I’m taking a short break from sorting out the next batch of Black Friday deal updates, and found myself looking at EDC gear – different kinds of pocket tools.
This particular collection of tools and gadgets seems versatile and maybe even gift-worthy.
Do you have a recommendation to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
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Gerber 3-in-1 Axe Multi-Tool Keychain – $11 at Amazon
I just ordered one of these for myself. It’s not a real axe, it’s a package opener, screwdriver, and bottle opener. If it does’t work out, then it’s at least a cute keychain.
Ryobi USB Lithium Bluetooth Speaker – $59 at Home Depot (Deal)
Okay, I might be stretching the bounds of what “pocket tool” can mean, but I noticed this Ryobi Bluetooth speaker is on sale right now, and I felt compelled to squeeze in a mention somewhere.
It’s a good size – compact and portable, but yet large enough to still sound good. The kit comes with a battery and charging cable.
Milspin Rhino Bar Pocket Pry Bar – $11 at Amazon (Deal)
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I recently ordered one of these mini USA-made pry bar tools and found it to be well-made. The price just dropped a little for Black Friday, and it didn’t take much self-convincing for me to order another one for my workshop tool box.
Kobalt Mini Rapid Utility Knife 3-Pack – $10 at Lowe’s (Deal)
I ordered one of these too – they’ll be here soon. These mini knives seem convenient for smaller cutting tasks. The 3-pack comes with extras to share, or one for every tool box, drawer, or workbench.
Wuben G5 Rechargeable Flashlight – $20 at Amazon
This mini EDC flashlight made quite the impression. It has a pivoting head, multiple modes, and different carrying and mounting options.
The G5 seems to be very popular, and I’ve been watching the different colors go in and out of stock.
RovyVon A3 Keychain Rechargeable Flashlight ~$18 at Amazon (Deal)
Here’s a different mini flashlight for those who want a more traditional form factor.
Klein Tools Mini Bit Ratchet Set – $17 at Amazon
There are a lot of bit ratchets on the market. Milwaukee has one too – sold at Home Depot – but the Klein is a little more affordable. This Klein has an interesting handle shape and convenient loop that accommodates different carrying options.
Zippo Bit Safe Screwdriver Insert ~ $11 at Amazon (Deal)
This is one of the most unique multi-bit pocket screwdrivers I have ever come across.
The sheer number of Zippo case options allows for some degree of customization or personalization to go along with the utility. In other words, you need a case, so choose one that speaks to your style or tastes.
If you don’t already have a case, Amazon has the plain Zippo Classic for around $16.
Civivi Precision Tweezers with Leather Sheath ~ $22 at Amazon (Deal)
I saw a few entries for this Civivi tweezers in our anonymous Amazon affiliate logs – basically readers have been buying it – promoting me to take a closer look.
There are less expensive splinter tweezers out there, but I don’t think I’ve seen any this overbuilt, and good or bad they also don’t look anything like this.
Leatherman Skeletool CX Minimalist Multi-Tool – $69.95 at Amazon (Deal, 6 Color Options)
The other suggestions came to mind easily, and then I got stuck. So what better way to wrap up this gift guide with another mention of one of my favorite multi-tools.
Knife, pliers, screwdriver – these are the 3 functions I need most, and the Skeletool has them all quickly accessible.
Looking for more tool gift ideas? See Cool Tools, Deals, and Gift Guide.
MM
I suspect most readers know about these already, but the smaller sizes of Knipex Cobras and Pliers Wrenches are wonderful pocket tools. The XS models are the smallest though in my opinion the 5-inch (125mm) versions are more capable while still being very pocket friendly. They also make the CoBolt cutters in a compact size now.
Olfa craft knives, of which there are many variants, are great. There is the CK-1, CK-2, 34B, LTD-06, and there’s even an outdoors/camping oriented model now. Most of them cost under $10.
Silky Pocketboy saws are always worth mentioning. There are two series, 130mm and 170mm blade length, and they are available in many different versions. There are outdoor-oriented types, the finer teeth ones leave such a nice cut you could use them for fine woodworking or crafts, the coarser ones are great for pruning, firewood, etc. The “curve” models have a curved tooth line that cuts more aggressively.
Another excellent pocket tool is the Blazer micro torch, PB207. Theoretically this is a lighter, and you can use it for that, but it’s actually a quite powerful little torch you can use for soldering, freeing small stuck parts, heat shrink, melting the ends of rope, and so on. They are made in a zillion different colors including high-viz, and are available with either a wide flame or a jet flame.
fred
All great additions to Stuart’s list.
This year, I bought some of the Wuben G5’s, some keychain bit holders and a batch of Vim 10mm keychain wrenches – but I paid around $12 each with a Zoro coupon. Amazon sells them too – but their price is up – and they have many alternatives:
https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Flex-RATCHETING-Wrench-Chain/dp/B0D84YZ52Q
Stuart
Knipex Pliers Wrench XS (AMZN)
Knipex Cobra XS (AMZN)
Workpro Mini Pliers (AMZN)
I 100% agree about Knipex, but the pricing can be difficult to justify for anyone who hasn’t already tried the Pliers Wrenches or Cobra-style adjustable pliers before. I still remember how long it took me to finally justify purchasing my first Knipex Pliers Wrench.
Jared
Need an SAK on the list! Maybe a Huntsman, Compact, or Signature Light?
A knife is the main tool I keep in my pocket, but that doesn’t seem like the sort of thing you gift except to someone who already likes pocket knives. An SAK feels different – just a bit more socially acceptable.
MM
Agreed, SAKs are great! A few other ideas:
Stabila pocket level
Wera Tool-Check, Bit-Check, and pouch sets–there are a lot of these, many are very pocket-friendly.
N-in-1 stubby screwdriver, take your pick: Klein, Milwaukee, Wiha, Vessel, PB Swiss…
S
What is SAK? After some googling, it seems it’s Swiss Army Knife?
I retired most of those for a preference for locking blade knives.