So you’re looking for a low-cost, convenient EDC tool that doesn’t require an extra bag or a lot of dedicated room in a purse. Sometimes it’s not convenient to lug around a full-sized tool; and sometimes it’s not convenient to pay for one either! If you still want to have the capability to pry up a stuck grate, tighten a loose screw, maybe bonk a stubborn head or two, and still crack open a bottle in the backyard without dropping a ton of cash for the chance, check out some of these awesome EDC pocket tools from Gearbest.com.
For each of these tools, we spent a little time poking around the GearBest.com site. This place has a huge range of wares but I focused on their good selection of outdoor, preparedness, and EDC gear. Probably the best part of the site is their dirt cheap prices. All of the tools in this article sell for less than $5 on the site.
Sanrenmu SK011D
best pocket multitools
First off, you’re paying for a clever tool, not a clever name. This carabiner-based tool is perfect for using as a key ring, or just for snapping onto a bag, belt, jersey pocket, or other handy MOLLE loop. Equipped with a couple of hex wrenches, a bottle opener, two of the most common spoke keys, and a flathead and honest-to-God Phillips screwdriver, this little tool seems specially designed to cover all of the minor mechanical needs of a bike commuter or other cyclist.
Clip this guy wherever it fits, or just put it in the bag with your spare tube and tire levers. Maybe even clip this to a seat rail, so as to not forget it on an impromptu ride downtown. For four bucks, it’s the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy.
Who this is good for:
Someone who wants to add a tool to a bag loop.
Someone who cycles to work or for exercise.
A person who wants Good basic tools (screwdrivers) in a nice, functional form.
Sanrenmu GJ017D
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Apparently inspired by the glut of tools offered under the Atwood brand, these jobbies are far easier to get your hands on, and available at a fraction of the price. With six hex wrenches, a nail puller, two spoke wrenches, the ever-necessary bottle opener, and 6.5cm of measuring stick (This preparedness-minded group never forgets that it’s 2.54 centimeters to an inch, right?), it’s a good thing this little tool was built tough enough to be a daily user.
This tool would be an excellent addition to any EDC arsenal. It’s got functions that aren’t included on most Swiss Army knives or Leathermans, and it’s as accessible as your keychain. If you need an extra keyring to keep track of this thing, you’re in luck. The included ring is one of the good flat ones, with an inner diameter of 24mm. Pop Quiz: What’s that in inches?
Who this is good for:
Someone who wants more tools and options than a standard mini pocket tool.
Someone looking for light prying ability, the requisite wrench options, a small measurer, and a good old bottle opener – a good range of tools in this compact package.
If you think you will be using your pocket tool a lot, this you probably want to consider one that is this size.
GearBest Camping Tool
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The heat-treated stainless steel Camping Tool owes its excellent usability to its slightly larger size. Most of the functions of this tool take full advantage of that extra leverage. The full-sized bottle opener is particularly nice, but the extra oomph given to the nail puller isn’t to be scoffed at either.
Oh, and in the case of getting into a particularly violent pinch, one might come to the desperate point of threading finger through that bottle opener, bracing the wide side of the tool in one’s palm, and getting down to business with the nail puller end. It’s not advertised as a knuckleduster but other tools that are of a similar design from other brands are, I guess it is up to the user’s discretion.
The size of this tool does tend to limit its ease of carry. It would be more at home in a bag or cargo pocket than on a keychain. Consider it as a handy do-it-all in your tool bag, or stick it in an easily accessible pocket of an EDC bag. By the way, let’s agree to make more friends than enemies with that multi-functional bottle opener.
Who this is good for:
A tradesman or DIYer who wants one small extra tool with good nail pulling or prying power.
Also good for someone who wants a multitool that can fit in a bag and be an intimidating self defense tool.
GearBest Multifunctional Tool
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This little tool definitely takes the cake in cool factor. After seeing that the features include three screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a line cutter, and a nail file and tweezers, we’d expect you to be impressed. When you see how this little tool fits on your keychain, though, you’ll flip.
The steel the tool is made from is actually folded over along its spine in such a way that it allows the tool to not just fit on your keychain, but to fit around an individual key! In other words, this tool takes up almost no extra space in your current setup. It’s free functionality for less than five bucks.
In the Multifunctional Tool, we have a really clever, convenient little piece. Do be aware that the tweezer function doesn’t work while the tool is mounted to a key. Also, consider dulling the point of the smallest screwdriver if you intend to take this tool on a plane. Some hardnose TSA agents might not be as impressed with this tool as we are.
Who this is good for:
Someone who wants as much tool as possible for as little space as needed.
Someone who wants to add a highly versatile tool to their keychain but probably won’t be flying around too often.
GearBest Pocket Prytool
best pocket multitool
Back to the basics here. This tool is a no-nonsense bottle opener with a flathead screwdriver and prybar tip. The prybar has fair leverage for small tasks, while the screwdriver tip does seem to be designed to fit many Phillips-style screws as well. This gives it a little bit of an edge over the Leatherman Brewzer that it strongly resembles. The Pocket Prytool does a mean job of all these tasks, and will probably last forever.
If you’re flying with this tool, don’t expect too much hassle from your friendly neighborhood TSA agent. I did actually fly with it on my keychain and the tool did get a second glance and close inspection at the security checkpoint. It was allowed to pass through. On the way back through, it went through the x-ray without any problem. It’s not currently illegal to fly with a tool that tightens screws and opens bottle tops. That said, do stay tuned for news of this “loophole” being closed.
Who this is good for:
Someone who wants a small basic tool with minimalist looks. It is basically a combination of a screwdriver, pry bar, and bottle opener so if you frequently encounter situations where you may need to do any of those things, this is a good option.
It should also be TSA safe for all but the most aggressive officers so good for frequent travelers who want a tool in their pocket.
A Word on These Pocket Multitools:
Like any EDC pocket tools, these little champions aren’t intended to do it all. Each of them would be a great companion to a larger kit as a backup or light-duty first tool. If you’re like some of us here at The Bug Out Bag Guide, you like to carry layers of tools. Each of these miniature tools serve their purpose as an easy-to-grab tool that can solve many of life’s little hiccups without fuss.
best pocket multitool
My current keychain, with the Pocket Prytool added. I clip it to my EDC bag using the Sanrenmu SK011D when it’s not in my pocket.
Whether it’s quickly pulling some last-minute nails before an apartment walk-through, tuning a spotty derailleur, snugging down an electrical outlet cover, or simply being the buddy who can deliver the cold ones ready-to-drink, these tools fit the bill. Their size belies their usefulness.
Prying Ourselves Away:
If you haven’t already ordered one of each of these tools, don’t let us stop you. You’ll definitely find a use for all of them. If you have one on order, or if you’ve already carry any type of pocket tool, we want to hear about it! What are your intentions for these little buggers? How have they helped you in the past day, week, or month?
by Chris Ruiz
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