Tested: 9 Best Keychain Multi-Tools For EDC

For fans of DIY fixes, multi-tools are one of the best kinds of everyday carry gear around. They’re a good deal more compact than standard full-sized tools, they take up less space, and — when properly designed and built — can still perform most of the same tasks as a fully-loaded toolbox. Even still, some people have a hard time finding the space for a standard-sized multi-tool in their carry. Whether you’re a minimalist or you just can’t reasonably find room for a larger multi-tool, you’re not completely out of luck. If you’re willing to make somewhat of a concession regarding overall functionality (hopefully not too much), you can still add one of these handy devices to your EDC loadout in the form of an even more compact option. And below, we’ve rounded up the best keychain multi-tools for EDC in order to deliver this tested hands-on review, .

Selection & Testing 

As the everyday carry segment has picked up steam over the last decade or so, the market has been flooded with an ever-increasing array of compact, keychain-friendly pocket and multi-tools. In a bid to sort through the ever-growing number of available offerings and hone in on the space’s standout products, we first kicked off our search by making a list of criteria that would be used to judge, compare, and contrast each keychain multi-tool. This included areas such as shape and size, total number of tools and functions, and material selection. Also thoroughly scrutinized was each keychain multi-tool’s size relative to its number of functions — as offering ample utility in a pocketable package is generally what everyday carry kit is all about. Using these parameters as something of guide-rails, we were then able to generate a shortlist of items that we suspected very well may represent the finest keychain multi-tools on the market. 

You can typically get a pretty decent sense of what a pocket multi-tool has to offer simply by looking at photos and poring over its product description and spec sheet. Having said that, the only way to really get a comprehensive sense of how a multi-tool performs is to experience it firsthand. Knowing this, we managed to track down an example of every model on our shortlist in order to get hands-on with them and put them through their respective paces. This hands-on testing phase would ultimately allow us to glean firsthand knowledge on areas such as build quality and ergonomics. More importantly, this portion of our testing and selection process also enabled us to find out how each keychain multi-tool actually performs in real life, how easy it is to use, and how effective its suite of tools is. Additionally, our testing phase also helped shine a light on other areas such as the smoothness of a mini butterfly-opening multi-tools action, or how sturdy a carabiner’s gate is. 

In order to get a more objective sense of performance across the board, we also devised a battery of standardized tests that each keychain multi-tool would face. This included a bottle-opener test, cardboard box and paper-cutting tests, a bit-driver test, and a pry-tool test. What’s more, in order to learn what it’s like to go about your day-to-day routine with one of these tiny multi-tools on your keychain, we had each model on our shortlist take its turn spending a few days on one of our EDC keychains or keyrings, busting it out and using it as much as possible. After an extended hands-on testing phase, we were then able to use our findings to narrow our initial shortlist down to a final cut of items that we found to be the best keychain multi-tools that money can currently buy.  

Nite Ize DoohicKey

Best Affordable Multi-Tool: Incredibly inexpensive, yet still markedly useful, the Nite Ize DoohicKey is kind of legendary — at least as far as keychain multi-tools are concerned. Made from stainless steel and incorporating an impressive 5+ tools into its construction — including a bottle opener, a trio of hex openings (1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”), a box opener, an integrated ruler, a box opener, and a pry tool — there’s no beating this as a bargain-bin option. In fact, its built-in carabiner clip means you don’t even need a keychain to carry it with you on your person or in your bag. Tipping the scales at just 0.4oz, the Nite Ize DoohicKey is also fully TSA-compliant, meaning it can be taken along on your travels without even needing to be checked in your luggage.

Sure, its carabiner gate may feel a little flimsy and its body construction isn’t as thick or robust as most of the other keychain multi-tools on this list, the Nite Ize DoohicKey nonetheless offers an incredible level of bang for your buck at just $10 — and a pretty incredible level of functionality considering its ultra-compact and pocketable form. One downside to be aware of, however, is that if this model’s carabiner gate breaks, there’s no other option or way of connecting it to a keychain or keyring — though again, for just $10, it’s difficult to complain about this, or frankly any of the DoohicKey’s other shortcomings. 

Gerber Shard

Best Minimalist Multi-Tool: It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the Gerber Shard set the standard for one-piece keychain multi-tools. Despite being little more than a small piece of bent steel, the Shard manages to deliver over half-a-dozen integrated functions — all while spanning just 2.75” and tipping the scales at only an ounce. Forged in a black titanium nitride-coated stainless steel, the Shard’s bevy of tools includes a pry bar, large and small flathead drivers, a wire stripper puller, a bottle opener, a lanyard hole, and a cross driver. 

There are several factors that make the Gerber Shard so noteworthy in my opinion. First off, it delivers a host of utility in a decidedly compact package that’s practically indestructible. Second, practically every millimeter of its design incorporates some useful tool or function. Third off, the thing offers excellent ergonomics, making its suite of tools super easy to use. As if this wasn’t enough, the entire thing comes backed by the Gerber Guarantee lifetime warranty. Oh yeah, it’s also worth mentioning that the Gerber Shard is fully-TSA-compliant as well. So, despite the fact that this device has been in circulation for years at this point, it’s still just as relevant today as it was when it first came out. 

CRKT Pryma

Best Carabiner-Style Multi-Tool: If you were waiting to see a reputable brand you know you can trust, the CRKT Pryma is here for you — even if you’re on an extreme budget. Designed by Jesper Voxnaes — a master knife designer with a long history of superb offerings — this clever keychain multi-tool boasts a suite of half-a-dozen integrated tools and functions ranging from a pry bar to a stepped hex wrench to a keyhole to a bottle opener to an embedded glass-breaking ceramic stud. Equipped with its own spring-loaded carabiner gate for easy attachment and removal on-the-fly, the Pryma is crafted from 3Cr13MoV — a corrosion-resistant stainless steel that’s often used as a blade steel. 

After a few days of carrying it, I also noticed that, when positioned correctly in the hand, this CRKT’s item can also serve as a fairy effective self-defense striking weapon — at least in a pinch. At 3.25″ in length, the CRKT Pryma is admittedly on the larger end of the spectrum for a keychain multi-tool — tied with the Kershaw PT-2 for the longest model we tested — though the biggest gripe I had with this item was how it would occasionally stick or poke into my leg through my pants when my pockets were loaded with the Pryma and other gear, though this downside is far from a dealbreaker. All in all, the CRKT Pryma is an excellent EDC-ready multi-tool that allows you to effortlessly carry half-a-dozen tools and functions on your keyring. 

Kershaw PT-2

Best Value Multi-Tool: Another reputable brand in the EDC space, Kershaw has a slew of small-scale one-piece multi-tools in their arsenal. We’re particularly fond of the Kershaw PT-2 (Pry Tool-2) you see here, as this venerable pocketable powerhouse sees over eight tools and functions crammed into its compact 3.25” form. Weighing in at less than an ounce, this Kershaw-made keychain multi-tool comes armed with a bottle opener, a cap lifter, a pry bar, two screwdriver tips, a wire scraper, a box opener, a lanyard/keyring hole, and three hex wrench sizes (3/8”, 7/16”, and 1/2″).

Interestingly, despite being devoid of a blade (though it does have an effective box-opening tool), the Pry Tool-2 borrows several details and elements from Kershaw’s knife designs. For starters, it offers a tremendous amount of value, yet still boasts solid craftsmanship and an impressive level of fit and finish. More importantly, the entire thing has also been crafted from 3Cr13 blade steel before being bead-blasted and then fitted with a set of the Oregon-based outfit’s signature glass-filled nylon K-Texture handle scales. Though they add very little weight or bulk, these scales massively bolster grip on this multi-tool, making its myriad of integrated functions much easier to use. 

Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife

Best Classic Multi-Tool: This list absolutely wouldn’t be complete without including the Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife. Complete with the brand’s signature styling, this micro-sized version of the iconic SAK is perfectly keychain-sized, yet it still manages to pack in a whopping seven different functions — including a knife blade, spring-loaded scissors, a nail file, a 2.5mm screwdriver, a key ring, tweezers, and a toothpick. Put simply; there’s a very good reason this Swiss-made item has become a bonafide icon in the everyday carry space. 

The immense and continued popularity of Victorinox’s Classic SD Swiss Army Knife has also resulted in this pocketable little SAK now being offered in an enormous number of colors, patterns, materials, and finishes. What’s more, the fact this is one of the most popular EDC items of all time has also given way to a generous selection of available aftermarket upgrades ranging from pocket clips to titanium scales. Victorinox also stands behind this item with a limited lifetime warranty. 

Gerber Dime

Best Overall Keychain Multi-Tool: Another returning champion, the Gerber Dime is one of the most recognizable and lauded keychain multi-tools around — and for very good reason. And, like its more compact sibling, the Shard, it’s still just as relevant today as it was when it was first released. Backed by the Gerber Guarantee, this pocketable multi-tool comes loaded with a set of spring-loaded needle nose pliers, a bottle opener, a flat head driver, a box opener, tweezers, a file, a set of collapsible SAK-style scissors, and a straight-edge sheepsfoot blade. This design has been brought to life in rugged stainless steel — a construction used for both the multi-tool’s body and frame, as well as its suite of integrated tools. 

On their own, these elements don’t make the Dime all that special. What does, however, is the fact that the Gerber Dime does all of this while weighing just 2.2oz and spanning just 2.75” (when closed). This ultimately gives the Dime much of the utility and functionality of a full-sized Leatherman in a markedly more compact — and affordable — package. Despite its diminutive form, the Dime’s entire suite of tools is easy to both use and access — especially with the majority of said tools be accessible even when the tool is closed. At the end of the day, there’s nothing else on the market that offers this level of functionality in a package this small (or accessibly priced) — albeit the Leatherman Micra is no doubt a close second. 

The James Brand Halifax

Best Titanium Multi-Tool: As far as one-piece multi-tools are concerned, The James Brand Halifax might just be the most elegant we’ve ever come across. It’s compact at under 3″ in length, features a secure closed-loop for easy and secure keychain and/or lanyard attachment, boasts an integrated bottle opener, and comes with numerous other built-in functions such as a pry tool and a flathead and Phillips combo bit driver. Even with these integrated functions, TJB’s Halifax sports a sleek minimalist form — another major selling point of this mini multi-tool. 

It doesn’t end there, however, as The James Brand has opted to bring this spartan design to life using super premium materials. Measuring 2.825″ long and 0.625” in length, the Halifax has been precision-machined from a solid block of 0.125-inch-thick grade 5 titanium billet. The use of top-shelf titanium also enables the Halifax to weigh in at only 0.38oz. Sure, it might not offer quite as many functions as some of the other picks on our list, but its high-end nature coupled with its genuinely-useful suite of functions make The James Brand’s Halifax one of the best EDC keychain multi-tools on the market. 

Leatherman Micra

Best Butterfly-Opening Multi-Tool: If you’re surprised to see that Leatherman made this list, you’ve probably not been paying attention, as they’ve been at the forefront of the multi-tool industry for longer than EDC (at least as we understand it today) has even been a thing. In fact, this pocketable powerhouse of a multi-tool was first introduced almost 30-years-ago in 1996. Utilizing Leatherman’s standard butterfly-opening setup — albeit in a more compact package — the Micra comes loaded with 10 tools and functions including flathead and Phillips bit drivers, a nail cleaner, a nail file, a bottle opener, tweezers, a ruler, and a drop point blade forged in 420HC. 

Currently offered in a whopping 10 color (and color-combo) options, the Leatherman Micra also features a key ring attachment for easy keychain carrying. This normally wouldn’t be a big deal, however, at just 2.50” long (when closed), the Micra is legitimately small enough to easily be carried on a keychain. And, while I will admit they are well-made, effective, and easy-to-use, I do wish Leatherman has opted to go with a set of pliers rather than the Micra’s spring-action scissors — as the brand could have still included a set of collapsible SAK-style scissors. Gripe aside, it’s still a fantastic keychain multi-tool that punches well above its weight in terms of functionality — plus in typical Leatherman fashion, it comes backed by the brand’s standard 25-year warranty, literally guaranteeing at least a quarter-century of use. 

Big Idea Design TPT Slide

Best Premium Multi-Tool: The Big Idea Design TPT (Titanium Pocket Tool) Slide is a 3” x 1” keychain utility knife that features a suite of integrated tools and functions such as a flathead driver, a scraper tool, a mini pry bar, a bottle opener, a stainless steel dual-function insert, and a universal wrench design that can accommodate more than a dozen metric and SAE sizes. Equal parts pocketable and premium, this design is made from top-shelf grade 5 titanium and is pieced together using #304 18/8 stainless steel Torx screws. 

Thanks to the fact that the Titanium Pocket Tool sports a removable pocket clip, a keyring opening, and a 550 Paracord lanyard, the TPT Slide affords its user with multiple carrying options, as well. Like other pieces of everyday carry gear from Big Idea Design, the TPT Slide is highly-calculated, plus benefits from the company’s top-notch craftsmanship and build quality. So, while it may not offer the same level of functionality as the butterfly-opening models on this list, the Big Idea Design TPT is still more than worth a look when shopping for a keychain multi-tool. 

Keychain Multi-Tools Comparison Chart

Why Carry A Keychain Multi-Tool?

No matter what kind, the entire purpose of a multi-tool is to offer an unparalleled level of utility in a decidedly compact package. Keychain multi-tools take this concept to the nth degree, affording ample utility in an even more pocketable footprint. From bit drivers to blades to bottle openers, keychain multi-tools offer a ton of preparedness for tackling day-to-day tasks — just as any quality EDC item should. Additionally, keychain-type multi-tools often feature many of the functions of their full-sized counterparts, while being small enough to toss on a keychain or slip into a pocket. Strengthening the case for carrying a keychain multi-tool is the fact that most of these items are priced at between $10 and $30, making this segment particularly affordable — though there are admittedly more premium outliers in the space. At the end of the day, keychain multi-tools offer an unbeatable level of utility and functionality, without requiring you to dedicate the pocket space — or shelling out the money — needed to carry a full-sized Leatherman. 

What To Consider When Shopping?

Because there are so many different keychain multi-tools on the market, all with their own unique shapes, sizes, and features, it can admittedly be a bit tricky knowing what to look for when you first start shopping — even more so if you don’t already possess a basic understanding of the EDC space. In an effort to help streamline your shopping experience, we’ve created this handy section on the most important areas to think about when purchasing a keychain multi-tool. 

Size: As you probably inferred from the name, keychain multi-tools are small and compact items that can easily be carried on a keychain. With that said, keychain multi-tools can still carry pretty considerably in term of size and footprint. While the larger items in this space are less pocketable, they almost always offer markedly more utility and functionality than their smaller counterparts. The trick here is finding a balance between size and utility. 

Materials: Just like with practically any EDC item or piece of gear, the materials used to make a keychain multi-tool will play an enormous role in its overall quality — more specifically it weight, performance, and durability. Because these items are made for daily carrying — and have to be able to withstand the abuses and rigors that come with that – they’re typically made from ultra-hard plastics or polymers, or metal alloys such as steel, brass, or titanium. 

Utility & Amenities: Much like full-size butterfly-opening Leatherman-style multi-tools, keychain multi-tools manage to cram an extraordinary number of tools and functions into an insanely compact and pocketable package. When shopping for one of these items, it’s essential to review the number of tools and functions that are included — with some of the most common on keychain multi-tools because small knives, razors, or cutting edges, bit drivers, bottle openers, and scraper tools. 

Mobility: While size obviously plays a role in mobility, what we’re referring to here is how a keychain multi-tool can be transported. The overwhelming majority of model on the market in this space come fitted with rings or openings to accommodate a keyring, though there are also some keychain multi-tools with integrated lanyard loops, pocket clips, and other items that afford additional means of carrying. 

The Best Keychain Flashlights

Want to check out some other fantastic keychain-based everyday carry options? Then be sure to head over to our guide to the best keychain lights where a shine a light on a curated list of some of the latest and greatest mini EDC torches on the market.