Leatherman multitools: pick the size and tool list you will carry
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Quick answer
Leatherman's range runs from the keychain Micra, 2.5 inches closed, to the heavy-duty Surge, which lists 21 tools and a 3.1 inch blade. Between them, the 5 oz Skeletool keeps just 7 tools and a pocket clip, and the Signal adds a ferro rod, whistle and hammer for outdoor kits. Leatherman lists a 25-year warranty. Every model here has a knife blade, so TSA rules mean checked bags only when you fly. For the Wave Plus against the Rebar, see our best multitool guide.
Four Leatherman models compared
| Spec | Micra | Skeletool | Signal | Surge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tools listed | Keychain set incl. spring scissors | 7 | 19 | 21 |
| Closed length | 2.5 in | 4 in | 4.5 in | 4.5 in |
| Main blade | 1.6 in, not locking | 2.6 in combo, locking | 2.73 in combo, locking | 3.1 in, locking, plus serrated knife |
| Weight | Not captured | 5 oz | 7.5 oz | Not captured |
| Carry | Keychain | Removable pocket clip | Removable pocket clip | Sheath sold separately |
| Stand-out tools | Spring-action scissors | Bit driver, carabiner | Ferro rod, whistle, hammer, sharpener | Crimper, Blade Exchanger, two files |
All figures come from Leatherman's product pages. Blade steel is 420HC across these models.
Which one fits which job
- Everyday keys or purse: the Micra. Leatherman pitches it for small jobs like cutting tags, filing nails and tightening screws. Its blade and tools do not lock.
- Light pocket carry: the Skeletool at 5 oz, with a locking combo blade, pliers, wire cutters, a bit driver with bit storage in the handle, and a carabiner clip.
- Camping and go bags: the Signal. Leatherman lists a ferrocerium rod for sparking fires, a safety whistle, a hammer surface and a diamond-coated sharpener alongside pliers and a saw.
- Trades and heavy work: the Surge, which Leatherman calls one of its biggest and strongest multi-tools, with an electrical crimper, stranded-wire cutters and a blade exchanger that swaps a saw and file.
Locking and safety features
- Locking: on the Surge and Signal, Leatherman says every feature except the plier head locks in place. The Skeletool's blade locks. The Micra's blade and tools do not lock, so use light pressure and keep fingers clear of the edge.
- Outside access: the Surge has four outside-opening tools, and the Skeletool lists outside-accessible and one-hand features, so you can reach the blade without unfolding the pliers.
- Replaceable cutters: the Surge and Signal list premium replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters.
Flying and carrying
TSA lists knives as not allowed in carry-on bags and allowed in checked bags, except rounded or blunt blades such as butter knives. It asks that sharp objects in checked bags be sheathed or securely wrapped, and says the final decision rests with the officer at the checkpoint. Every Leatherman here has a knife blade, including the small Micra, so pack it in checked luggage or leave it home.
Local knife laws vary for everyday carry, especially for locking blades; check your state and city rules.
Warranty and care
- Warranty: Leatherman says it offers a 25-year warranty on its tools.
- Sheaths: Leatherman notes the sheath is sold separately for these models; the Skeletool and Signal carry on their clips instead.
- Bits: the Surge, Skeletool and Signal list a large bit driver; the Skeletool stores bits in its handle.
- Sharpening: only the Signal includes its own diamond-coated sharpener.
For a full-size comparison against Gerber, see our best multitool guide, and for fire starting see our ferro rod guide.
What to look for when you buy
Heavy-duty: Leatherman Surge
Best for: Electricians, mechanics and big home projects
Leatherman lists 21 tools including an electrical crimper, stranded-wire cutters, spring-action scissors, a 3.1 in 420HC locking blade, a serrated knife, a blade exchanger and four outside-opening tools.
Watch out: It is one of Leatherman's largest tools, and the sheath is sold separately.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Lightest full-size: Leatherman Skeletool
Best for: Pocket carry with pliers and a bit driver
Leatherman lists 5 oz, 7 tools, a 2.6 in locking combo blade, pliers, wire cutters, a large bit driver with handle bit storage and a removable pocket clip.
Watch out: No scissors, saw or file; buy the stainless Skeletool, not the CX, if you want the model listed here.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Outdoor kit: Leatherman Signal
Best for: Camping, hiking and go bags
Leatherman lists 19 tools including a ferrocerium rod, safety whistle, hammer, saw and diamond-coated sharpener, with a 2.73 in locking blade at 7.5 oz.
Watch out: Heavier than the Skeletool, and the knife blade means checked bags only when flying.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Keychain: Leatherman Micra
Best for: Small everyday jobs on a key ring
Leatherman lists spring-action scissors, screwdrivers and a 1.6 in 420HC blade in a tool 2.5 in long closed.
Watch out: The blade and tools do not lock, and TSA still treats it as a knife.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- Which Leatherman multitool is best?
- It depends on the job: the Surge lists the most tools, the Skeletool is the lightest full-size at 5 oz, the Signal suits outdoor kits and the Micra fits a keychain.
- Can I take a Leatherman on a plane?
- Not in carry-on; TSA lists knives as checked-bag only, sheathed or securely wrapped. All four models here have blades.
- What warranty does Leatherman offer?
- Leatherman says it offers a 25-year warranty.
- Does the Leatherman Micra blade lock?
- No; Leatherman lists the Micra's blade lock and implement locking as no.
Sources
- Surge, Leatherman
- Skeletool, Leatherman
- Signal, Leatherman
- Micra, Leatherman
- What can I bring? Knives, Transportation Security Administration