When you think of a good multi-tool, you probably picture something like a Leatherman Wave or a Swiss Army Knife. Both have tried-and-true form factors that get the job done quite well, but all their moving parts tend to add complexity and bulk.
Some multi-tools, however, come with no moving parts at all. These one-piece multi-tools are ideal for people who can’t justify carrying a full-sized pliers-based tool, or those who just want a smaller multi-tool for light duty use in a pinch. And while one-piece multi-tools might not be the most ergonomic to use, they make up for it in durability and portability.
Whether you’re looking to slim down your pockets or just want a backup tool for your keychain, a one-piece multi-tool could be the perfect compromise between functionality and convenience. In this guide, we’ll help you keep your bases covered with the best one-piece multi-tools you can get.
Top 10 Single Piece Multi-tools
Griffin Pocket Tool
Whether you’re in a corporate setting or going through airport security, you might find yourself needing something that doesn’t attract too much attention. The Griffin Pocket Tool is one of those tools that provides plenty of functionality without raising any eyebrows. Griffin managed to pack eleven tools into a piece of metal small enough to use as your keychain. At only 3” in length it has six different sized hex cutouts, a screwdriver, pry bar, bottle opener, scoring tool, and a pocket clip so you can dangle it from your belt loop if you want. The Griffin Pocket Tool has had such success that it’s available in three different sizes and multiple metals, including the EDC favorite titanium.
Boker Plus Access
If you’ve ever used your knife or pen to pry something you shouldn’t have, you could benefit from carrying the Boker Plus Access tool. Despite its light weight, the pry bar is strong enough for prying tasks thanks to its titanium construction. You can attach it to your bag or keys using its built-in carabiner on one end that also doubles as a bottle opener. Pulling back the O-rings on the carabiner reveals a small point that can be used as a glass breaker in emergency situations, while jimping along the sides helps you get a sturdy grip for tasks that require a little more leverage. You can’t go wrong with adding one of these to your carry, even if it’s just a back-up.
TT PocketTools Chopper
If you’re going to EDC a multi-tool, being able to carry it easily is a requirement. A small multi-tool like the Chopper by TT PocketTools might be all you need to cover your bases. It’s roughly the size of a U.S quarter and packs nine different tools in one unibody design. Whether you need a screwdriver, boxcutter, or a wire stripper, the Chopper is a sturdy piece of metal that’s sure to earn a place in your carry.
MyKee Titanium Multi-tool
Keys are one of those things that you pat yourself down for before you leave the house, so adding a multi-tool to them is a convenient way to make sure you’re always prepared. The MyKee Titanium Multi-tool is shaped like a key, but contains cutouts that let you do more than just open doors. This sturdy key has a convenient hex set built-in as well as a blade perfect for opening boxes or envelopes.
Gerber Shard
The Gerber Shard is one of those tools that needs little introduction. Scroll through our user submissions and you’ll find that it’s one of the more common one-piece multi-tools around, and for good reason. This tiny stainless steel tool measures only 2.75” in length but has 7 tools cleverly integrated into its design. You’ll get a bottle opener, wire stripper, pry bar, and two flat head drivers on one end, with a lanyard hole and a phillips driver on the other. There’s a reason the Shard is one of the most carried tools on our site, and it isn’t just because of its low price.
Boker Toucan
If you require a little more slice from your multi-tool, the Boker Toucan can get the job done. As a multi-tool, it has one tool that none of the other picks on this list has: a blade. It’s made of 440C stainless steel which makes it strong enough for tasks that might require a little more effort. A perfectly placed notch in the body makes it easy to hold safely whether you’re pulling up nails, screwing in a loose screw, or cutting some paracord. It comes with a Kydex sheath for storage and of course has a bottle opener for when the job is done.
Schrade Keychain Pry Tool
A good knife can come in handy during emergencies, but they’re not always legal to carry. The Schrade SCTPT is a multi-tool that gives you some of that functionality back. Along with the usual suspects like a bottle opener, screwdriver, hex cutouts, and pry tip, it also has a built-in strap cutter so you can make quick work of string and cords. The Schrade tool can also come in handy in an emergency situation if you find yourself needing to cut away a seatbelt. It’s made of grade 5 titanium so you know it’s perfect for EDC, and at 3.25” long is the perfect tool for your car or your pocket.
Leatherman Brewzer
Leatherman is one of the most trusted brands in multi-tools, so it should come as no surprise that the Leatherman Brewzer is one of the top one-piece tools out there. It features a simple design that makes its feature apparent and easy to use and is made entirely of stainless steel. It features a bottle opener and pry bar that are both useful and safe for travel.
CRKT Viva
If you’re trying to slim down your pockets, try attaching multi-tools to your belt loop. That’s one way you can add the CRKT Viva to your EDC. It has a flat-head screwdriver, hex wrench slots, bottle opener, and pry bar all in one piece of 3Cr13 steel. The Viva is four inches in length which gives you some proper leverage when faced with a really stubborn nail, but still makes it small enough to be a discrete part of your carry.
Lever Gear Toolcard
Like your keys, you’re unlikely to leave your house without your wallet. You can take advantage of that by slipping the credit card shaped Lever Toolcard in your wallet so you’ll always have it. This stainless steel multi-tool adds little bulk to your carry and has 40 built-in tools. That’s too many uses to name here, but it’ll cover your bases and then some. If you’d rather ditch your wallet altogether, it also has a snap on clip that you can use to hold your cash and cards.
Do you EDC a one-piece multi-tool? If you have a one that you think is worthy of the title “best,” make sure to let us know in the comments below!
