The Best Multitool for Electricians
by Team Tradify, September 24, 2024
Table of Contents
For electricians, time and efficiency are everything. That’s where multitools for electricians come in — a compact, versatile alternative to lugging around a full toolbox — ideal for quick fixes, assessments, or those tight spaces where larger tools just won’t fit. Explore our top multitool picks for electricians for the best options for sturdy, reliable additions to your tool collection.
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- Best overall: Leatherman — Surge
- Best budget-friendly: Gerber Gear — Suspension-NXT
- Best Swiss made: Victorinox — Swiss Tool Spirit X
- Best military grade: SOG — PowerAccess
- Best job management multitool: Tradify
1. Best overall: Leatherman — Surge
No list of multitools would be complete without mentioning Leatherman, the brand that pioneered the industry over 40 years ago when founder Tim Leatherman created the world’s first pliers-based multitool. Their reputation has grown over the years to become synonymous with quality multitools that stand the test of time — and of the demands of daily use.
Leatherman's sturdiest multitool option, the Surge, comes in at a whopping 12 ounces (340g), constructed from 420HC Stainless Steel, 440C Stainless Steel and Black Oxide. While this may make it less practical to simply slip into your pocket every day, it makes up for its weight by offering world-class performance. The Surge is the go-to choice for those who want the most bang for their buck, even if it comes with a bit of extra bulk. Plus, it comes with a 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime.
Tools included:
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Premium replaceable wire cutters
- Premium replaceable hard-wire cutters
- Stranded-wire cutters
- Electrical crimper
- Wire stripper
- 420HC knife
- 420HC serrated knife
- Saw
- Spring-action scissors
- Awl with thread loop
- Ruler (8 in | 19 cm)
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Wood/metal file
- Diamond-coated file
- Blade exchanger®
- Large bit driver
- Large screwdriver
- Small screwdriver
2. Best budget-friendly: Gerber Gear — Suspension-NXT Multitool
Not yet sure if a multitool is worth the investment? For a more budget-friendly option, Gerber's Suspension-NXT multitool strikes a great balance between everyday carry and professional-grade quality. Its slimmer design and reduced toolset make it lightweight and portable, ideal for smaller tasks without the bulk of tradesman-specific options.
While the toolset is made from quality, durable materials, there are a few downsides. The knife comes somewhat dull, is difficult to deploy with one hand, and the pocket clip is prone to bending. However, compared to the lower-quality multitools found in department stores, the Suspension-NXT is a significant upgrade.
Tools included:
- Spring-loaded needlenose pliers
- Standard pliers
- Wire cutters
- Scissors
- Medium flathead driver
- Ruler
- File
- Wire stripper
- AWL
- Large flathead driver
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Small flathead driver
- Partially serrated blade
- Cross driver
3. Best swiss made multitool: Victorinox — Swiss Tool Spirit X
Victorinox, the makers of the original Swiss Army Knife™, have been making multitools since 1884. Since then they've learnt a thing or two and have garnered a reputation for making some of the finest tools in the world. Toeing the line between a luxury brand and a tool manufacturer, their line also offers fragrances, cutlery and watches.
This drive for luxury comes through in the Spirit X multitool. For the stylish sparkies in the world, this is a multitool that is both reliable on the job and can be used to pop open a bottle of scotch or snip a cigar once the work is done. At 7.4 oz (209g) it feels substantial in hand, with tight tolerances and well-lubricated joints that move smoothly. Each tool snaps into place with a satisfying clack, while the polished mirror-finish stainless steel and the premium, stitched-and-riveted leather pouch make it feel more like more than just a tool.
Tools included:
- Needle-nose pliers
- Cap crimper
- Wire cutter for thin and soft wire up to 40 HRc
- Hard wire cutter
- Blade, large
- Can opener
- Screwdriver 3 mm
- Bottle opener
- Screwdriver 6 mm
- Crate opener
- Wire bender
- Screwdriver 2 mm
- Reamer, punch
- Pulling hook
- Scissors
- Wood saw
- Metal saw
- Metal file
- Phillips screwdriver 1/2
- Chisel 7 mm and scraper
- Wire stripper and scraper
- Cable cover longitudinal cutter
- Cable cover crossways cutter
- Lanyard hole
- Coupling for corkscrew and carry clip
- Needle-nose pliers
- Metal saw
- Chisel 7 mm and scraper
- Reamer, punch
- Can opener
- Coupling for corkscrew
- Bottle opener
4. Best military grade: SOG — PowerAccess
Originally created as a commemorative model, SOG tools soon became a trusted favourite of US Special Forces and were even chosen by the Navy SEALs as their go-to knife. Their goal is to be the number one situation-ready gear brand for professionals, everyday users and outdoor adventurers! As a result, they hold themselves accountable to create tools that can withstand tough conditions.
The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe builds on this goal, offering 21 tools—the most of any SOG multitool. Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, it uses SOG's Compound Leverage technology to double its gripping power. Its featured tools include two knife blades, a wood saw, multiple screwdrivers, and a magnetic hex drive for quick bit changes. The one-handed plier operation makes it even more convenient, making the PowerAccess Deluxe a solid go-to option for electricians looking for a multitool to handle quick adjustments, wire cutting, and other on-the-job tasks without issues.
Tools included:
- 1/4" Drive
- 3-Sided File
- Awl
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Full Serrated Blade
- Gripper
- Hard Wire Cutter
- Medium Flat Screwdriver
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Philips Screwdriver
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Small Flat Screwdriver
- Straight Edge Blade
- Wood Saw
- Centred Magnetic 1/4" Hex Bit Driver
- Jewellery Driver
- Chisel
- Soft Wire Cutter
- 12-Piece Hex Bit Kit
5. Best job management multitool: Tradify
Just as a multitool simplifies a variety of tasks, job management software like Tradify keeps electricians organised and efficient, allowing them to focus on their work rather than paperwork. As the leading job management software for electricians, Tradify offers a suite of tools that help sparkies save time on admin with features like real-time scheduling, instant quoting, and automated invoicing. Plus, with 24/7 support and easy integration with popular accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, Tradify makes running a business smoother than ever.
Tradify is a job management app used by thousands of tradespeople building better lives and businesses all over the world. It gives you all the features needed to manage and grow a successful trade business, including:
Start your 14-day free trial today. No credit card required. No pressure. Or take a look at Tradify in action during one of our weekly 30-min live walkthroughs.
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