When it comes to everyday carry, having the right tool for the job can determine your success. But unless you're a contractor, the idea of carrying an entire tool box everywhere is simply impractical. That's why so many people consider the multi-tool to be an essential part of any EDC. A good multi-tool gives you quick access to many useful tools in a streamlined, compact package you can fit in your pocket. There's a wide range of multi-tools out there, from traditional butterfly designs to unique one-piece tools, and they all help you accomplish more than what you can do with your bare hands. So whether you're looking for something to help you with do-it-yourself projects, trying to find the right tool in an emergency, or just looking for a good can and bottle opener, there's a multi-tool out there for you. In this guide, we'll explain what to look for in an EDC multi-tool, recommend the 20 best multi-tools you can buy right now, and explain what application each multi-tool is best used for.

How to Pick the Best Multi-tool for Your EDC

Consider the features and tools you want in your multi-tool. A good EDC multi-tool should strike a balance of functions you actually use and some you might need in a pinch. Some people prefer to pare things down to the essentials, while others seek multitools with additional features they might need "just in case." As far as what is essential, you'll probably want a multi-tool that has at least a knife, a pair of pliers, some screwdrivers, and an opener for cans and bottles.

Size is an important consideration, too. After all, the smaller a tool is, the smaller the tasks you can accomplish with it in hand tend to be. On the flip side, if you have a bigger and heavier tool to carry around, you might find yourself actually leaving it at home instead. Pick something small enough to manageably carry with you every day that's still big enough to be comfortable and effective for the type of tasks you use it for.

Now that you know what to look for, narrow it down with these 20 recommendations, starting with traditional multi-tool designs and ending with more specialized tools for more unique use cases.

The Best Multi-tools for EDC

This post was researched and written with the help of our growing (and awesome) Facebook community. What's your favorite multi-tool?
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