Dimension
3.1” x 2” x 1.18”
Weight
1.92 oz
Rating


Price
$$
One of the defining features of a full-sized multi-tool is a quality pair of pliers, which is admittedly hard to find on a keychain multi-tool. So if a solid pair of pliers is a must-have for you, then the Leatherman Squirt PS4 should be at the top of your list. This multi-tool measures only 2.25” yet still packs a punch in its 2-ounce body. You get spring-action pliers, scissors, and a small blade with many other valuable functions.
Gerber

Gerber Dime Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
12 functions
Butterfly opening
One handed operation
Specifications
Material
Other
Dimension
4” x 2.75” x 0.6”
Weight
2.24 oz
Rating


Price
$
One of the best entry-level everyday carry items you can get is the Gerber Dime, but being affordable doesn’t mean it lacks functionality. The Dime is a community favorite thanks to its excellent combination of features and portability. It’s compact at around two ounces and has a discreet profile for inconspicuous carry. Its butterfly-opening design gives quick access to the tool’s pliers. Other handy tools built into the handles, like spring-action scissors, screwdrivers, and a package opener can handle general tasks on the fly.
Gerber

Gerber Mullet Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
9 functions
TSA compliant
Lanyard hole
Specifications
Material
Other
Dimension
3” x 0.75” x 0.06”
Weight
0.64 oz
Rating


Price
$
One of Gerber's more recent options is a one-piece multi-tool worth checking out: the Mullet. Similar to the Shard, its popular predecessor, you get a single piece of metal with a clever design that packs 11 different tools into a 3” body. It comes with a pry bar, wire stripper, flathead screwdriver, and a ¼” hex driver, along with a belt loop hanger to help with everyday carry. Also, check out the Gerber Shard as an affordable alternative if you don’t mind sacrificing the ability to suspend the tool from your belt loop.
Gear

Gear Infusion EverRatchet Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
8 functions
Unique ratcheting system
TSA friendly
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Dimension
2.4” x 0.7” x 0.2”
Weight
0.69 oz
Rating


Price
$
The EverRatchet is a carry-friendly multi-tool that balances function and size. It’s only about 2.5” long but built with solid features, with everything from a flathead screwdriver to a scraper and seven wrenches packed into the all-metal design you can hang off a belt loop. It comes in stainless steel or titanium and has an integrated bit driver for safekeeping. The EverRatchet’s key feature is what Gear Infusion calls their “dynamic ratcheting beam,” a system that holds the bit still under force but lets the tool rotate back to its starting position to get additional torque in use. This means no longer having to reset your hands or the tool when ratcheting, giving you a unique and efficient way to drive your existing bits.
Kershaw

Kershaw PT-2 Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
8 functions
K-texture pattern
Lightweight
Specifications
Material
8Cr13MoV
Dimension
3.25” x 1.5” x 0.13”
Weight
0.64 oz
Kershaw is best known for the excellent value you get from their unique, high-performance knives, but the PT-2 is an impressive multi-tool offering that nails the basics. It has eight tools built seamlessly into its design, including a pry bar, hex drives, and bottle opener, and the glass-filled nylon handle is textured for a better grip. The PT-2 comes with a bead-blasted 8Cr13MoV stainless steel construction that’s as attractive as it is tough. If you want a tool to throw on your keychain and forget about it until you need it, this might be for you.
True

True Utility FIXR Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
9 functions
K5 carbon steel blade
Quick release clip
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Dimension
3.3” x 1” x 0.3”
Weight
1.6 oz
Rating


Price
$
The best-designed multi-tools do more with less; the True Utility FIXR is a prime example of that philosophy. The FIXR is only about 3” long, but its clever design holds 20 different tools, including a bottle opener, eyewear screwdriver, a wire stripper, and a sharp edge for easily opening packages. The best part is the gold-plated disc that rotates to expose even more functions. Once the task is done, you can turn them back into place and keep them out of your way.

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Griffin

Griffin Pocket Tool Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
12 functions
TSA compliant
Small and portable
Specifications
Material
Titanium
Dimension
3” x 0.6” x 0.2”
Weight
0.353 oz
Rating


Price
$
You can’t have a list of keychain multi-tools and not include the Griffin Pocket Tool. This one-piece multi-tool is one of the most popular everyday carry items thanks to its size, practicality, and robust construction. The single piece of metal offers everything from a pry tool to a screwdriver and has an integrated pocket clip so you can hang it from your belt loop. The 3” tool is long enough to give you extra leverage when loosening a stubborn nut. Plus, you can be confident that the stainless steel construction will hold up to even the most demanding jobs.
CRKT

CRKT Viva Keychain Tool

Purchase
Key Features
5 functions
Small and portable
TSA friendly
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Dimension
3.99” x 1” x 0.15”
Weight
1.10 oz
Rating


Price
$
The CRKT Viva is another keychain multi-tool that gets the job done without any moving parts. Besides the typical tools you’d expect, like a bottle opener and prybar, the Viva also puts multiple wrench sizes and a screwdriver in your pocket. The unique design measures just under 4” in length and only weighs 1.1 ounces, making it tough enough to carry your keys but light enough to carry until you need it.

Some Basic Multi-Tool FAQs

What is the purpose of a keychain multi-tool?

Keychain multi-tools are primarily made for two things: versatility and everyday carry. Carrying a mini multi-tool on your belt or even a simple lanyard will instantly allow you to jump into a DIY project.

What does a keychain multi-tool do?

A keychain multi-tool can represent an entire tool kit. Depending on the tool, it might feature everything from tweezers to a knife blade. Some models include Philips and regular head screwdriver additions, while others might come with more specific components like needle-nose pliers.

What are the benefits of a keychain multi-tool?

The most significant benefits of a keychain multi-tool are the functionality and small size. With a high-quality multi-tool, you can carry a box cutter, flat screwdriver, can opener, and much more. Best of all, it comes in compact form factors that you can always keep with you.


How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what's new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men's essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Author
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

Discussion (15 total)

NUNQUAM NON PARATUS ·
If you are the parent of a young child, I strongly recommend you consider carrying the Victorinox Manager. Especially if you don't like to carry around a lot of extra bulk/weight, but constantly find yourself searching for the right tool while a kid is crying in your ear. Here is what you get, and why I think it is the perfect minimalist multitool, specifically for parents:

All the SAK Classic tools:
-A pen knife for opening diaper/toy/Amazon packages
-Small scissors perfect for cutting tags off all of the clothes your children will rapidly grow out of, or the toys you spoil them with
-Nail file for doing a quick-fix manicure on your toddlers' jagged nails when they are distracted (bring out the real nail clippers and watch them go running...)
-Tweezers for removing splinters and ticks

PLUS:
-A micro phillips head screw driver-- All toys with batteries have a small screw to safely keep the kids away from the batteries, and you will need this to change those batteries. This is where it really earns a place in the pocket of a parent-- This tool is basically the "key" to all of your children's battery-powered toys
-A pen for signing all the checks to your daycare and pediatrician. Or when you need to make a quick exit from a restaurant due to a fussy kid, and the waiter forgot a working pen
-A bottle opener for the beer you will inevitably need after a long day of parenting
Ennio H M Barbosa ·
Also, the small philips screwdriver is magnetized, wich helps a lot to not lost any screw.
Everyday Tools ·
Try the Gerber Chonk also. It's cheap and good quality
Greg ·
If I could add one to this list, it would be the Leatherman Style CS. This keychain tool goes everywhere with me and for good reason. I'm a bigger fan of having a decent pair of scissors vs pliers (I just use them more often). The best scissors are going to be ones the are not found as an 'additional' tool in a multi-tool configuration, so kudos to the Micra. But unlike the Micra, I have access to the tools that I need without having to open it up. I still get a knife, flathead/prybar, file, scissors, tweezers, and a bottle opener. In addition I have an integrated carabiner. Really, no complaints!
Dane Thomas ·
For those who fly without checked baggage, the Leatherman Style PS has passed through security without problems throughout Europe, the US, and Canada. Be aware that the pliers have caught the attention of security and caused them to be confiscated in Kuwait, China, and South Africa. My Gerber Shard has been attached to the same key ring each time, and has never been a problem.
Roscoe ·
Atwood prybaby
CampDiplIng ·
Victorinox Mini is always fine. Omitting the pen Leads to the Rambler model on my office kit. Or add a second blade and a third ripping blade: the old Vagabond model I love so much.
But the everratchet is very nice, too.
So that is 3 of these 😊
Paul Tobeck ·
I own and use both the Kershaw PT-2 and the CRKT Viva. The PT-2 has been one the best mini-prybars, perfect length, good grippy surface and I won't cry if I lose it, unlike those pricey custom titanium showpieces. The Viva rides on a loop on my carry bag, mainly to use as a bottle opener. One of the best there is outside an SAK, and occasional use for wrenching as it has enough length to actually get some good torque.
schwiiing ·
How is it that none of Mike Bond's Parabiner series ever make these keychain multi-tool 'best of' lists. They offer a great set of tools and the workmanship is beyond reproach.
White Knight ·
Not seen this before. Thanks for the heads-up. Bit too large for my key-ring, but looks a superbly designed tool.
White Knight ·
And paracord heaven :)
4 more comments