8 Best AR15 Multi Tools

Last Updated October 31, 2023
Top 3 Best AR15 Multi Tools
Leatherman Rail
Leatherman Rail
  • Compact and lightweight, easy to carry.
  • Functional front sight adjustment tool.
  • Removable firearm disassembly punch.
Real Avid AR15 Tool
Real Avid AR15 Tool
  • Equipped with 37 different functions including needlenose pliers and bolt override tool.
  • Comes with a nylon case, MOLLE compatible.
Real Avid Gun Tool Pro
Real Avid Gun Tool Pro
  • 30 different functions to work on a range of rifles and shotguns.
  • Features like a fine file and a universal choke wrench included.
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Maintaining an M4 or AR15 rifle requires specialized tools and know how. If you’re in a workshop or firing range these are easy to find but out in the field you only have what you carry with you. In most cases that’s going to be a multi tool. Today we’ll cover some of best AR15 multi tools on the market and help you figure out which one works best for you.

Best AR15 Multi Tool Reviews

When you’re looking at an AR15 multi tool you can’t just go with a standard tool. The AR platform is a wonder of modern mechanics and requires specialized tools in specific configurations to properly disassemble, clean, and adjust it. The bare minimum an AR15 multi tool should have is several different wrenches, a punch tool, and some kind of carbon scraper. It’s definitely a good idea to carry a sight adjustment tool as well.

This gives you the capability to quickly field strip your rifle, remove any carbon buildup, and clear any issues. We’ve tried to cover a good mix of tools including both entry level basics and high end tools with a comprehensive loadout of adjustment and modification tools. Here’s a list of eight different tools we find interesting. Check it out and let us know what you think.


Leatherman Rail

Leatherman Rail
The Leatherman Rail AR15 multi tool product picture

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Having an affinity for outdoor adventures, I always appreciate a good multi-tool that can serve various purposes, especially when it’s related to maintaining my AR-15 during my hiking and camping escapades. The Leatherman Rail caught my eye, and given its specialized nature, I was intrigued enough to give it a shot.

Upon receiving the Leatherman Rail, the first thing that appealed to me was its compact design. It’s a sturdy one-piece multi-tool that is 4.8 inches long and weighs a mere 2.3 oz, which is quite impressive. The carabiner is a handy addition, making it effortlessly attachable to my range bag or my belt loop as I traverse through the woods.

The tool boasts six distinct features including a Front Sight Adjustment Tool, Removable Firearm Disassembly Punch, Oxygen Tank Wrench, ÂĽ in Hex Bit Driver, â…ś in Open End Wrench, and a Carabiner. The front sight adjustment tool came in handy, although I’d agree that once the sights are set on my AR-15, there isn’t much use for it afterward. However, it did the job more efficiently than using a bullet tip, and I appreciated the added precision it offered.

I found the removable firearm disassembly punch to be quite useful, slipping out of its rubber holder with ease. The ÂĽ inch hex driver was perfect for some quick adjustments, though I shared the concern about the proprietary nature of the bits. The thought of having to order replacements specifically from Leatherman instead of picking them up from a local hardware store did cross my mind.

While the Leatherman Rail is marketed as an AR-15 maintenance tool, I did feel that apart from the sight tool, there wasn’t much that made it exclusive for AR-15 maintenance. The ergonomics of the tool, although sacrificed for its compact nature, didn’t bother me much due to its portability which is a significant plus while hiking.

The sheath that came along was a nice touch, easily attachable to Molle webbing which is a feature I find quite beneficial during my outdoor excursions.

During a recent weekend hiking trip in the Rockies, my AR-15’s front sight got knocked out of alignment. This could have been a significant hindrance, but having the Leatherman Rail on hand proved to be a lifesaver. I quickly whipped it out from its sheath and used the Front Sight Adjustment Tool to get the sight back in alignment. The tool was straightforward to use and the task was done within minutes. Moreover, the Carabiner made it very convenient to clip the tool back onto my belt loop, keeping it accessible and secure as I navigated through the rugged terrain. It’s during moments like these that I appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the Leatherman Rail’s design, despite its few drawbacks.

In conclusion, while the Leatherman Rail holds its ground as a specialized tool, its utility might be a bit narrow for some. It’s a well-made tool and does what it’s supposed to do efficiently. However, if you’re someone who has already set sights and is looking for a more general multi-tool, you might find the Leatherman Rail falling a bit short of expectations. Nonetheless, it has found a place in my outdoor gear due to its lightweight and compact design, which complements my on-the-go lifestyle.

Pros:

  • Compact and Lightweight: At 4.8 inches long and weighing only 2.3 oz, it’s easy to carry around, especially during outdoor activities.
  • Carabiner Attachment: Allows for easy attachment to a range bag or belt loop, making it readily accessible.
  • Functional Front Sight Adjustment Tool: Provides a more precise adjustment compared to using a bullet tip.
  • Removable Firearm Disassembly Punch: Handy and easy to use for firearm maintenance.
  • Versatile Sheath: Can be used with Molle webbing or a belt, providing convenience for different carrying preferences.
  • Quality Construction: As with many Leatherman products, the Rail is well-made and the tools perform their intended tasks efficiently.

Cons:

  • Limited AR-15 Specific Utility: Beyond the sight adjustment tool, other features don’t particularly cater to AR-15 maintenance.
  • Proprietary Bits: If the bits wear out or get damaged, replacements have to be ordered specifically from Leatherman, which can be inconvenient.
  • Ergonomics: The compact design sacrifices some ergonomics, which might not appeal to everyone.
  • Narrow Utility: Some might find the tool’s utility to be narrow, especially if they have already set their sights or prefer carrying separate, more comfortable tools for maintenance tasks.

Real Avid AR15 Tool

Real Avid AR15 Tool
The Real Avid AR15 multi tool product picture

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The Real Avid AR15 Tool is a serious workhorse. It was built to provide everything needed for a comprehensive breakdown and deep clean of the AR15 platform. It’s a large tool but it felt compact considering how much is packed into it. It gives you the tools needed to fill 37 different functions, including:

  • Needlenose Pliers
  • Regular Plier Area
  • Wire Cutters
  • Ten Function Bolt/Pin Scraper
  • Bolt Override Tool
  • A1 Front Sight Adjuster
  • A2 Front Sight Adjuster
  • Detachable Pin Punch
  • Hooked Pick
  • Carbide Glass Breaker
  • Tap Hammer
  • Carbide Cutter
  • 8-32 Threaded Post and Receiver
  • 3 Position Locking Bit Driver
  • 12 Bits
  • Serrated Tanto Knife

That’s a pretty long list and it just scratches the surface of what the AR15 Tool can do. It includes several different tools just for removing carbon. These are designed to fit into all the smallest crevices on a fully disassembled AR15. We really liked the nylon case it came with. It’s MOLLE compatible and has small sheaths for all the included bits and the sight adjustment tool.

The bolt override tool folds out from the body of the tool, something we haven’t seen in other tools. Most of the removable tool bits are threaded at 8-32. This allows you to use the same slot to attach cleaning rods and other useful tools.

All in all the Real Avid AR15 tool is highly specialized but also highly functional tool. It will serve you just as well as a general multi tool as it does for AR15 maintenance. All the included tools work well and provide you with a lot of value for your money.

Real Avid Gun Tool Pro

Real Avid Gun Tool Pro
The Real Avid Gun Tool Pro AR15 multi tool product picture

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The Gun Tool Pro from Real Avid is the general sport shooters answer to their AR15 Tool. It covers 30 different functions that allow you to work on a range of rifles and shotguns, including the AR15 platform. It lacks the pliers found on more traditional multi tools but does include tools like:

  • Tap Hammer
  • Lanyard Loop
  • Fine File
  • Ultra-Fine File
  • Scope Turret Tool
  • Universal Choke Wrench for .410, 28, 20, 16, 12, 10 GA Shotgun
  • 2.5 in Raptor Claw Utility Knife
  • 14 Removable and Extendable Bits
  • Pin Punch
  • ÂĽ Bit Driver
  • Removable Magnetic Storage Compartment

The first thing you’ll notice about the Gun Tool Pro is its odd shape. More than anything else it looks like the handle end of a kitchen or small hunting knife, but looks can be deceiving. If you open up the top compartment of this tool you’ll find a storage bay that holds all the removable bits in place. You can also fold out more drivers from the underside of the handle or flip out the utility knife for general cutting tasks.

We found the magnetic bit driver to be extremely versatile and effective. The various attached hex wrenches and pin punch were also well made. We really liked the removable magnetic storage compartment. We’ve definitely lost a small screw or pin when working on electronics or firearms before and it’s always a headache finding them.

If you’re looking for a useful tool to assist you in adjusting and maintaining a variety of rifles and shotguns the Real Avid Gun Tool Pro is a great option.

Leatherman MUT

Leatherman MUT
The Leatherman MUT AR15 multi tool product picture

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The Leatherman MUT is a tough tool built from the ground up for M4 and AR15 maintenance. It’s a large tool, coming in at 5 in closed and weighing a full 11.2 oz. It includes many of the features found on Leatherman’s other top of the line multi tools such as removable/replaceable parts and a dedicated bit driver. Its total loadout provides you with 16 different tools, including:

  • Needlenose Pliers
  • Regular Pliers
  • Replaceable Wire Cutters
  • Replaceable Hard Wire Cutters
  • Stranded Wire Cutters
  • Wire Crimper
  • 420HC Combo Knife
  • Saw
  • Replaceable Cutting Hook
  • Hammer
  • Bolt Override Tool
  • Replaceable Bronze Carbon Scraper
  • 8-32 Cleaning Rod/Brush Adapter
  • Replaceable Firearm Disassembly Punch
  • Carabiner and Bottle Opener
  • Large Bit Driver

The MUT is big, durable, and extremely versatile. Many of its tools are specific to AR15 maintenance but the remaining general purpose tools make it very useful day to day. We’re big fans of Leatherman’s replaceable wire cutter system. It allows you to quickly switch out one of the easiest to break parts of your tool. The combo straight/serrated blade comes very sharp and is easy to put a new edge on when needed.

The AR specific tools on the MUT are some of the best quality we’ve seen. There are other tools on this list with a more comprehensive set of cleaning and scraping tools but few can match the MUT for quality. The Leatherman MUT is a highly specialized tool that nonetheless works as an EDC piece.

For more information on the Leatherman MUT, check out our full review here.

Multitasker Series 3

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The Multitasker Series 3 is the main multi tool product released by Multitasker. It’s a large butterfly fold tool designed to be the toughest and most versatile AR15 tool on the market. It’s a big tool to be sure, coming in at just over four inches long. It gives you 12 different tools, including:

  • Needlenose Pliers
  • Replaceable Wire Cutters
  • Straight Edge Knife
  • Carbon Scraper
  • 3/32 in Punch Pin
  • 8-32 Threaded Attachment Point
  • Magnetic ÂĽ in Bit Driver
  • Front Sight Adjustment Tool
  • Two Hex Wrenches
  • Castle Nut Wrench
  • Flathead Screwdriver

The Series 3 has a lot going for it. It’s the only tool we reviewed that includes a castle wrench. Being able to adjust or remove your stock isn’t normally necessary in the field, but when you need to do it you need to do it. We really liked the way they nested several tools together. The sight adjustment tool was put onto a standard ¼ in bit and placed inside the bit driver. Likewise, the 3/32 in punch pin was threaded onto the 8-32 attachment point.

The ability to thread on standard cleaning rods and strands plus a standardized bit driver gave the Series 3 a lot of flexibility. The construction of the Series 3 feels extremely durable though here are some downsides to this. It’s a heavy tool, and many of the polished touches we’ve come to expect from companies like Leatherman and Gerber were lacking. We couldn’t find any issues with the included tools but they didn’t have the same smooth level of movement and finish we prefer.

Multitasker’s goal was to built the only AR15 tool you’d ever need in the field. Overall, we think they did a pretty good job. The Series 3 will get you out of just about any issue you might have in the field while still providing you with a good selection of basic tools.

Carbon Boss AR15 Multi Tool

Carbon Boss AR15 Multi Tool
The Carbon Boss AR15 multi tool product picture

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The Carbon Boss .223 carbon removal tool is purpose built to deep clean every crevice of your AR15. It differs from many of the tools on this list in that it doesn’t help you disassemble your rifle. Instead it gives you 16 different scouring, scraping, and brushing tools, including:

  • 12 Different Scouring and Scraping Surfaces
  • Cotter Pin Puller
  • Pin Punch
  • Rotating Bronze Detailing Brush
  • 360° Bronze Bolt Tail Brush

The Carbon Boss can best be described as a multi tool cleaning device. It doesn’t have traditional tools like pliers or a knife blade but it does an excellent job removing carbon from your AR15. The design of the bronze brushes were really interesting. One is a fairly standard fold out brush for hitting areas inside your receiver. The second is a circular brush specifically designed to clean your bolt tail and firing pin.

All of the tools on the Carbon Boss are made from soft metals designed to protect your receiver. None of the edges have been sharpened or hardened, allowing it to scour away carbon build up without making the slightest scratch on the metal of your upper or lower receiver. This is one of the best purpose built AR15 accessories we’ve yet seen. When you combine the low cost of the Carbon Boss with its excellent workmanship we couldn’t recommend it more.

Gerber Short Stack Weapons Maintenance Multi Tool

Gerber Short Stack Weapons Maintenance Multi Tool
The Gerber Short Stack AR15 multi tool product picture

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The Short Stack is part of Gerber’s Solid State line of alternative tools and definitely lives up to its pedigree. It uses a three piece design that connects together with magnets when not in use. The whole thing was designed to fit perfectly into several aftermarket AR15 pistol grips. It gives you 12 different tools to work with, including:

  • Buffer Tube Wrench
  • Firing Pin Scraper
  • Bolt Carrier Scraper
  • Front Sight Adjustment Tool
  • Two Double Ended Bits
  • Six Different Open and Closed Hex Wrenches

There’s a lot to like about the Short Stack. The design is downright cool. It’s easy to pull the pieces apart when you need them but they stay together well when stored. We were a bit skeptical at first but the Short Stack actually does fit perfectly into the pistol grip of a Magpul stock. Its stainless steel construction was durable and the finish held up well. The wrenches, scrapers, and adjustment tools all worked exactly as advertised.

This definitely isn’t going to be your only AR15 tool but it is really neat overall. Its compact design makes it easy to bring with you whenever you’re shooting. Overall, an interesting design Gerber did a good job executing.

Gerber MP600 Sight Tool

Gerber MP600 Sight Tool
The Gerber MP600 Sight Tool AR15 multi tool product picture

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The MP600 is Gerber’s flagship multi tool as well as the standard issue multi tool of the US Army. The Sight Tool is a more specialized version of the MP600 design that includes modifications to standard tools and a front sight adjustment tool. It comes with 15 different tools, including:

  • Needlenose Pliers
  • Regular Pliers
  • Tungsten Carbide Insert Wire Cutters
  • Serrated/Straight Edge Knife
  • Phillips Head Screwdriver
  • Small Flat Head Screwdriver
  • Medium Flat Head Screwdriver
  • Large Flat Head Screwdriver
  • Can Opener
  • Bottle Opener
  • Front Sight Adjustment Tool
  • Ruler
  • Wire Crimper
  • Carbon Scraper

The MP600 is a full size multi tool built to very demanding standards. The Sight Tool increases the length of the phillips head screwdriver and gives you the ability to adjust your front post sight and remove carbon. The AR15 specific tools were all well made and fully functional. The Sight Tool lacks the specialization of some of the tools on this list but in general is a much better full function multi tool.

There were some quality issues we noticed in our previous MP600 review. The carbide cutters, great in theory, were brittle and easy to damage in practice. They don’t compare to the replaceable cutters found on other manufacturer’s multi tools.

One thing we really liked were the all locking tools. Gerber included their Saf.T.Plus locking system on the Sight Tool, a move we can really get behind. If you’re looking for an EDC multi tool that will also give you some basic AR15 tools, the MP600 Sight Tool isn’t a bad option.

For more information on the Gerber MP600 Sight Tool, check out our full review here.

Best AR15 Multi Tool Comparison Chart

Best AR15 Multi Tools Recap

Conclusion

Having the tools you need is important for members of the armed forces, law enforcement, and shooting sports enthusiasts alike. Being able to maintain and repair your duty weapon or modern sporting rifle on the fly makes M4 and AR15 multi tools very useful. Choosing the one that works best for you couldn’t be easier.

If you’re looking for the do anything tool that basically replaces a toolbox, check out the Real Avid AR15 Tool. It fulfills 37 different functions and has everything you need to strip, scour, clean, and reassemble your rifle.

For an AR15 tool that doubles as a general use multi tool you should consider the Leatherman MUT, Multitasker Series 3, or Gerber MP600 Sight Tool. They’re all full size butterfly fold tools that include a mix of standard tools and AR specific items.

If you want something you can just toss in your range bag we recommend you check out the Leatherman Rail, Gerber Short Stack, or Carbon Boss AR15 Tool. They’re all AR15 specific tools that allow you to do basic maintenance or deep cleaning wherever you are.

As long as you consider your current needs and what you want to do with your tool, it’s easy to find the best AR15 multi tools for you.

2 thoughts on “8 Best AR15 Multi Tools”

  1. I got the Leatherman Rail after reading this and it’s every bit as handy as mentioned. The front sight adjustment tool is a lifesaver!

    Reply
  2. I recently purchased the Leatherman Rail based on this article and I must say, it has lived up to the hype. The compact design makes it an easy carry during my hiking trips. Although the tool is marketed mainly for AR-15 maintenance, I found its functionality to go beyond that, especially the hex bit driver and the open-end wrench. However, the proprietary nature of the bits is a bit of a downer as the article pointed out. Overall, a solid tool with minor drawbacks.
    Rating: 4.5/5

    Reply

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