It’s impossible to carry all the tools you’ll ever need around with you – you’d need a van, and then you’ll need a van organiser, then you’ll need a bigger van… While this sounds very enjoyable and the idea of organising the best tools known to the world is enough to get us rubbing our thighs with excitement, there is a more accessible and cheaper way.
Multitools have just about enough on them to make sure we have everything we need to be able to carry out quick repairs. Granted, they are not a whole toolbox full of equipment, but they are a pocket-sized bit of gadgetry that could help you in a tricky situation.
Are multi-tools legal in the UK?
The short answer to this is yes, they are legal in the UK, whether you buy them from an online retailer or the high street.
The area of clarification comes if there is a knife on our multi-tools toolset. In England and Wales, under Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, it may be an offence to have any sharply pointed or bladed instrument in your possession in a public place unless you can show good reason or lawful authority for doing so.
‘Good reason’ for carrying a knife may be shown by occupation as a farmer, joiner, estate manager, electrician, deer stalker, plumber, game shooter or angler. Additionally, it’s acceptable for anyone else who has reasonable grounds for expecting to need a knife whilst pursuing a lawful activity, for example, someone wild camping and building a hide or fire.
If you’re found carrying a multi-tool with a knife, a defence of “it’s there for when I need it” or “I forgot it was there, ‘guv. Honest, I did” won’t cut it.
However, if the knife on the multi-tool has a cutting edge of three inches (7.62cm) or less and it’s a friction blade (not a locking blade), it is legal to carry in public.
Difference between a friction blade and a locking blade
Unfortunately, most multitools have a locking blade – it’s convenient, useful and safe. The last thing you want is the blade folding; you risk cutting your fingers.
The legal definition of a locking blade is a folding knife secured in an open position by a locking device. It can only be released from the open position by pressing a button.
A friction blade does not have any lock or spring mechanism to hold it in place – it simply uses the friction of the handles to hold the blade in place.
The best multi-tools available today
Another important weapon in its arsenal is PowerLock’s ability to be customised according to your needs. You can replace the entire toolset if you want to, and it’s reasonably affordable. We also like the incredible build quality – it's quite a heavy multi-tool, but it’s seriously durable.
Pros
- A large number of tools
- Able to swap out tools
Cons
- Weight
| <strong>Number of tools</strong>: | 18 |
| <strong>Closed length</strong>: | 11.7cm |
| <strong>Weight: </strong> | 272.2g |
| <strong>Warranty: </strong> | Lifetime against manufacturer defects (plier head and handle only) |
| <strong>Materials</strong>: | Stainless steel handle and blade, ballistic nylon handle, nylon sheath |
The Rebar’s focus on pliers, cutters, and screwdrivers makes it very useful for any light fettling, patch repairs, and maintenance. It’s a bit lighter and smaller than the SOG multi-tool, but it’s still a very durable tool.
Pros
- Very respectable name
- Lots of tools
- Uses every bit of space for tools, with a ruler too.
Cons
- Near £100
| <strong>Number of tools: </strong> | 17 |
| <strong>Closed length:</strong> | 10.2cm |
| <strong>Weight: </strong> | 189.9g |
| <strong>Warranty:</strong> | 25-year against manufacturer defects |
| <strong>Materials:</strong> | Stainless steel, nylon sheath |
The Tool Spirit X Plus Ratchet isn’t entirely on par with the SOG for heavy-duty - military levels of durability. However, that bar is very high, and this Victorinox is still very reliable and well made, reflected by its popularity and lifetime warranty.
The price is considerable but, like the others here, you must consider this an investment. It is a multi-tool you should only have to buy once.
Pros
- Different screwdriver heads give it an advantage over other multi-tools
- Durable
Cons
- Very high cost
| <strong>Number of tools:</strong> | 33 |
| <strong>Closed length:</strong> | 10.5cm |
| <strong>Weight:</strong> | 210g |
| <strong>Warranty:</strong> | Lifetime against manufacturer defects |
| <strong>Materials:</strong> | Stainless steel, leather sheath |
Gerber has managed this by staying focused on critical things. Instead of getting bogged down in the impossible attempt to offer everything for nothing that so many others fall for, the Suspension bears 12 common and durable tools, most of which will be helpful for use on minor repairs.
Pros
- Durable
- Low cost
Cons
- The knife locks
| <strong>Number of tools:</strong> | 12 |
| <strong>Closed length:</strong> | 8.9cm |
| <strong>Weight:</strong> | 289.2g |
| <strong>Warranty:</strong> | Lifetime against manufacturer defects |
| <strong>Materials:</strong> | Stainless steel, nylon sheath |
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