When you’re out on the water and something goes wrong, having the right tool at the right time is clutch. And when it comes to snugging a nut, crimping a wire connector, or tightening a screw, a good multi-tool is just what you need. Today there are more options to choose from than ever when it comes to multi-tools—how many tools you want, what material, how big, how heavy, what style you want—there is something for everyone out there. We gathered up some multi-tools varying from big and versatile to small and basic and put them to the test. Here’s a bit of what we found. Click the “Next” button above
Leatherman Charge TTI
$169.85; www.leatherman.com
The Charge TTI holds 19 tools, more than any other multi-tool we tested: pliers, a small and large bit driver with interchangeable flathead and Phillips heads, scissors, a serrated and regular knife blade, a saw, a metal file, and more. It weighs in at 8.2 ounces, and its titanium and stainless steel construction should stand up well to the elements.
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) Zilla-Tool
$49.99; www.crkt.com
The Zilla-Tool from CRKT packs a lot into its ergonomic design. A good set of pliers with wire cutters are at one end, and a sharp 3.5-inch knife is at the other, along with a bit driver for the flat and Phillips-head bits that are contained in the body. Those bits are tricky to get out, so be careful not to drop one when switching it out for the other.
Gerber MP1 Multi-Tool
$115; www.gerbergear.com
The Gerber MP1’s spring-loaded, forged jaws make getting to the wire cutter and pliers easy, and external access to all of the blades and tools makes one-handed use a breeze. We liked how long the Phillips-head screwdriver was, it let us reach into tight spaces nearly as well as a regular screwdriver. The textured composite material for the handles is easy on your hands whether the unit is wet or dry.
SOG PowerAssist
$119.25; www.sogknives.com
The PowerAssist is basically a mini toolbox on your belt with 14 tools: screwdrivers, pliers, knives (serrated and regular), wire cutters, and more. While it isn’t spring loaded, we found the action smooth and accessing the tools on the inside is easy. The serrated and regular knife blades can be accessed from the outside, and while the locking/unlocking of the blades took a little bit to figure out, once you learn how it’s quite easy.
Boye Cobalt Basic 3 Knife
$288; www.boyeknives.com
Sometimes if a dock line gets caught, or you need to cut an anchor rode, or quickly free a line from a fouled prop, you don’t want to be fumbling to take out a blade or worrying about a locking mechanism. Enter the Cobalt Basic 3 from Boye Knives. Measuring 8 inches overall with a 4-inch blade, the Cobalt Basic 3 is a great go-to knife to keep onboard your vessel, easily accessed in case of emergency.
