8 Best Small Multitools for a Pocket or Purse (October 2026)
The best small multitools for pockets and purses include the Leatherman Sidekick for spring-action pliers, the Victorinox Super Tinker for a slim pocket tool, and the Leatherman Bond for everyday fixes.
On this page (4 sections)
The best small multitool for most people is the Leatherman Sidekick, with spring-action pliers, outside-accessible blades and a lanyard ring. Choose the Victorinox Compact for a slim tool with scissors, or the SOG PowerPint for a short plier tool with a magnetic bit holder.
A compact multitool should be easy to carry and useful for the small jobs you actually face. A purse may have room for a broader tool, while a pocket often rewards a shorter or slimmer shape.
This roundup compares plier-style tools and pocket knives with multiple functions. For even smaller carry options, see the best keychain multitools, or browse compact and keychain tools for the category overview.
Our picks at a glance
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Which small multitool fits your carry style?
The Sidekick is the most balanced plier-style choice here, while the Victorinox Compact best suits a slim pocket carry preference. Pick by carry format first, then check which tools match your common tasks.
The models below range from 3.2 to 4.25 in in their stated closed or folded length, where that measurement is available. Some product data gives a different style of measurement, so compare the exact dimensions before choosing a pocket or purse spot.
Leatherman Sidekick: Best for spring-action pliers
- 14 tools
- Spring-action pliers
- Outside-accessible blades
- Integrated lanyard ring
The Sidekick combines spring-action pliers with outside-accessible blades in a pocket-size tool. Its lanyard ring gives you another way to carry it.
Pros
- Spring-action pliers
- One-hand access to outside blades
- Lanyard ring
Cons
- Heavier than the lightest picks here
- Longer than the smallest pocket tools
The Sidekick is the top pick for a small multitool that still includes pliers. It has 14 tools, including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, bottle and can openers, a file, a saw and a ruler.
Its spring-action jaws and rounded handles are useful details if you expect to grip or turn small items. Leatherman also describes the blades as outside-accessible and one-hand opening, and the integrated lanyard ring offers another way to keep it close.
The stated folded length is 3.8 in and weight is 6.88 oz. That makes it compact enough for a pocket or sheath, but it is heavier than the RX and PowerPint in this group.
Choose the Sidekick if you want a traditional plier multitool with a wide mix of tools. If carrying less weight matters more than having a saw and spring-action pliers, compare the Leatherman Skeletool CX review for another compact carry style.
Victorinox Super Tinker: Best for a slim pocket tool
- 14 stainless steel tools
- Compact and lightweight
- Acid-resistant plastic casing
- Designed to fit pockets without bulk
The Super Tinker keeps 14 tools in a pocket format with a plastic casing. It suits buyers who want a compact pocket tool rather than a plier-style multitool.
Pros
- 14 stainless steel tools
- Compact form
- Plastic casing
Cons
- No pliers
- Weight is not specified
The Super Tinker is a pocket-tool pick for someone who wants 14 stainless steel tools in a compact, lightweight format. Its casing is plastic, and Victorinox describes it as fitting pockets without bulk.
This is a different style from the plier-based tools in the roundup. Choose it if you prefer a Swiss Army style tool and don't need pliers for gripping, cutting wire or turning small hardware.
Its stated folded size is 3.58 in. No weight is specified, so focus on the compact size and tool mix rather than assuming it is the lightest option.
The Super Tinker fits casual pocket carry and small household tasks. For more on the different tool formats, our guide to what makes a multitool the best fit explains how plier tools and pocket knives serve different needs.
Leatherman Bond: Best for everyday fixes
- 14 implements
- Pliers, knife and wire strippers
- Screwdrivers
- Lightweight pocket or backpack carry
The Bond packs pliers, a knife, wire strippers and screwdrivers into a compact tool. Its 4 in length makes it a practical option for pocket or backpack carry.
Pros
- 14 implements
- Includes pliers and wire strippers
- Slim 0.5 in thickness
Cons
- Longer than the smallest picks
- No pocket clip detail specified
The Bond brings 14 implements into a compact steel multitool with pliers, a knife, wire strippers and screwdrivers. At 4 x 1 x 0.5 in and 6.2 oz, it's a straightforward choice for daily fixes at home or on a trail.
Its narrow half-inch thickness can make it easier to carry than a wider tool, though its 4 in length is longer than the PowerPint. The Bond is aimed at buyers who want a general-purpose set of tools without moving up to a full-size model.
Leatherman says the Bond is backed by a 25-year warranty. The stated feature mix includes the familiar essentials for basic repairs, but it doesn't provide a pocket clip detail in the product information here.
Choose the Bond if pliers, wire strippers and screwdrivers are more useful to you than scissors or a pen. For a wider everyday carry comparison, see multitools for everyday use at home.
Victorinox Compact: Best for scissors and a slim profile
- 15 functions
- Scissors
- Multipurpose hook with integrated nail file
- Ballpoint pen
The Compact combines scissors, a multipurpose hook and a ballpoint pen in a slim Swiss Army knife format. It fits buyers who value pocket tools over pliers.
Pros
- 15 functions
- Includes scissors and pen
- Slim 0.6 in width
Cons
- No pliers
- Knife-style tool layout differs from a multitool
The Victorinox Compact is the best fit here if you want scissors and a slim profile instead of pliers. It packs 15 functions into a stated 3.6 x 0.6 in folded size, with a multipurpose hook that has an integrated nail file.
A ballpoint pen, tweezers and toothpick add small everyday functions without turning it into a plier multitool. Its narrow format can suit a pocket or purse where a broader tool feels awkward.
The Compact's function list includes a blade, scissors, corkscrew, key ring and a combination tool for opening bottles and cans, using a screwdriver and stripping wire. That range makes it useful for light tasks, but the tool layout differs from plier-style models.
Pick this one when pocket shape and scissors matter more than gripping power. If you want to compare Swiss Army style options with plier tools, read Swiss Army knife vs multitool.
Leatherman Skeletool RX: Best for emergency gear
- Serrated 154CM blade
- Carbide glass-break bit
- Pliers and wire cutters
- Pocket clip
The Skeletool RX pairs pliers with a serrated blade and carbide glass-break bit. Its pocket clip and 5 oz weight suit buyers who want a compact tool for emergency gear.
Pros
- Pocket clip
- Carbide glass-break bit
- One-hand tool access
Cons
- Specialized emergency features may go unused in routine carry
- Only a serrated blade is specified
The Skeletool RX is built around emergency-focused features: a 154CM serrated blade and carbide glass-break bit. It also has needle-nose and regular pliers, wire cutters, a large bit driver, and a pocket clip.
Its closed length is 4 in and its weight is 5 oz. That balance of a clip and modest weight can suit a pocket or bag, though the emergency features are specialized compared with the simpler tool mixes above.
Leatherman describes the RX as designed for EMTs and first responders. For ordinary pocket carry, consider whether a glass-break bit and serrated blade are functions you expect to use before choosing it over the Sidekick or Bond.
Choose the RX for a compact emergency kit where the glass-break bit and serrated blade have a clear purpose. For plier use and more outdoor carry considerations, see lightweight multitools for hiking.
Gerber Suspension NXT: Best for a broad tool mix
- 15 tools
- Pliers and wire stripper
- Scissors and drivers
- Pocket clip and lanyard point
The Suspension NXT has a wide selection of tools, including pliers, scissors, drivers and a partially serrated blade. Its pocket clip or lanyard point gives you two carry options.
Pros
- 15 tools
- Includes scissors and several drivers
- Pocket clip and lanyard point
Cons
- Longest closed length in this group
- Heavier than the lightest picks
The Gerber Suspension NXT offers 15 tools in a 4.25 in closed length. Its set includes needle-nose pliers, wire stripper, multiple drivers, an awl, nail file, scissors, can and bottle openers, and a partially serrated blade.
A pocket clip and lanyard point offer two carry methods. At 6.4 oz, it is not the lightest option, and its stated closed length is the longest among these picks with a listed measurement.
This tool makes sense if you want a broad mix, especially scissors and several screwdriver sizes in the same multitool. Its butterfly opening and locking feature are also part of its described design.
Choose the Suspension NXT if tool variety matters more than minimum size. For a smaller daily tool that still has pliers, the PowerPint has a shorter stated closed length and lower stated weight.
Leatherman Rev: Best for outside-accessible tools
- 14 tools
- Outside-accessible tools
- Removable pocket clip
- Pliers, package opener and file
The Rev offers 14 tools, outside-accessible features and a removable pocket clip. It suits buyers who want pliers and a compact carry option for daily tasks.
Pros
- Outside-accessible tools
- Removable pocket clip
- Includes package opener
Cons
- Weight is 6.4 oz
- Folded length is not specified
The Rev is a compact Leatherman with 14 tools and outside-accessible tools. Its mix includes needlenose and regular pliers, wire cutters, a wire stripper, knife, package opener, file, openers, ruler and screwdrivers.
A removable pocket clip makes it easy to carry without a sheath. The listed weight is 6.4 oz, but a folded length isn't specified, so consider how you plan to carry it and check the exact dimensions before ordering.
The Rev suits buyers who want a familiar plier-based tool with quick access to some implements. Its package opener is a useful distinction from the Bond if you often open boxes or parcels.
Choose the Rev for a clip-carry option and outside-accessible tools. If you want to compare models by tool size and intended work, browse the full-size multitool guide.
SOG PowerPint: Best for a compact bit holder
- 18 tools
- Magnetic hex bit holder
- Compound leverage pliers
- 3.2 in closed length
The PowerPint pairs 18 tools with a magnetic hex bit holder in a 3.2 in closed format. Its 4.2 oz weight suits buyers who want pliers and bit-driver utility in a small carry tool.
Pros
- Shortest stated closed length here
- Magnetic hex bit holder
- Compound leverage pliers
Cons
- No pocket clip detail specified
- Tool mix may be more than simple carry needs
The PowerPint is the shortest tool here with a stated closed length: 3.2 in. It weighs 4.2 oz and combines 18 tools, including mini pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, two blades and a magnetic hex bit holder.
Its compound leverage design is intended to increase gripping power. The magnetic holder gives it a distinct role for small bit-driven tasks, while the short length and lower weight support pocket or pack carry.
The tool count is broad, but a high count alone doesn't make a multitool the right choice. Check the implements against the jobs you expect to do, especially if you rarely use specialty tools such as a bevel gauge or jewelry driver.
Choose the PowerPint if you want a short, lightweight plier tool with bit-holder utility. If you need a larger set of handles for heavier jobs, our everyday multitool guide can help you decide when to size up.
How we compared these small multitools
We compared the listed dimensions, weight, tool mix and carry features against the needs of pocket and purse users. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Length and weight help narrow the field, but they don't tell the whole story. A slim knife-style tool may sit more comfortably in a pocket than pliers, while a clip or lanyard point may make a wider tool easier to keep within reach.
We also considered what each tool includes: pliers, scissors, blades, drivers, openers and carry features. The best match depends on which of those you expect to use, not the highest tool count.
What should you check before buying a small multitool?
Check the tool's closed size, weight and carry method, then decide whether you need pliers or prefer a slim pocket tool. Those choices narrow the options more effectively than comparing tool counts alone.
Is a shorter multitool always easier to carry?
A shorter tool can fit a smaller pocket, but thickness and weight also affect comfort. The PowerPint has a 3.2 in closed length and 4.2 oz weight, while the Bond is 4 in long and 0.5 in thick.
For purse carry, the added space may make a broader tool manageable. For pocket carry, look at the clip or lanyard design too.
Do you need pliers in a pocket multitool?
Choose pliers if gripping, bending or wire work are common tasks. The Sidekick, Bond, Rev, Skeletool RX, Suspension NXT and PowerPint include pliers.
If you mainly want scissors, a pen, a hook or a blade, the Super Tinker and Compact use a pocket-knife format. Those may be more comfortable if pliers would sit unused.
Are pocket clips and lanyard rings useful?
A pocket clip or lanyard ring gives you a defined way to carry a tool, but it should suit your clothes, bag and routine. The Rev and Suspension NXT have pocket clips, while the Sidekick has an integrated lanyard ring.
The PowerPint's product details don't specify a clip. If clip carry is essential, choose a model that names one.
Which small multitool should you choose?
Choose the Sidekick for spring-action pliers and a balanced tool set, the Compact for scissors in a slim pocket format, and the PowerPint for a short plier tool with a magnetic bit holder. For a broad set that includes scissors and multiple drivers, consider the Suspension NXT.
If you're still deciding between compact carry and a larger tool, use the multitool guide for everyday use to match the size to your regular jobs.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best small multitool for everyday carry?
The Leatherman Sidekick is a strong everyday option if you want spring-action pliers, outside-accessible blades and a lanyard ring. Choose the Victorinox Compact if scissors and a slimmer pocket knife format matter more.
For more carry options, see our guide to the best keychain multitools.
Are small multitools useful without pliers?
Yes. A pocket tool such as the Victorinox Compact can cover tasks with scissors, a multipurpose hook, a pen and other functions, without adding pliers.
If gripping and wire work matter, choose a plier-style multitool such as the Sidekick or Bond.
How small should a pocket multitool be?
Start with the size and weight you are willing to carry each day, then compare the tools you will use. The SOG PowerPint is 3.2 in closed, while the Bond measures 4 x 1 x 0.5 in.
A shorter tool may still feel bulky if it is thick or heavy.
Can a compact multitool replace a full-size multitool?
A compact multitool can cover everyday adjustments and small fixes, but its shorter handles and smaller tool set may not suit heavier work. The Sidekick and Bond include pliers, while the full-size multitool guide covers larger options for more demanding jobs.
Choose based on the tasks you expect to handle.
