In the multi-tool world, there are two basic types of multi-tools; the standard type multi-tool made popular by Tim Leatherman’s Pocket Survival Tool with butterfly opening pliers and folding tools. Then there are “Pocket Tools” these do not fit the multi-tool mold but still offer some multi-tool capacity.
If you’re interested in learning more about the differences between the two, click here check out my article What’s the Difference Between a Multi-Tool and a Pocket Tool? The following list will cover mostly pocket tools that were built with a specific set of tasks in mind but I threw in a few others that I have found interesting.
Gerber SPAN ARCHERY
One of the most versatile pocket tools for bow hunters, the Gerber SPAN ARCHERY has 19 useful tools to help you out. Whether in the field or on the range, this helpful little tool has got you covered. It is big enough to provide real tool functions but light enough to keep in a pocket or pack.
Made of ceramic coated 420HC stainless steel, the body is built around the main tool, a magnetic 1/4″ bit driver. Having a standard bit driver allows for creating a custom selection of bits to suit each hunter’s specific setup and it only weighs 3.2oz, so it won’t slow you down.
Useful Tools
- Magnetic 1/4″ Bit Driver
- Removable Bit Holder
- 11 Dits to Get You Started
- Broad Head Wrench
- Broad Head Hone
- Integrated Hammer
- 3 Hex Wrenches 1/4″, 8mm and 3/8″
- Blade Sharpener w/Replaceable Carbide Inserts
- Weights – 3.2oz
Gerber SPAN SHOTGUN
Based closely around the SPAN ARCHERY, this versatile design is also made of 420HC stainless steel. This little guy is packed with 14 tools that anyone who uses a shotgun will find useful, whether for hunting, recreation, or competition the SPAN SHOTGUN fits the bill. Using a magnetic 1/4″ bit driver allows you to pick and choose the bits to fit your equipment needs. One of the main tools that sets the SPAN SHOTGUN apart from the ARCHERY is the choke tube wrenches. The choke tube wrenches cover from .410 all the way to 10ga.
Useful Tools
- Magnetic 1/4″ Bit Driver
- 6 Piece Bit Set w/Storage
- Choke Tube Wrenches
- 1/8″ Pin Punch
- Elevation and Windage Driver
- Bottle Opener
- Integrated Hammer
- 3 Hex Wrenches 1/4″, 8mm, and 3/8″
Gerber LineDriver
If you’re into fishing you will find the Gerber LineDriver very useful and if you are into fly fishing you will find it invaluable. Although the LineDriver was specifically made for fly fishing there are features that all fishermen will enjoy. Made from 6061 aluminum makes the LineDriver light and durable to provide years of service and with the tether ring you can attach the LineDriver to a tether like Gerber’s Defender retractable tether or something similar, so you will never lose your most useful fishing tool.
The LineDriver has everything to keep your line in the water so you spend more time catching fish and less time prepping your gear. The specially designed scissors allow for no-hands operation. The other main feature is the spinning line vise, this makes tieing-off line really easy. It also has an eyelet clearing spike and a hook threader for when you get the eyelet cleaned out.
Useful Tools and Features
- Scissor Snips
- Split Shot Crimper
- Spinning Line Vise
- Hook Threader
- Eyelet Clearing Spike
- Tether Ring
Gerber GUTSY
The Gerber Gutsy is very light, very small, and made for any fisherman. This all in one fish processing tool is great for those spur of the moment fishing stops on your way home from work or when you’re out backpacking in the backcountry. With all the right tools to get the job done.
The scaler is ground into the metal making the teeth really effective at removing scales quickly. The gut hook is also ground to a fine edge making it easy to open up the fish without risk of cutting yourself. The scooper makes quick work of cleaning out rest without damaging the meat. Lastly, there is the bottle opener for when its time to celebrate the days catch.
Useful Tools
- Scaler
- Gut Hook
- Scooper
- Bottle Opener
Gerber SHORT STACK
If you have an AR platform rifle this cool little tool is right up your alley, especially if you have a Magpul MOE or MIAD grip. That’s because this little guy will fit right inside the grip so you have it with you when you need it. The SHORT STACK is made up of three main pieces made from 410 stainless steel that can be configured in multiple ways and it weighs only 2.8oz. It can assist in everything from normal maintenance to changing out your buttstock or flash-hider.
Useful Tools and Features
- Front Sight Adjustment Tool
- Firing Pin Scraper
- Bolt Carrier Scraper
- Buffer Tube Wrench
- 7mm Wrench for M-LOK Fasteners
- Bit Driver
- Plus an Assortment of Wrenches and Bits
Leatherman CAM
Another one for the bow hunters out there, the Leatherman CAM is lighter than the Gerber Span Archery but is also lighter on tools and features as well. One thing the CAM does have over the Gerber is the 420HC stainless steel gut hook. The CAM also has a 1/4″ bit driver, broadhead wrench and a sharpener too.
Useful Tools and Features
- 1/4″ Bit Driver
- Rubber Bit Holder
- Gut Hook
- Broadhead Wrench
- Broadhead Sharpener
- Carabiner
Leatherman PUMP
Similar in design to the Leatherman CAM, the PUMP is aimed at shotgun hunters and sportsmen. Like the CAM the PUMP comes with a gut hook and a 1/4″bit driver. What sets this apart from the CAM is the choke tube wrench, disassembly punch,
Useful Tools and Features
- 1/4″ Bit Driver
- Gut Hook
- Choke Tube Wrench
- Replaceable Disassembly Punch
- Scope Adjustment Tool
- 8mm Box Wrench
- 3/8″ Box Wrench
Leatherman HAIL
The only one of its kind, at least that I could find, the Leatherman HAIL is made for the avid snowboarder in mind. Designed to help with those quick fixes that keep your day on the slopes going even if there are a few bumps along the way. The ultra-lightweight 420HC stainless steel pocket tool has a scraper to clear unwanted ice and snow from your board, a screwdriver, and a 10mm wrench to tighten loose bindings and hardware. Plus a bottle opener when after a long day on the slopes you need to relax.
Useful Tools and Features
- Scraper
- Lace Assist
- 10mm Wrench
- #3 Flat/Phillips Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Headphone Storage
- Carabiner
Leatherman GRIND
What do you get when you combined Leatherman ingenuity and a pro skater like Arto Saari? You end up with the Leatherman GRIND. The Grind has what you need to keep your skateboard up and running just how you like it. With tools like the truck key, you are able to make quick adjustments to your ride.
Useful Tools and Features
- Truck Key
- Grip Tape File
- #1-2 Flat and Phillips Screwdriver
- 1/4″ Bit Driver
- 3/8″ Open End Wrench
- 1/2″ Open End Wrench
- 9/16″ Open End
Wrench - Bottle Opener
Leatherman JAM
Similar in design to the HAIL, the Leatherman JAM is great for the skateboarder who wants something the Leatherman GRIND but may have trouble keeping track of stuff. This is where the JAM really shines, with a carabiner and open design it allows for a variety of storage options. Because of the open design, you can clip it on just about anything, a backpack, belt loop or even your belt. Plus you can use it to store your earbuds or even your keys.
Useful Tools and Features
- Grip Tape File
- Bottle Opener
- Carabiner
- 3/8″ Open End Wrench
- 1/2″ Open End Wrench
- 9/16″ Open End Wrench
- Headphone Storage
Leatherman SHOOTER
The SHOOTER is one of two surfing based pocket tools offered by Leatherman. With the help of pro surfers, Leatherman engineers made this neat little pocket tool. This one is the smaller of the two at 3.6″ long and weighing only 1.4oz. Made from black oxide coated 420HC stainless steel for corrosion resistance and strength. With a lanyard hole and its small size and weight it easy to tether to your keys and always have it with you when you need it.
Useful Tools and Features
- Wax Comb
- Bit Driver – #1 Extractor and 3/32″ Hex
- Bottle Opener
- Spring Hook
Leatherman RAIL
The Leatherman RAIL is made for those who use AR platform rifles. Although the RAIL is not nearly as capable as the Gerber Short Stack, it still offers good functionality. With the basics covered you can clip this to your belt loop, range bag, or backpack and you’re good to go.
Useful Tools and Features
- Front Sight Adjustment Tool
- Replaceable Disassembly Punch
- 1/4″ Bit Driver
- Bit – #2 Phillips and 1/4″ Screwdriver
- Bit -7/16″ Hex and T15 Torx
- Oxygen Tank Wrench
- Carabiner
Leatherman THRUSTER
The THRUSTER is the second and larger of the two pocket tools from Leatherman made for surfers. For the
Useful Tools and Features
- Wax Comb
- Bit Driver #1 – 1/4″ Screwdriver and #2 Phillips
- Bit Driver #2 – #1 Extractor and 3/32″ Hex
- Bottle Opener
- Spring Hook
CRKT EAT’N TOOL XL
Even though the Eat’n Tool XL is not necessarily a pocket tool per se, it is a great companion for anyone who enjoys camping or backpacking. So what makes this spork different from the one you can get from KFC? The differences start with the main body of this pocket multi-tool, the 6 inches of stainless steel to hold onto, so you don’t feel like your going to drop your spork into your food, never to be seen again. Also sporting a bottle opener and a GI style can opener, plus a small assortment of other features.
Useful Tools and Features
- Spoon/Fork (Spork)
- GI Style Can Opener/Bottle Opener
- Flat Screwdriver
- 6,8,10 Hex Wrenchs
OSS TRADECRAFT TOOLSET
This is one of those, not necessarily a pocket tool – pocket tools, but if you have the skill set to use lockpicks, then I would recommend having some with you whenever you can. Small enough to tuck into the change pocket on a par of jeans, this pick set is easy to carry and invaluable to have when you need it. Click here to check it out over at ITS Tactical
The OSS TRADECRAFT has three common picks, an escape saw, and a tension wrench. The picks include a Long Reach Hook, City Rake, and a Bogota Triple Rake. All made from 301 full hard stainless steel and all are stored together in a durable rubber carry cap.
Features and Specs
- Size: 2.25Lx.5Wx.25D
- Weight: 0.3oz
- 301 Full Hard Stainless Steel
- 3 Picks
- 1 Tension Wrench
- 1 Rubber Carry Cap
SOG FLINT
The SOG FLINT has a unique mix of useful tools. The FLINT can be used in a few different ways from rescue and self-defense to survival. The main body of the FLINT is made of 4.3″ of aluminum with a carbide glass breaker on one end and a safety whistle on the other. Contained within the body is a flint, striker, and a small compartment to store tinder. With the array of features, this pocket tool would fit great in a pocket, an EDC bag or bug out bag.
Useful Tools and Features
- 4.3″ Long
- 0.7oz
- Carbide Glass Breaker
- Safety Whistle
- Fire Starter
- Steel Wool Tinder Compartment
SOG BATON Q1
The SOG BATON Q1 is a pocket tool that hides in plain sight. This pocket tool masquerades as a fancy looking pen. The BATON Q1 uses
Useful Tools and Features
- Length – 5.6″
- Weight – 2.4oz
- Small Spring Loaded Scissors
- Replaceable Pen Cartage
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
Victorinox SWISS CARD LITE
Although the Swiss Card Lite does not serve a specific purpose as the rest on my list do, no list of pocket multi-tools is complete without it. With many tools that you would find in a small SAK, there are a few you won’t. Like the pressurized ballpoint pen or the LED light. The only thing that I would caution someone about, is if you plan to travel I might consider either leaving it at home or removing the knife and scissors, as the TSA will probably confiscate them.
I personally am not a big fan of credit card multi-tool/survival tools but if I were to carry one, the Swiss Card Lite from Victorinox would be the one. Packed with a lot of useful features, having the Swiss Card Lite is like having a Swiss Army Knife in your wallet.
Useful Tools and Features
- Emergency Blade
- LED Light
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Magnifying Glass
- Pressurized Ballpoint Pen
- Stainless Steel Pin
- 3mm and 5mm Screwdrivers
- 1/2 Phillips Screwdriver
- 00/0 Phillips Screwdriver
- Ruler (Inches and cm)
