Everybody has heard of the Swiss Army knife and the Leatherman. Most people own at least one of the two. However, there’s a much larger selection of multitools on the market today than there used to be. They range quite a bit in cost, style, tool selection, and of course usefulness. Quite a few of them seem more like novelties than actual tools.
Fortunately, there’s a few gadgets out there that look like they could be quite handy in a pinch. For the space conscious prepper, nothing beats having everything you need in one portable tool. So here’s five awesome multitools that you didn’t even know you needed.
Normally, a pair of scissors on a multitool means you have a dinky little set of blades that can’t cut much more than a thread. In this case, the scissors are the best part. Unlike some multitools, this one isn’t burdened with dozens of tiny impractical tools. The Raptor 
While not exactly a new design, it’s definitely an underrated one. I actually happen to own one of these, and it comes in handy pretty much every time I need to open up a laptop or other electronic devices. It’s a five ounce hammer (don’t ask me why I use hammers on my laptop) that includes 4 screwdrivers of different sizes, each one varying between Phillips and flat-head depending on the brand you buy. Each piece twists into the next larger piece, much like a set of Russian nesting dolls. So when you want to use the hammer, none of the other tools are in the way.
This little guy packs quite a few tools, including a knife, wrench jaws, screwdriver heads, a bottle opener, and a flashlight. Personally, I hate keeping tools in my pockets, or having a sheath slide onto my belt. Putting all of these onto a carabiner seems way more convenient than most multitools.
This one seems like a great companion for the urban survivalist. Based on some of the reviews, it looks like it’s become a popular choice for firefighters as well. In addition to being a good pair of cable cutters, it also has a pry bar and a spanner wrench. More importantly, it’s about 12 inches long and weighs less than 2 lbs. If that seems a little too small or too big, they come in several different variations.
KLAX
At first I didn’t see the appeal with this one. Placing multiple tools onto an axe head seems a little silly. Not once in my entire life, have I ever thought that an axe head was lacking in any way. After reading through the kickstarter campaign though, this piece looks like it has a lot of potential for preppers.
It has the typical stuff you see on most multitools, including a lanyard hole, carabiner, bottle opener, and a ruler on the back that’s etched into a hammer. What’s much more impressive, is its ability to be removed from the handle and placed on just about any other piece of wood. All you need to do is cut a notch in a flexible piece of wood, and wedge it inside. The center of the axe head has two rotating clamps that you can secure to your new handle.
Now it’s easier than ever to fit an axe into your bug out bag. All you need to do is take the axe head with you, and make the handle on site. It comes in several variations that range in cost, and will start selling next month.
So there you have it. Whether you’re just trying to condense your tool chest, or you’re looking for some Christmas ideas, a good multitool is not too far away. And above all else, you now have a few new ways to diversify your bug out bag without adding too much weight.
“The 6 in 1 Hammer is not exactly a new design” I’ll say! There was one in my Grandma’s kitchen drawer in the ’50s, and probably wasn’t new then. (Grandpa’s ‘real’ tools were across the road in the machine shed.)
Thanks! Looks like some really cool and practical tools. That KLAX tool looks really cool and practical!