Life

These Pocket Size Everyday Carry Tools Will Keep You Prepared For Anything

by Emily Estep

You never know when you'll need a glass-breaker, a screwdriver, or maybe just a bottle opener. This is where everyday carry (EDC) multi-tools come in handy. The best EDC multi-tools are discreet, easy to keep on you, and, of course, have tons of functions.

Think of a Swiss army knife but far more low-key. Seriously, many EDC multi-tools these days literally come in the shape of a key, designed to hook onto your keychain so that you have it at all times. And if you think that the smaller the tool, the less functions it will have — think again.

Having a multi-tool on hand can be a true asset for a DIY lifestyle. You can also substitute a single multi-tool for a large set of individual tools you may not need to use that often. Many feature tools like pliers, wire cutters, package openers, knives, and much more. But when you fold them up, they're extremely small and portable.

These popular multi-tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes to best suit your style, whether you'd like to keep your emergency tools in your wallet or clipped into your hair. Whichever you prefer, you'll be prepared like never before.

1

A Serious Multi-tool That Does It All

Leatherman Wingman Multi-tool, $40, Amazon

This multi-tool has pretty much every tool you could need, including a pair of needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, a pair of scissors, a wire stripper, a knife, a package opener, various screwdrivers, a bottle opener, and more. The half-pound tool is designed so that you can access any of its tools with just one hand, and its blade locks safely in place. Best of all — it has a 25-year warranty, so you can always get it fixed if any part of it breaks.

2

A Budget-Friendly Tool That Fits In Your Wallet

SE Survival Pocket Tool, $4, Amazon

At only four dollars, you kind of can't go wrong with this tiny, credit card-shaped multi-tool. It weighs merely a fraction of a pound and slides right into your wallet, so you'll have it on you at all times. Its many functions include a can opener, bottle opener, multiple wrenches, a knife edge, a saw blade, and even a keychain hole in case you'd rather attach it to your gear. The tools are also quite sharp, and the whole thing is made of durable stainless steel.

3

A Hammer-Shaped Tool That Can Fix Pretty Much Anything

Wild And Wolf Hammer Multi-tool, $18, Amazon

Why buy a regular old hammer, when you can get a hammer multi-tool that has seven more essential tools inside? The multi-tool includes pliers, a saw, a plain edge knife, a Phillips head screwdriver, a bottle opener, a shucker, and a can opener — in addition to the hammer itself, of course. The hammer multi-tool is a game-changer for anyone who does a lot of house repairs or loves to dig into DIY projects.

4

A Discreet Multi-tool You Can Hide In Your Hair

Monkey Business Mini Multi-tool Clip, $10, Amazon

This is no ordinary hair clip: It's a hair clip multi-tool with six hidden functions. In addition to keeping the shorter hairs from falling out of your bun, this hair clip has a screwdriver, wrench, bottle opener, and even a serrated knife. It's made of stainless steel, so it'll last you forever and the tools themselves are super sharp. You never know when you'll need a certain tool, but you can go about your day with confidence knowing you have assets available.

5

A Multi-tool That Fits Right On Your Keychain

Swiss+Tech Utility Key, $13, Amazon

This utility key fits on your keychain like any other, but it has far more functions. Weighing less than an ounce, this key manages to have tons of tools built-in, including multiple screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a straight blade knife, and a serrated knife. It even has a quick-release design that allows you to take it off your keychain fast, without the classic keyring struggle, so you can use any of its tool at a moment's notice.

6

A Sneaky Multi-Tool That Looks Like A Pen

2cl Direct Tactical Pen, $16, Amazon

This military-grade tactical pen has a built-in glass breaker, bottle opener, screwdriver, and more — including an LED flashlight with enough battery life to give you 200 hours of light. The pen is also TSA-approved, so you can take it with you when you travel. Oh, and it also works well as a regular old pen.

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