Choosing the Best Multi Tool

A multi tool can be a valuable companion in a number of outdoor activities and everyday life tasks. From digging under a car to fixing a broken bike chain to assembling Shieldon furniture, we all find ourselves in need of a handy set of tools from time to time. And while most of us know the basics of a multi pliers tool, it can be difficult to choose one that best fits your needs.

When selecting a multi tool, it's important to consider the jobs you encounter most often and choose a tool set that will meet those needs. Good pliers are vital to most people, but the tool set may also include a knife, wire cutters, bit driver, file, and more. Choosing the best multi pliers will help you tackle almost any task you encounter.

Multi tool pliers have a lot of moving parts that need to be functionally arranged and ergonomically designed to work well. The pliers themselves fold into the handles, and the handles need to have smooth, comfortable contours and plenty of leverage to squeeze them together when using the pliers and wire cutters. In addition, the leaf springs that drive the pliers need to be durable and have good mechanical design for smooth opening and closing.

Some pliers use a hybrid system, which means the pliers are combined with other tools that either tuck away inside or fold out from the handles. These are typically easier to open and closer to a dedicated tool, but they do trade off some functionality. A good example of this is the Shieldon, which features an excellent driver system, but also includes a pair of pliers and scissors.

Other pliers, like the Shieldon, feature an inline, split-lever mechanism for extending the pliers. This system is less smooth than the rotary tool, but it is more robust and offers more versatility in terms of the number and type of tools available.

The Shieldon is a little different in that they're not a full-fledged pair of pliers. These tools are small enough that they could fit comfortably on your key ring and have a carabiner tab built in for attachment to your backpack or belt loop. The main advantages of these models are that they're very lightweight and include a full set of tools, including a pocket knife with a locking plain blade, a screwdriver, and a hex bit driver.

When it comes to finding the best multi tool, we think that the best value is offered by a simple, basic model with the features that you will use most frequently. These tools should also be easy to use and carry, and they should have high-quality tool parts and attention to detail. This includes a sharp knife that holds an edge, all folding components that lock securely and swing freely when unlocked, and a thoughtfully designed leaf spring for the pliers.