THE BEST Tools

Despite its name, TAD Gear’s B.R.A.T.T. is a helpful titanium billet tool; it can serve as a screwdriver, nail puller or bottlecap lifter, and also as a self-defense tool in a pinch. Thanks, Chris!

Despite its innuendo-laden name, SwissTech’s Screwz-All is actually a compact 4-in-1 tool set with two Philips and flathead screwdrivers each; it folds flat for easy keychain carrying.

Striker’s Carbide Utility Score features a v-shaped carbide tip with aggressive crosscut file for scribing deep and wide cut; it’s also safe, letting you cut toxic fiber cement with minimal dust.

Designed by a former US Marine, the Manticuda was created with versatility in mind; it features a multi-faceted, double-edged blade, multi-hold handle and heavy-duty Kydex sheath.

Two classic labels come together with these Carhartt x Zippo Storm Lighters; they’re available in black, white or or brown and finished with powder coated lacquer and a Carhartt logo.

We’ve all drummed away at our desks at some point, so think of these Drumstick Pencils as the marriage of two great houses: wood pencils with oval tips, perfect for percussive prose.

Nothing gets us more excited than lasers, especially ones that are borderline dangerous; Wicked Lasers’ Spyder II GX outputs 200-300mW with a range of over 100 miles.

We’ve been waiting for Leatherman’s Freestyle since 2007, but it’ll finally be available this month; it’s the lightest multi-tool with full-size pliers and a blade, weighing just 4.5 ounces.

Striker’s Magnetic Light Mine features a dozen rare earth magnets that allow you to easily position and aim its wide angle LED; it also doubles as a pick up tool for screws and nails.

While it may not pack as many tools as Topeak’s Alien II, this Increase Utility Knife by Stussy sneaks in a few goodies, including a pen light and tone-on-tone Stussy graffiti logo.

Rockwell’s RK9000 Jawhorse is a portable workbench, with jaws that extend up to 37″ and clamp down with 2,200 lbs. of force; it folds up for easy storage and weighs only 43 pounds.

If you’ve got buddies in the Armed Forces, this Samson Field Survivor may just be a life saver; it’s a multi-tool system for servicing AR15 or M16 rifles that slides right into the pistol grip.

The pen is indeed mightier than the sword with the Pocket Shark Pen, which doubles as a self-defense weapon; it’s made with glass-reinforced plastic and a screw-top cap.

Kick Mother Nature’s butt with the 800-pound V8 Snowblower, which packs a 412-hp big block Chevy, hydraulically driven tracks and twin 4″ pipes with a throaty exhaust note.

Want to keep your eco-proclivities on the down-low? This Solio Solar Power Charger features three fan-shaped panels that fold away; it’s good for charging your mp3 payer or phone.

Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, Energizer’s Night Strike line of LED flashlights maximize durability and runtime; they’ll come in handheld, swiveling and multifunction flavors.

Steel Toe Studios excels at making cool stuff from found objects; their Cyclone bike gear bottle opener is our top pick; it’s welded to a steel bushing and then oxidized and hot waxed.

Designed for soldiers to snag trip or IED detonation wires, EOD’s Micro Grappling Hook is a life-saving device that’s also easy to pocket; it won’t, however, support your bodyweight.

They may not be glamorous, but these color-coded tire pressure caps make a lot of sense: available in 32 and 36 psi versions, they’ll let you know when your tires need air.

If you’re tired of memorizing numbers, Wordlocks let you secure your bike or other precious goods with the good ol’ English alphabet; up to 100k word combos are possible.

It’s nowhere near pocketable, but this Giant Swiss Army Knife by Wenger puts to rest any doubts about your preparedness; it squeeze in 85 tools and weighs nearly 3 pounds.

For impossible to satisfy DIYers, Black & Decker’s SmartDriver uses a retractable screw holder with magnetic tip; it also features a six-position clutch and built-in LED.

Wear and tear is a fact of life for both mountain and urban bicyclists; Topeak’s popular Alien II is a Swiss Army knife for riders, with 26 hardened steel tools in a break-apart body.

Guaranteed to get a rise out of woodworkers, Henry O Studley’s tool chest is at the Smithsonian; it’s made with mahogany, rosewood, walnut, ebony and mother of pearl.

Eliminate those pesky, “Is that a wrench in your pocket or are you just happy…” questions with this Crescent-style folding pocket wrench; choose from either metric or inch sets.

A boon to impromptu photographers, the Modo Pocket is a foldable tripod that fits in your pocket; its four rubber feet guarantee stability while hinges allow you to angle and position it.