Best Tactical Multi-Tools 2026: Leatherman Arc, MUT, Gerber, SOG Ranked
A quality multi-tool belongs in every range bag, truck console, and EDC rotation. We cover the best tactical multi-tools for AR-15 maintenance, everyday carry, and field use, from the purpose-built Leatherman MUT to budget-friendly options that still deliver.
Key Takeaways
- →Best Overall (Premium): Leatherman Arc with MagnaCut blade steel and FREE magnetic one-hand opening, the most advanced multi-tool made
- →Best for AR-15 Owners: Leatherman MUT with bolt override tool and bronze carbon scraper for field maintenance
- →Best All-Around: Leatherman Wave+ balances capability, size, and price for everyday carry and general use
- →Best for Fastener Work: Gerber Center-Drive puts the bit driver on center axis for maximum torque
- →Best Budget Option: SOG PowerAccess Deluxe delivers compound leverage cutting power at ~$65
Build Your Range Bag Setup
Configure your AR-15 build with our interactive builder, then add the right multi-tool to your kit for field maintenance.
What Makes a Multi-Tool Tactical?
A tactical multi-tool goes beyond general-purpose designs to address specific needs: firearm maintenance, field repairs, one-hand operation, and durability under harsh conditions. The best tactical multi-tools share several characteristics:
- •Locking tools: All deployed tools lock securely to prevent accidental closure during use
- •One-hand operation: Main blade and pliers deploy single-handed when your other hand is occupied
- •MOLLE compatibility: Sheath attaches to load-bearing equipment for secure carry during movement
- •Firearm-specific tools: Bit drivers, carbon scrapers, and maintenance implements for field repairs
- •Robust construction: Heat-treated steel and secure pivot points that withstand hard use
Not every situation requires firearm-specific tools. For general EDC and field use, a well-built multi-tool with quality pliers, a solid blade, and useful bit drivers covers most needs. The recommendations below span both specialized tactical tools and versatile all-rounders.
Top 5 Tactical Multi-Tools Ranked
Ranked by overall performance across build quality, tool selection, blade steel, one-hand operation, and value for tactical/EDC use.
Leatherman Leatherman Arc
Best Overall - Premium flagship with unmatched blade steel and one-hand operation
- +CPM MagnaCut blade (60-63 HRC) - best edge retention, corrosion resistance, AND toughness
- +FREE magnetic technology - all 20 tools open one-handed
- +Even pliers open one-handed (unique to Arc)
- +All tools outside-accessible without opening pliers
- +DLC coating for additional protection
- +Includes bit set and 4-pocket nylon sheath
- −Most expensive production multi-tool at $250
- −Heavier than minimalist EDC options
Leatherman Leatherman MUT
Best for AR-15 Owners - Purpose-built firearm maintenance tools
- +Bolt override tool for clearing double-feeds and FTE malfunctions
- +Bronze carbon scraper won't damage bolt finish
- +Replaceable firearm-specific bits (scope rings, rail bolts, grip screws)
- +MOLLE-compatible sheath included
- +154CM blade steel with good edge retention
- +Designed with military armorers
- −Heavy at 11.6 oz
- −Premium price hard to justify for non-AR owners
- −Firearm tools less useful for general EDC
Gerber Gerber Center-Drive
Best for Fastener Work - True screwdriver rotation and torque
- +Center-axis bit driver rotates like real screwdriver
- +Maximum torque transfer for stubborn fasteners
- +Spring-loaded pliers reduce hand fatigue
- +One-hand opening blade locks securely
- +Standard 1/4" bit compatible
- +Good balance of capability and portability
- −420HC blade steel less impressive than premium options
- −No AR-specific tools
- −Fewer total tools than competitors
Leatherman Leatherman Wave+
Best All-Around - Perfect balance of capability, size, and price
- +18 tools cover virtually every common task
- +Both blades and saw deploy from outside (no pliers needed)
- +Replaceable wire cutter inserts ('+' designation)
- +Plain + serrated blades for different cutting tasks
- +25-year warranty
- +Decades of proven field reliability
- −Not one-hand opening for all tools
- −No firearm-specific implements
- −Basic 420HC blade steel on main blade
Gerber Gerber MP600
Military Proven - Decades of combat-proven reliability
- +Carbide insert wire cutters for hardened materials
- +NSN-issued to US military since 1998
- +One-hand opening for pliers and blade
- +Multiple variants (Pro Scout, DET, Bladeless)
- +Proven in demanding field conditions
- +Good value at ~$85
- −Fewer features than modern competitors
- −Basic blade steel
- −Design shows its age compared to newer tools
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Best Budget Option
Exceptional value for users who need dependable cutting power without premium pricing.
Compact EDC Options
Lighter options for daily pocket carry that strip down to essentials while maintaining quality.
Leatherman Skeletool
Minimalist 7-tool design at just 5 oz. Carabiner clip and one-hand opening blade for effortless pocket carry.
- ✓Carabiner clip for belt loop carry
- ✓One-hand opening 420HC blade
- ✓CX variant upgrades to 154CM blade (~$100)
- ✓Perfect weight for daily pocket carry
- Tools
- 7
- Blade Steel
- 420HC (CX: 154CM)
- Weight
- 5 oz
Leatherman Charge+ TTi
Premium titanium handles with S30V blade steel for superior edge retention. 19 tools in a lighter package than steel equivalents.
- ✓Titanium handles - lighter and stronger than steel
- ✓S30V blade steel - superior edge retention
- ✓19 tools with outside-accessible features
- ✓Premium investment for serious users
- Tools
- 19
- Blade Steel
- S30V
- Weight
- 8.4 oz
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X
Swiss precision with 27 tools in a slim 0.47" profile. Spring-loaded pliers reduce fatigue during extended use.
- ✓Slimmest profile at 0.47" thick
- ✓Spring-loaded pliers reduce hand fatigue
- ✓Swiss precision manufacturing
- ✓27 tools in compact package
- Tools
- 27
- Blade Steel
- Stainless
- Weight
- 9.0 oz
Gerber Stake Out
Ultralight 3.4 oz camping-focused multi-tool with ferro rod striker and tent stake puller.
- ✓Lightest option at 3.4 oz
- ✓Ferro rod striker on blade spine
- ✓Tent stake puller for camping
- ✓Excellent value at ~$40
- Tools
- 11
- Blade Steel
- 7Cr17MoV
- Weight
- 3.4 oz
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What multi-tool do special forces use?
▶Is the Leatherman MUT worth the money?
▶What is the best multi-tool for EDC?
▶Can you fly with a multi-tool?
▶How do I maintain my multi-tool?
▶What is the toughest Leatherman multi-tool?
▶Is Leatherman or Victorinox better?
▶Is it legal to carry a Leatherman tool?
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Bottom Line
If you want the absolute best multi-tool regardless of price, the Leatherman Arc ($250) delivers MagnaCut blade steel and FREE magnetic one-hand opening that no competitor can match. It's a buy-once, cry-once investment for serious users.
For AR-15 owners who want the best field maintenance tool, the Leatherman MUT ($180) is the clear choice. The bolt override and bronze carbon scraper are genuinely useful tools that no other multi-tool offers.
For everyone else, the Leatherman Wave+ remains the best all-around choice, balancing capability, size, and price. The Gerber Center-Drive wins if fastener work is your priority, while the SOG PowerAccess Deluxe delivers exceptional cutting power for budget-conscious buyers.
Check our Component Catalog for armorer's tools, torque wrenches, and other maintenance equipment to complete your range bag setup.
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