Pocket Multi Tools Tested

A multitool can perform any number of tasks. We pick the best to leave in your glovebox in case of an emergency.

Auto Express Car Reviews

January 2011

If you don’t have space for a breakdown kit, get tooled up with a multitool. It can sort out a get-you-home fix or provide a vital opener or knife when on a weekend break. Slipped in a glovebox, door bin or even your pocket or bag, these devices cram everything you need to screw, cut or grip into one palm-sized package.

There is now a bewildering choice of multitools on the market, with your options ranging from those that cost little more than a coffee and a sandwich to sophisticated products weighing in at over £100. So which is the one to come to your rescue when you’re stranded? We opened up 12 to find out.

THE TEST:

Safety is key – even dull blades can injure if they fold on fingers – so we looked for a lock. We then tested the main knife blade, scissors and flat and crosshead screwdrivers. We cut and stripped two sizes of cable with the pliers, and saw if they could get through thin solid wire. Such a range of tools can leave sharp edges, so we rated comfort. Prices exclude delivery, and played a minor role.

Contacts:

Northern Tool + Equipment: 0845 605 2266 www.northerntooluk.com

True Utility: 01202 766333 www.trueutility.com

Burton McCall (Victorinox): 0116 234 4646 www.burton-mccall.co.uk

Gerber: 01506 406 277 www.gerberuk.com

Whitby & Co (Leatherman): 01539 721032 www.whitbyandco.co.uk

Sealey: 01284 757500 www.sealey.co.uk

Halfords: 0845 762 6625 www.halfords.com

Stanley: 0114 244 8883 www.stanleyworks.co.uk

Verdict

It was close, but our reigning champion hung on to its crown. The Victorinox CS remains the ultimate glovebox companion, but it’s expensive – and for half the price, the Leatherman Fuse is comfortable and effective. Gerber’s top-value Suspension finishes third.

1. Victorinox SwissTool CS

2. Leatherman Fuse

3. Gerber Suspension

Top 3

Victorinox SwissTool CS
Leatherman Fuse
Gerber Suspension

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4 Comments

Locking blades?

While a locking blade is undoubtedly safer unfortunately carrying a locking knife in a public place without a good purpose is now illegal ("It is an offence for any person, without lawful authority or good reason, to have with him in a public place, any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed except for a folding pocket-knife which has a cutting edge to its blade not exceeding 3 inches." [CJA 1988 section 139(1)] ) as I've recently discovered when looking for a replacement for my venerable swiss army knife. Oh and the inside of your car is deemed a public place.

By edn1970 on 13 February, 2011, 5:03pm

Locking blades?

By edn1970 on 13 February, 2011, 5:49pm

Swiss tool blade

Good point about being legal re knives today. I own one of the swiss tools CS and the blade is 2.5 inches long. It does lock out on full opening so it doesn't snap shut on your finger whilst in use. Hope this still means that this great device is legal.

By rmw965 on 17 February, 2011, 9:39am

legality and gubbins...

Unfortunately recent case law decided that a locking blade does not count as a folding pocket knife. While this doesn't mean that your swiss tool is actually illegal to own but it does mean that it doesn't fall into the folding pocket knife category that you can carry without "lawful authority or good reason". One of the more ermmm erratic legal decisions made but there you go.

By edn1970 on 17 February, 2011, 12:47pm

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