- Compact and Versatile: With eight useful tools like pliers, wire cutters, scissors, and a bottle opener, it’s an everyday carry champ.
- TSA Compliant: Bladeless design makes it a travel-friendly option.
- Keychain-Size: Easily clips to keys or bags.
- 12-Function Design: Offers a variety of tools including hex wrenches, a bit driver, and a pry tool.
- Unique Pocket Clip: Also serves as a tool and key holder.
- Bottle Opener: Efficient one-pull opening, perfect for craft beer enthusiasts.
- Picnic-Ready: With a corkscrew, can opener, and bottle opener, it’s a wine lover’s dream.
- Larger Scissors: Compared to similar TSA-friendly tools, the scissors are notably larger.
- Classic Design: Folds out like a Swiss army knife, providing a traditional feel with modern utility.
Travel is one of the great joys of life. If you’re anything like us though you get annoyed at the thought of leaving most of your EDC behind when flying. Thankfully there are now lots of really nice multi tools that abide by TSA regulations. We’ve put together a list of the best TSA compliant multi tools to help all the frequent flyers out there.
Contents
Best TSA Compliant Multi Tool Reviews
When it comes to TSA compliant multi tools there are a few major concessions you’ll have to make. First, it’s not going to have any kind of blade on it. We’re talking knife, saw, file, nothing. There is an explicit TSA regulation that prohibits carrying multi tools with a blade of any length whatsoever.
You also won’t be allowed on with any kind of full size tool. Screwdrivers, pliers, and hammer points are all viewed as potential weapons by the TSA and subject to confiscation. You’re pretty much limited to keychain sized or smaller multi tools.
Beyond that there are a bunch of minor points an agent may choose to enforce or ignore at any given point. We don’t recommend trying to wade through them yourself. You should stick to tools advertised as being TSA compliant, though even that isn’t always foolproof. More on that later.
Here’s a list of great TSA compliant tools.
Leatherman Style PS
I’ve been using the Leatherman Style PS multi-tool for a while now, and it’s become an essential part of my everyday life and travels. This compact multi-tool may raise some eyebrows at airport security due to its size, so keep that in mind when packing for a trip.
Leatherman has managed to pack an impressive eight tools into this palm-sized gadget, making it incredibly versatile. It includes needle-nose and regular pliers, wire cutters, a file, scissors, tweezers, a bottle opener, and even a mini-screwdriver. What sets the Style PS apart is that all these tools are genuinely useful.
The pliers, both needle-nose and regular, provide a solid grip for various tasks, from handling nails to tightening loose furniture bolts. The integrated wire cutters are handy for opening stubborn plastic packaging and dealing with loose threads on clothing.
The spring-loaded scissors, while not razor-sharp, can handle paper cutting and work well for snipping loose threads or opening packages. They can also serve as a makeshift knife when needed, although their primary focus is TSA compliance.
The file on this multi-tool is impressively rugged, making quick work of rough edges after a rock-climbing adventure. It even features a flat head screwdriver at its end, which can double as a Phillips head in a pinch for smaller screws.
Accessing the tweezers can be a bit tricky at first, but they prove effective for grooming on the go, ensuring your eyebrows stay in check and aiding in splinter removal.
Of course, no multi-tool would be complete without a bottle opener, and the Style PS delivers on that front. It even functions as a carabiner, although it’s relatively small, so attaching it to both your keys and your bag might be a snug fit.
One unique feature of the Leatherman Style PS is its size. It’s incredibly small and designed to fit on your keychain, complete with a carabiner for easy attachment. What’s even more remarkable is that it doesn’t have a blade, making it legal for airplane travel. The TSA has certified it as permissible for carry-on use.
Despite its diminutive size, it offers a range of useful tools for travelers, including pliers with different zones (pointy, regular, and wire cutter), tweezers, a nail file, a flat screwdriver that fits Phillips screw heads, scissors, and a bottle opener. It falls into the category of “better than nothing” and is ideal for everyday carry, offering assistance in various unexpected situations you might encounter.
The pliers, though small, are surprisingly effective at tasks like pulling small objects and tightening nuts on screws. The tweezers, while a bit bendy, work well for tick removal or splinter extraction. The nail file, while not suitable for manicures, is handy for quick fixes, such as smoothing out rough edges.
The scissors, though short, prove tough and are great for cutting blister packaging, paper, and even handling minor grooming tasks on the go. The screwdriver, while not suited for heavy-duty work, is perfect for tasks like opening battery compartments and securing screws on smaller gear. And don’t forget the bottle opener, which doubles as a practical carabiner for attaching the Style PS to keyrings, zipper pulls, lanyards, and more.
I used to carry one of these in my EDC pouch and one on my keychain. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that some places, like the Maldives airport, consider it illegal to carry any multitool when boarding a plane, not just those with blades. Regardless, I now have a Leatherman Style PS back in my EDC pouch, where it continues to prove its worth as a versatile and travel-friendly tool.
Included Tools:
- Spring-Action Needlenose Pliers
- Spring-Action Regular Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Nail File
- Flat/Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Spring-Action Scissors
- Carabiner/Bottle Opener
- Tweezers
Pros:
- Compact and portable design, suitable for keychain attachment.
- TSA-approved for carry-on travel, thanks to the lack of a blade.
- Versatile with eight functional tools, including pliers, scissors, screwdriver, and tweezers.
- Useful for everyday tasks, such as tightening nuts, cutting packaging, and grooming.
- Durable and reliable, even after prolonged use.
- Available in multiple color options for personal preference.
Cons:
- Small size may attract attention at airport security, potentially causing delays.
- Limited for heavy-duty tasks, as it’s designed for lightweight and daily use.
- Some components, like the tweezers, may require extra effort to access initially.
- Not suitable for situations requiring a full-sized multi-tool with a blade.
- Potential legal restrictions on carrying it in certain locations or during air travel, as experienced in some places like the Maldives airport.
To learn more about the Leatherman Style PS, check out our full review.
Griffin Pocket Tool
I recently got my hands on the Griffin Pocket Tool, and it’s become an essential part of my everyday carry. This one-piece multi-tool is a versatile companion, offering a range of 12 handy functions in various materials and configurations. These include a scoring tool, box cutter, hex wrenches in 5/16, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 7mm sizes, a bit driver, pocket clip, pry tool, flathead screwdriver, and even a ruler.
One of the standout features of the Griffin Pocket Tool is its design. It’s unlike your typical one-piece multi-tool, with a built-in pocket clip that doubles as a functional component, forming the flat end of the integrated box wrenches. The thoughtful design also extends to the bottle opener, which I’ll discuss in more detail shortly.
In terms of fit and finish, the Griffin Pocket Tool has room for improvement. I initially encountered some issues with my first tool, such as crooked grinds and tooling marks. However, the second one I received was better, although still not perfect. Coyote Mountain, the manufacturer, plans to improve this by switching to EDM cutting and CNC machining in the future.
The tool’s theme, centered around the pocket clip, sets it apart in the world of one-piece multi-tools. It also doubles as an effective dangler-style key holder, providing versatility in how you carry it. While I personally prefer to pocket carry my Griffin, it’s worth noting that the long and slim design can occasionally slip to the bottom of your pocket.
Material choice is where the Griffin Pocket Tool falls short. Despite the appeal of stainless steel for its durability and heft, the bottle opener component bent after some use, which was disappointing. This issue has also been reported with carbon fiber versions. Future iterations may benefit from more robust materials and heat treatment.
When it comes to deployment and accessibility, the Griffin performs well. Its features serve multiple purposes, with the bottle opener doubling as a 1/4″ bit driver and the key ring hole as a 5/16″ hex driver, making it unlikely you’ll need both simultaneously.
Retention is a strong suit for the Griffin, thanks to its built-in pocket clip. Whether used as a dangler or slid onto the lip of your coin pocket, it securely holds the tool in place.
In terms of tool selection, the Griffin covers the basics of one-piece multi-tools, including a screwdriver/prybar, bottle opener, and keyring. While it includes 4 through 7mm box wrenches, they may not find frequent use in typical scenarios. Expanding the tool’s size slightly and incorporating 8 and 10mm box wrenches could enhance its utility.
As for tool performance, the bottle opener shines as a craft beer enthusiast’s delight. Its unique design makes it highly efficient for single-pull bottle opening, though it may require occasional straightening with pliers after extended use. The straight screwdriver/prybar works well, but the lack of leverage due to the tool’s size can be a limitation. The 1/4″ bit driver and 5/16″ hex offer excellent torque leverage, and the scoring tool serves its purpose effectively.
In summary, the Griffin Pocket Tool has found a place in my daily carry for light-duty tasks like opening bottles, tightening screws, and tackling occasional challenges. While it has room for improvement in terms of materials and machining, especially in preventing bending issues, it remains a valuable addition to my EDC kit, particularly given its affordable price point of around $25. If you’re looking to try something new for everyday tasks, the Griffin is worth considering.
Included Tools:
- Scoring Tool
- Box Cutter
- 5/16 Hex Wrench
- Bit Driver
- 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 7mm hex wrenches
- Pocket Clip
- Pry Tool
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Ruler
Pros:
- Versatile: Offers 12 different tools in one compact design.
- Unique Design: Integrated pocket clip adds functionality and doubles as a key holder.
- Solid Grip: Features jimping for improved traction during use.
- Deployment and Accessibility: Easy access to various tools without interference.
- Retention: Built-in pocket clip and multiple carrying options for secure retention.
- Beer Enthusiast’s Delight: Efficient bottle opener for one-pull opening.
Cons:
- Fit and Finish: Potential issues with tooling marks and alignment.
- Material Durability: Stainless steel version reported to have bending issues with the bottle opener.
- Limited Tool Selection: Lack of larger box wrench sizes and missing features like a Philips driver.
- Tool Performance: Limited leverage on some tools due to the tool’s size.
Leatherman Juice CS3
The Leatherman Juice CS3 is a wine lover’s dream. It has four different tools in a 3.45 inch long package but gives you everything needed for a nice picnic. These tools include:
- Spring-Action Scissors
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Corkscrew
At first glance you’re excused for thinking the CS3 is a swiss army knife. Rather than the standard butterfly design Leatherman is famous for they went with a more classic look. The tools all fold out from one side and are a very usable size.
The scissors are larger than on similar TSA friendly tools but still well within regulations. The corkscrew itself is where the controversy begins. Under the letter of TSA rules this type of corkscrew is definitely allowed.
The CS3 has no blade on it whatsoever, not even a dull one for cutting the foil on wine bottles. Unfortunately many overzealous or under-informed security personnel have been known to ignore this.
The Juice CS3 is a well made and very useful tool for the gourmand. Just make sure you’re ready to answer any questions and defend your choice of multi tool if asked at security.
SOG Baton Q1
SOG is well known for their interesting take on classic multi tool designs. The Baton Q1 uses an innovative design that gives you four fully TSA compliant tools in a pen shaped package. These tools include:
- Ballpoint Pen
- Spring-Action Scissors
- Bottle Opener
- Medium Flathead Screwdriver
The Q1 is honestly one of the coolest looking multi tools on this list. It resembles a thick pen or marker and folds out to reveal several useful tools.
Once properly deployed it looks like a standard butterfly fold multi tool. The main tool is the spring-action scissors. At either end of the Q1 you’ll find the ballpoint pen and screwdriver/bottle opener combo.
The scissors are a really nice size. They’re just small enough to fall under TSA restrictions and let you cut paper, cardboard, or plastic with ease. The screwdriver isn’t the best we’ve seen on a multi tool but it gets the job done in a pinch.
Overall the Baton Q1 is cleverly designed and well made. It contains several very useful tools and is safe to travel with just about anywhere.
Wallet Ninja 2.0
The Wallet Ninja 2.0 is an updated version of the company’s innovative. They polished many of their best features and upgraded the overall workmanship of their product. It gives you 20 different tools and functions, including:
- Six Hex Wrenches
- Two Phillips Head Screwdrivers
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Eyeglasses Screwdriver
- Letter Opener
- Nail Puller
- Inches & CM Ruler
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Fruit Peeler
- Smartphone Stand
- Mirror
- Nail File
Credit card multi tools are one of the best kinds to carry for frequent travelers. They almost never have a blade on them and fit easily right into your wallet. Despite this, the right tool can actually provide a lot of value.
The original Wallet Ninja was one of the most popular credit card tools on the market. The new version adds a few additional twists but keeps the basic usefulness of the original design. All the tools on the 2.0 work well within limits. Anything small enough to fit on a multi tool the size of a credit card is going to have some compromises.
Overall the Wallet Ninja 2.0 is an excellent tool that you can take all over the world with you.
Leatherman Tread Range
The Leatherman Tread is a bracelet multi tool that uses interlocking links to provide you with useful tools. There’s an entire range of Tread products including a bracelet, watchband, and a slimmer bracelet. You can switch out the tools in your bracelet to adjust the size or functionality. Some of the available tools include:
- #1-2 Phillips Head
- #1 Phillips Head
- #2 Phillips Head
- Oxygen Tank Wrench
- 3/32″ Screwdriver
- 1/8″ Flathead Screwdriver
- 1/4” Flathead Screwdriver
- 3/16″ Screwdriver
- 5/16″ Screwdriver
- 3mm Hex Driver
- 4mm Hex Driver
- 5mm Hex Driver
- 6mm Hex Driver
- 1/8″ Hex Driver
- 3/32″ Hex Driver
- 3/16″ Hex Driver
- 1/4″ Hex Driver
- #2 Square Driver
- 6mm Box Wrench
- 8mm Box Wrench
- 10mm Box Wrench
- 1/4″ Box Wrench
- 3/8″ Box Wrench
- 3/16″ Box Wrench
- Carbide Glass Breaker
- Pick/Sim Card Tool
- Cutting Hook
- 1/4″ Socket Drive Adapter
- Bottle Opener
The Tread is both tool and accessory. It’s designed to fit easily on your wrist and convert to tool mode quickly. The included tools are completely blade free and cover a huge number of different situations.
Depending on which Tread variant you go for you’ll have more or less tools. You can also add more links if you like it looser or remove them for a tighter fit. It’s important to remember that the Tread isn’t as capable as a full-size multi tool. The individual tools themselves are some of the smallest we’ve reviewed.
They give you a decent amount of utility but can’t stand up to serious tasks. It’s also pretty expensive, usually costing well over $100. Despite this the Tread is still a really interesting tool. It looks sharp and does give you some useful tools that will make it through security.
Victorinox Jetsetter
The Victorinox Jetsetter is a TSA compliant multi tool built on the company’s classic swiss army knife design. It’s a tiny little fold out tool that gives you seven different functions. These include:
- Magnetic Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Wire Stripper
- Scissors
- Toothpick
- Tweezers
- Keyring
There are two tools that actually fold out from either side of the Jetsetter. The scissors come from one side and do a good job cutting through paper and thin plastic. The combination bottle opener, wire stripper, and screwdriver is on the other side.
We really like the phillips head screwdriver. The fact that it’s magnetic makes it really easy to hold onto screws while using it. The bottle opener does a good job popping bottles and the included tweezers and toothpick are just as good as they’ve always been.
If you’re a fan of swiss army style tools but frequently travel you should seriously consider picking up a Victorinox Jetsetter.
EDC Fans Carabiner
The Carabiner multi tool from EDC Fans is uniquely suited for travel and flight. There are few things more useful on a backpack than a carabiner clip. When you combine that with the 12 tools the EDC Fans tool provides you have a winning combination. These tools include:
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Four Hex Wrenches
- Two Key Loops
- Bottle Opener
- Carabiner
- Glass Breaker Point
- Clasp
The spring on the carabiner itself is very strong. It stays shut when you need it to but opens easily when you want to remove it. The included tools are very capable for their size and limitations.
Anything that fits on a standard carabiner clip is going to be less useful than a regular tool. The ones on the EDC Fans Carabiner do a good job of providing value despite this.
If you’re looking for a multi tool that’s easy to carry and will go wherever you go, the EDC Fans Carabiner is a good choice.
Best Bladeless Multi Tool Comparison Table
TSA Multi Tools Warning and Recommendations
When dealing with TSA regulations and multi tools there’s a lot of gray area. Depending on the conditions at the airport or the agent you’re dealing with you may have problems even if your tool is fully compliant. In these cases there’s very little chance you’ll be able to convince them otherwise.
We always recommend frequent travelers carry a stamped envelope addressed to their home. This allows you to exit the security line with your multi tool, mail it home, and proceed with your trip. There’s nothing worse than losing a $50+ tool because a TSA agent chooses to ignore their own rules.
Best Bladeless Multi Tools that aren’t TSA Compliant
As we mentioned above just being bladeless isn’t always enough for the TSA. Depending on where you’re trying to go though you may be able to carry some of these specifically bladeless tools.
Some government buildings don’t allow blades but are happy to permit tools. The same goes for private events and other locations with security checkpoints. Make sure you do your own research and take appropriate steps for dealing with a rejection.
Leatherman Rebar Knifeless
The Leatherman Rebar is one of our favorite multi tools. It’s a great size, extremely well made, and gives you a lot of value for your money. What you may not know is that Leatherman makes a knifeless variant of the Rebar for folks who can’t carry a knife blade. It still gives you 16 different tools, including:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Hard Wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- Scissors
- Saw
- Awl with Thread Loop
- 8 Inch Ruler
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Metal/Wood File
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Large Head Screwdriver
- Small Head Screwdriver
The original Rebar was a very strong contender for best value multi tool. It’s a heavy-duty full-size tool that combines classic styling with excellent tools. There are very few differences between it and the bladeless variant.
This Rebar lacks the straight and serrated blades of the original but gains a nice pair of scissors. They cut well through paper, plastic, cardboard, and other medium thickness materials and have a nice spring release. An important point to remember is that the Knifeless Rebar still has a saw blade.
Depending on where you’re planning to carry it you should definitely double-check the relevant laws and rules. Other than that though the Leatherman Rebar Knifeless edition is an excellent multi tool that provides tons of usefulness and value.
To learn more about the Leatherman Rebar, check out our full review.
Gerber MP600 Bladeless
The MP600 is Gerber’s current flagship multi tool. It’s available in over 20 different styles and configurations, including a bladeless variant. It gives you 14 different tools, including:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Carbide Wire Cutters
- Wire Crimper
- Replaceable RemGrit Saw
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead Screwdriver
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Ruler
- File
- Scissors
The MP600 is a large and capable multi tool. Even without its main blade it has a variety of useful tools that cover a range of situations. The replaceable saw blade is a nice touch as it allows you to easily switch it out after cutting through wood, metal, or another material. You can also remove it when going into secure buildings so there is no blade present at all.
It doesn’t have any bit drivers but does give you the option of purchasing a Gerber Bit add on. There are some downsides to the MP600 unfortunately. The biggest flaw is the carbide cutters. In theory they’re hard and sharp enough to cut through just about anything but in practice they just don’t work.
They’re so brittle they chip and break far faster than they should. Even accounting for the triangular blade you’ll need to replace them way too often.
All in all not a bad tool but eclipsed by many other full-size multi tools.
To learn more about the Gerber MP600, check out our full review.
More Great Multi Tool Guides |
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Camp Multi Tool |
Best Multitool for Fishing |
Best Bike Multitool |
AR15 Multi Tool Kit |
Swiss Army Knife for EDC |
Top Bladeless Multi Tools Video
Best TSA Compliant Multi Tools Recap
- Leatherman Style PS
Buy from AmazonRead Our Review - Griffin Pocket Tool
Buy from AmazonRead Our Review - Leatherman Juice CS3
Buy from AmazonRead Our Review - SOG Baton Q1
Buy from AmazonRead Our Review - Wallet Ninja 2.0
Buy from AmazonRead Our Review - Leatherman Tread Range
Buy from AmazonRead Our Review - Victorinox Jetsetter
Buy from AmazonRead Our Review - EDC Fans Carabiner
Buy from AmazonRead Our Review
Final Thoughts
If you’re a frequent flyer or find yourself in government buildings often it can be difficult to find a good multi tool to carry. Thankfully new bladeless and TSA compliant tools are being introduced frequently.
The Best TSA Compliant multi tools are usually smaller and less effective than other multi tools but they’re still valuable. Having the ability to adjust your eyeglasses, grab a stubborn bit of metal, or turn a screw is definitely worthwhile.
Just got my Leatherman Style PS and it’s already a game changer for my daily routine!
The Leatherman Style PS has become a staple in my travel bag. Despite its small size, it packs a variety of useful tools. The pliers are surprisingly effective and the file tool is a lifesaver for smoothing out rough edges on-the-go. Its TSA compliance means I don’t have to sacrifice utility for security. The compact design fits easily on a keychain, making it a convenient companion for any journey
The TSA website says that the TSA inspector on site can make a final determination and rule that any object a passenger has poses a security risk. They can also hold up the inspection line to pressure a passenger to surrender questioned items. Many objects confiscated end up becoming the inspector’s responsibility to “dispose of” – often via Ebay or simply recycled for their personal use. The chance of that happening increases proportionately with the perceived vslue of the object in question. It is often best to carry “knock-off” copies of expensive multi-tools or other items on the chance a TSA inspector will want the item for recycling.