Mini multitool: choose by the one job it must do
We research products from makers' specs, manuals and safety agencies; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
Quick answer
A mini multitool rides on your keys, so pick it by the main tool you will use. The Gerber Dime is the plier choice, with spring-loaded needle-nose pliers and wire cutters at 2.2 oz. The Leatherman Micra builds around spring-action scissors at 1.8 oz. The Victorinox Classic SD packs 7 functions, scissors included, into 0.7 oz and 2.3 inches. None of the three has locking tools, and all include a blade, which TSA does not allow in carry-on bags.
Three keychain tools side by side
| Spec | Gerber Dime | Leatherman Micra | Victorinox Classic SD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main tool | Needle-nose pliers | Spring-action scissors | Scissors |
| Weight | 2.2 oz | 1.8 oz | 0.7 oz |
| Closed length | 2.75 in | 2.5 in | 2.3 in |
| Blade | 1.5 in | 1.6 in, 420HC | Small blade |
| Tool count | 12 (Gerber) | Not counted on Leatherman's page | 7 functions |
| Locking tools | Not stated | No | No |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 25 years (Leatherman) | Lifetime |
The Dime weighs about 3 times as much as the Classic SD, the price of carrying pliers.
Pliers: Gerber Dime
- What it adds: spring-loaded needle-nose pliers and wire cutters, the one gripping tool in this group.
- Also on board: a fine edge blade, spring-loaded scissors, flat drivers, a file, tweezers and a blade shaped for opening plastic packaging.
- Bottle opener: Gerber says it stays exposed when the tool is closed.
- Weight: 2.2 oz, with an overall length of 4.25 inches open.
Scissors first: Leatherman Micra
- Built around scissors: Leatherman lists spring-action scissors and screwdrivers for cutting tags, filing nails or tightening screws.
- Size: 2.5 inches closed, 4.2 inches open, 0.37 inch thick and 1.8 oz.
- Blade: a 1.6 inch 420HC stainless blade; Leatherman lists neither the blade nor the implements as locking.
- Finish: a Cerakote-finished 420 stainless frame in several colors.
Leatherman sells a sheath separately. For Leatherman's full-size tools, see our Leatherman multitool guide.
Lightest: Victorinox Classic SD
- Seven functions: small blade, scissors, nail file with a 2.5 mm screwdriver, tweezers, toothpick and key ring.
- Size: 2.3 inches long, 0.7 inch wide, 0.4 inch thick and 0.7 oz.
- Made: in Switzerland, with ABS/cellidor scales.
- Limits: Victorinox lists the blade as non-locking and not a one-hand blade.
It is the one to choose when every fraction of an ounce on your keyring matters.
Match the tool to the small jobs you meet
| Job | Tool that has it | Maker's description |
|---|---|---|
| Opening clamshell packaging | Gerber Dime | A blade designed to safely cut and score plastic packaging |
| Cutting tags or thread | Leatherman Micra, Classic SD, Dime | Leatherman names cutting tags as a Micra job; all three list scissors |
| Filing a nail | Micra, Classic SD, Dime | Leatherman lists filing nails; Victorinox lists a nail file; Gerber lists a file |
| Tightening a small screw | All three | Flat drivers on the Dime and Micra; a 2.5 mm screwdriver on the Classic SD's nail file |
| Removing a splinter | Classic SD, Dime | Both list tweezers |
| Gripping or cutting wire | Dime only | Needle-nose pliers and wire cutters |
If the job you meet most is in the last row, the Dime is the only one of the three that covers it.
Using a mini tool safely
- No locks: Leatherman and Victorinox list their mini blades as non-locking, so cut away from your fingers and keep pressure light.
- Small leverage: tiny pliers and drivers suit light tasks; force can bend tips or slip off screws.
- Air travel: TSA does not allow knives in carry-on bags; pack a bladed keychain tool in checked baggage, sheathed or wrapped, or leave it home. The final decision rests with the TSA officer.
- Children: a tool on a shared keyring is still a blade; keep keys out of small hands.
Where a mini tool fits in a kit
A keychain tool is the tool you actually have with you. For a car kit, a go-bag or home repairs, add a full-size multitool with real pliers and drivers; see our best multitool and Gerber multitool guides. A mini tool earns its place by being there when a tag, a loose screw or a snapped zip tie needs attention.
What to look for when you buy
Pliers on your keys: Gerber Dime
Best for: People who want gripping and wire cutting in the smallest package
Gerber lists 12 tools including spring-loaded needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, scissors and a package opener, 2.75 in closed and 2.2 oz, with a limited lifetime warranty.
Watch out: The heaviest of the three; Gerber does not list locking tools.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Best scissors: Leatherman Micra
Best for: Grooming, tags and small cutting jobs
Leatherman lists spring-action scissors, screwdrivers, a 1.6 in 420HC blade, 2.5 in closed and 1.8 oz.
Watch out: No pliers; blade and implements do not lock; sheath sold separately.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Lightest: Victorinox Classic SD
Best for: A keyring that should stay light
Victorinox lists 7 functions including scissors, a nail file with a 2.5 mm screwdriver and tweezers, 2.3 in long and 0.7 oz, Swiss made, with a lifetime warranty.
Watch out: Small blade does not lock; no pliers.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- What is the best mini multitool?
- Pick by the main tool: the Gerber Dime for pliers, the Leatherman Micra for scissors, the Victorinox Classic SD for the lightest carry.
- How small is the Leatherman Micra?
- Leatherman lists 2.5 inches closed and 1.8 oz.
- Can I take a mini multitool on a plane?
- Not in carry-on if it has a blade; TSA allows knives in checked bags, sheathed or wrapped.
- Does the Victorinox Classic SD have pliers?
- No; Victorinox lists a small blade, scissors, nail file with screwdriver, tweezers, toothpick and key ring.
Sources
- Dime, Gerber
- Micra, Leatherman
- Classic SD Classic Colors, Victorinox
- Knives, Transportation Security Administration