THE BEST Tools

Virginia Beach tool shop Teale Designs handmakes a variety of useful pocket pry bars, each of which features a bottle opener and a lanyard hole. Some models also hold a screwdriver bit, too. We particularly like the perforated designs, which not only look cool, but reduce weight. They come in stainless steel or brass.

This ultra-light, but sturdy aluminum alloy shovel makes quick work of digging latrines when camping. It travels easily in your backpack, and can be used standalone in soft soil, or attaches to sticks with reusable heavy duty ties for extra leverage in hard soil. Now don’t forget to pack plenty of toilet paper.

This collapsible carbon steel and aluminum shovel fits inside of a compact carrying bag, yet offers 16 functions. In addition to shoveling, it works as a saw, hammer, axe, wire cutter, screwdriver, hacksaw, knife, hook, hoe, ice pick, firestarter, whistle, disgorger, ruler, and even a bottle opener. A must-have in every car trunk.

This folding steel multitool features a pair of sturdy locking pliers, a pin vice, wire cutters, a wire stripper, a file, ruler, serrated knife, a hex-bit driver, various screwdrivers, and a bottle opener. It also comes with Leatherman’s legendary quality and a 25 year warranty.

MecArmy’s X7S is a kit that comes with a 130 lumen flashlight and a refillable lighter. The great thing about the kit is that you can connect the two tools and carry them as one, or you can use them separately, thanks to the included connecting capsule, which doubles as a storage cache.

We rather enjoy watching tools being recycled to serve another purpose besides their original use. In this clip from Hassan “Habu” Abu-Izmero, he takes us through the process of transforming an old steel box wrench into a razor-sharp axe.

Acebeam’s chunky handheld flashlight blasts out a retina-burning 32,500 lumens at its top setting. It’s machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, waterproof to IPX8 standards, and has a built in tripod mount. It’s so powerful at its highest settings that you need to wear gloves to protect from the heat it throws off.

What’s the most overlooked cocktail ingredient? It’s ice. Ice, baby. The key to a perfectly chilled drink is a big chunk of ice so it doesn’t melt and dilute the good stuff. This heavy-duty Anvil Ice Pick is just what the mixologist ordered. The stainless-steel anvil end scores an ice block, while the sharp bit does the breaking and carving.

This keychain-sized titanium micro tool reminds us a bit of Bullet Bill from the Mario games. Though instead of blowing you up, this guy pops opens bottles, and can hold a hex bit in its mouth, so it doubles as a screwdriver. (Bits not included.)

Oscar Lhermitte’s packing tapes are printed with various units and measurements, so you can tear away just the length you need. One tape is printed with a ruler and a protractor, while the other has various gauges and charts. Sold as a set of two rolls.

Milwaukee Tools’ Stud tape measure is designed to take a beating, with a reinforced blade that resists kinks, and the ability to extend up to 17 feet before giving way, making long measurements easier without a helper. The latest version also has dual-sided printing for ease of reading. Available in 16′, 25′, and 35′ lengths.

This lightweight pocket tool from Swiss Advance has five tool steel blades, providing a variety of useful functions like cutting, scaling fish, opening bottles, turning nuts, and even eating your lunch. Available in naked stainless steel, or wrapped in a handsome leather holder.

This pocket flashlight from Lumintop may be small, but it’s mighty. Its triple Cree XPL-HI LED can kick out up to 2800 lumens when used with an 18650 battery. Its case is made from military-grade anodized aluminum, and it’s been sealed to IP68 waterproof standards. Measures 92.5mm (3.64″) long, and weighs just 53g (1.87 oz.)

This mini multitool is designed to make quick work of opening boxes, cutting rope, strapping, and other light-duty tasks. Its hook-shaped 2Cr13 steel blade end protects package contents, while its other half packs a mini pry bar, a flathead screwdriver, and a bottle opener. Sold in a two-pack.

Boone Titanium Rings‘ oval-shaped titanium multitool packs 21 functions into something small enough to keep on your keychain. Among its many tools are a package opener, wood saw, comb, pliers, wrenches, tweezers, flat screwdriver, knives, 1/4″ hex driver, bottle opener, and a ferrocerium firestarter rod.

This premium Swiss Army knife from Victorinox looks great with its walnut wood scales, and packs in an impressive 29 different functions, including a blade, screwdrivers, bottle opener, pliers, scissors, wood saw, magnifying class, corkscrew, and more. Weighing in at 6.5oz., it’s quite hefty, but also incredibly versatile.

This useful multitool features a sturdy 440C steel blade that works as a serrated knife, chisel, lever, belt cutter, scraping tool, and more. Its G-10 handle scales provide good grip, and it comes with a matching leather sheath. Measures 6.25″ long overall, with a 1.25″ blade length.

Scissors in multitools are often small and hard to hold. That’s not the case with SOG’s Snippet, which has a pair of scissors as its central tool. It even has finger loops for precision. It also has a blade, a screwdriver, a nail file, a toothpick, tweezers and a bottle opener.

Mantis Knives’ long and skinny frame-lock model has a stubby 1-1/2″ drop-point 420 steel blade, but opens to a total length of 6″, providing plenty of grip space on its 6061 aluminum handle. It doubles as a bottle opener as well.

Roxon’s versatile, yet compact tool offers up six useful features for outdoor cooking: fork, spatula, knife, tongs, bottle opener, and wine corkscrew. It’s made from food-grade 430 stainless steel, and comes with a nylon carrying pouch. Measures about 11″ long when folded.

Streamlight’s clever key-shaped flashlight is perfect for eyeing locks in the dark, or for illuminating other nighttime tasks. It’s got a clean white 35-lumen LED light source, is weather resistant, and has a USB-rechargeable battery built-in.

Accessory maker Dango bundles its slimline S1 Stealth wallet with their MT03 stainless steel multitool, which combines a money clip with a comb, screwdriver, wrenches, a bottle opener, and a detachable spork. The wallet is made from a durable material called “DTEX,” and holds up to nine cards in its pockets.

We always enjoy watching craftspeople turn objects intended for one thing into something entirely different. In this clip from My Mechanics, offers up one off the more impressive transformations we’ve seen, reworking an ordinary stainless steel bolt and a brass rod into a working combination lock.

Despite being just 2.7″ long, this pocket-size flashlight manages to crank out an impressive 1500 lumens in its maximum power mode. It has a CREE XHP50 LED light source, Firefly, Turbo, Strobe, and stepless dimming modes, and recharges via a USB cable. Available in neutral white or cool white LED color temperatures.

Hobby tool maker Dremel’s soldering iron is powered by butane, so it can work without electricity. It also features interchangeable tips so it can be used for cutting, shrinking, wood burning, cleaning, and other tasks that require heat all in one portable tool.

Clore Automotive’s handy work light features COB technology, which ensures a bright and smooth field of illumination. It has a magnetic base with a 180º pivot, and can attach inside of car hoods, stand on its own, or work handheld. Available in 200, 300, 500, and 800 lumen versions, each with a 60 lumen spotlight in front.