- Compact & Convenient Design: Houses 11 tools in a 3.1-inch body, right on the belt, always at hand.
- Versatile Tool Array: Comes with pliers, bolt gripper, screwdrivers, scissors, and a straight blade knife.
- Tool Separation: Locking and non-locking tools, with screwdrivers acting as unlockers.
- Survival-Oriented Tools: Contains a mini fishing kit, snare line, signaling mirror, and screwdrivers.
- Hidden Compartment: Concealed zipper compartment for storing small essentials like cash and matches.
- Dense Tool Packing: Nine different tools including hex wrenches, screwdrivers, and a box cutter.
- Measurement Tools: Comes with an inch ruler and a metric ruler for quick measurements.
Belt buckle tools are a little known category of multi tools that many people write off as gimmicks and toys. With some of the newer tools on the market though this is a big mistake. New materials, design methods, and good old fashioned ingenuity have produced some real winners in this category. We’ve gathered together some really nice tools to try and find out what the best multi tool belt buckle available today is.
Best Belt Buckle Multi Tool Reviews
Belt buckle multi tools include a lot of different products. Everything from dedicated survival gear to tools designed for bicycle maintenance can be found. As with all of our reviews we try to find multi tools that combine high quality materials and good workmanship from reputable companies. The best multi tool belt buckle for me probably won’t be the same as for you, though there are definitely some standout winners in the category.
We’ve put together a list of ten different multi tool belt buckles that are real standouts in their fields. These include fold out tools, stand alone buckles, and full belt multi tool systems. Let’s dive in and see how these tools compare to one another.
SOG Multitool Belt Buckle – Sync II EDC
Having always been an outdoor enthusiast, indulging in activities like hiking and camping, having a trustworthy multi-tool at my side is crucial. I recently stumbled upon the SOG Sync II EDC Multitool Belt Buckle and, although I’ve been using multi-tools for over two decades, this little gadget presented an intriguing minimalism that caught my attention.
Strapping it on my belt, it immediately became a constant companion on my various adventures. Its presence was subtle and unintrusive – a stark contrast to other, more cumbersome tools I’ve carried which often got caught on branches or door corners. Admittedly, the Sync II provided a level of convenience I hadn’t previously experienced. Whether I was up a tree adjusting a trail cam or meticulously setting up my campsite, having a set of tools discreetly embedded within my belt buckle, always at the ready, proved to be a novel utility.
The ingenious design, amalgamating 11 diverse functionalities into a mere 3.1-inch body, is laudable. The pliers, bolt gripper, and screwdrivers, although not as robust as those on a full-size tool, have rescued me from a fair share of precarious situations out in the wild. I appreciated the scissors and straight blade knife for their competence during quick, small tasks, like cutting fishing line or opening packages. However, the slightly misaligned tips of the pliers posed a minor setback during delicate operations, like plucking out a stubborn thorn or handling tiny objects.
Intriguingly, I found the tool separation – the grey locking tools (knife, scissors, and file) and the black non-locking ones (screwdrivers) – to be an astute, albeit slightly cumbersome, implementation. The screwdrivers served dual purposes, acting as unlockers for the locking tools, a feature which took some getting used to but eventually became second nature.
Now, I couldn’t bypass mentioning the curiously proclaimed “bottle opener.” The physical packaging touted 12 tools, a misrepresentation corrected on SOG’s website down to 11, owing to the outright ineffectiveness of the bottle opener. This was a slight disappointment, especially during friendly gatherings around the campfire, where a functional opener would have been invaluable.
Despite its minor shortcomings and the rumour of its discontinuation, which led me to promptly secure a couple more units for future use, the SOG Sync II has integrated itself seamlessly into my everyday carry. Its innovative buckle design not only spared my pockets but also became an inconspicuous, reliable companion that elicited curiosity when its purpose was revealed to onlooking hiking buddies.
One crisp autumn day, as I embarked on a secluded hiking trail, the SOG Sync II was put to an unexpected test. Deep into the woods, I encountered a gorgeous, secluded spot that seemed like the perfect place to set up a makeshift camp for the night. As I began assembling my tent, I realized one of the crucial bolts holding the frame together had become frustratingly loose and refused to stay put. That’s when the Sync II, inconspicuously residing on my belt buckle, came into play.
Swiftly unclipping it, I utilized the pliers to firmly hold the nut in place while the medium flathead screwdriver tightened the reluctant bolt. The nimble size of the tools, surprisingly, allowed me to navigate the confined space with unexpected ease. Later that evening, while sharing stories surrounded by the warm embrace of the campfire, I found myself needing to trim a piece of fishing line for a makeshift repair on my backpack strap. The straight blade knife on the Sync II, although modest in size, executed the task with admirable precision. It’s these unscheduled moments that underscored the unassuming reliability of this compact multi-tool, providing practical solutions in a pinch and allowing me to immerse myself, unhindered, into the serene wilderness.
In reflection, while the Sync II may not parallel the robustness of larger multi-tools, its subtle integration into everyday wear crafts a niche that, for me, has proven its undoubted utility in the field.
Pros:
- Convenience: Always on hand as it’s integrated into a commonly-worn item (belt).
- Compact: Offers multiple tools in a small 3.1-inch body.
- Less Bulky: Eliminates the need for a traditional, more cumbersome multi-tool hanging off a belt.
- Discreet Design: Rarely gets noticed until used, maintaining a low profile.
- Reliable in a Pinch: Useful for quick, unexpected needs like tightening bolts or cutting small items.
- Tool Variety: Houses an array of 11 different tools useful for various small tasks.
- Secure: Stays in place even during active movement.
Cons:
- Bottle Opener Issue: Misrepresented and non-functional bottle opener.
- Limitation in Belt Compatibility: Only works optimally with certain belts (up to 1 ¾” wide and preferably leather).
- Learning Curve: Some features, like the screwdrivers acting as unlockers, require acclimation.
- Tool Robustness: Some tools, like the pliers and knife, might not perform as robustly as their full-sized counterparts.
- Pliers Alignment: Tips don’t come together fully, hampering delicate tasks.
- Potential Discontinuation: May become difficult to purchase in the future.
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Belt Buckle Multi Tool
Bear Grylls is a well known survivalist who has long had a relationship with Gerber to produce branded knives and other tools. The Bear Grylls Survival Belt is built around a sturdy nylon webbing belt and includes a number of survival tools. The buckle itself has a small compartment that holds tools like:
- 30’ of 20 lb Fishing Line
- Four #6 Barbed Fishing Hooks
- Two Fishing Weights
- Two Ball Swivels
- 19.7” Snare Line
- Signaling Mirror
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Flathead Screwdriver
Being able to gather food is extremely important in a survival situation. Having a miniature fishing kit on hand gives you the ability to quickly make an improvised fishing rod (If fishing tools interest you read our best fishing multi tools guide). The snare line is usable both for setting snares and as makeshift cordage. Once you’ve opened up the buckle compartment you’ll find the mirror hidden in the lid.
There is also a concealed zipper compartment in the belt itself. This allows you to hide cash, matches, documents, etc. in a very well hidden location. The belt is also very long, coming at fully 42 inches, and uses a loop friction closing method. If you’re in a wilderness emergency these are all good things to have but they don’t provide much value in day to day life.
Overall we like the Bear Grylls Survival Belt but definitely feel that it can’t compare to some of the other, more practical, tools on this list.
Bison Kool Tool USA Made Multi Tool Belt Buckle
The Kool Tool belt from Bison is one of the most densely packed belt buckle multi tools we’ve seen. It comes attached to a nylon webbing belt and is fitted out much like the one piece multi tools we’ve reviewed before. It provides you with nine different tools, including:
- Ten Hex Wrenches
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Box Cutter
- Wire Stripper
- Bottle Opener
- Inch Ruler
- Metric Ruler
The big attraction with the Kool Tool Buckle is its large tool list. The ten hex wrenches alone give it more capability than many other buckle tools we’ve reviewed. We really liked the inclusion of the rulers located on the backside of the buckle. Being able to quickly identify a bolt or screw size is a very useful feature.
The screwdrivers were all pretty good for their design. The flatheads both had rather broad geometry that made it difficult to fit them into some screwheads but otherwise worked well. We really liked the phillips head’s placement and the torque you could apply. One of our favorite features of this tool was the placement of the bottle opener. It was right at the bottom and angled just right to let you pop open a beer or soda without undoing your belt.
Fix Manufacturing Multi Tool Holder Belt Buckle
Fix Manufacturing is one of the most prolific makers of belt buckle multi tools. Their signature product is a tool carrying system they call the Payload Pocket. It allows you to quickly swap out different multi tools based on what you need day to day. They have five main sets, the Wheelie Wrench, Wheelie Wrench Pro, Powder Pliers, Kraken, and Board Sword Pro.
Wheelie Wrench and Wheelie Wrench Pro
The Wheelie Wrench and Wheelie Wrench pro are both bicycle maintenance multi tools. The standard version comes with 17 different tools that cover most situations you can get into on the trails. Tools on the Wheelie Wrench include:
- Six Hex Wrenches
- T10 Bit
- T25 Torx Bit
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Tire Lever
- 8mm Box Wrench
- 10mm Box Wrench
- 15mm Open Ended Wrench
- Spoke Wrenches
- Bottle Opener
The Pro edition includes all the tools on the original but adds in a chain breaker, an 11 speed set of quick links, and a Presta valve stem opener. Both of these tools are extremely durable and easy to carry on your belt or in a bag. We really like the quality of the screwdrivers and wrenches.
Powder Pliers
If your idea of a good time is speeding down a snowy mountainside the Power Pliers are the buckle tool for you. They’re designed to cover the basic tools needed to adjust and repair a snowboard or skis on the slopes. It gives you eight different tools, including:
- Two Phillips Head Screwdrivers
- Flathead Screwdriver
- 4mm Hex Bit
- Edge File
- 8mm Box Wrench
- 10mm Box Wrench
- Bottle Opener
The Powder Pliers look great and provide you with all the tools for basic repairs. It’s always a good idea to have the ability to make adjustments on the fly when skiing or snowboarding. They’re made from high quality materials and are very durable. We really like how easy it is to fold out each of the individual tools.
Board Sword Pro
The Board Sword Pro is for the skateboarder who means business. It comes with nine different tools to help you adjust and repair your board so you don’t have to head back to the garage. It includes tools like:
- Three Hex Wrenches
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Flathead Screwdriver
- 1/8″ Hex Bit
- Round File
- Safety Blade
- Bottle Opener
All of the tools were well sized for their intended purpose and felt quite sturdy. We’re not skateboarders here but the tools themselves are top notch.
Kraken
The Kraken is built to be the perfect tool for the active surfer. It comes in a really nice looking wood grain finish with black oxide tools to resist corrosion. It provides ten different functions, including:
- Scraper
- Leash Cord
- Leash Cord Feeder/Remover
- Hex Fin Key
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Stripped Screw Remover
- Rethreader
- Bottle Opener
If you’re an active surfer we definitely recommend you check out the Kraken.
686 Original Snow Tool Belt
The Original Snow Tool Belt from 686 uses a double prong design to provide you with extra holding power. It’s available in several different color and material options and made from durable brushed nickel. It gives you six sturdy tools, including:
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- 8/10/11 mm Hex Wrenches
There are a lot of companies that manage to overthink and overstuff their products. With the Original Snow Tool Belt, 686 isn’t one of them. It doesn’t try to cram in lots of extra features, instead it does a few things and does them well. The screwdrivers are used as the prongs for the belt and swing freely. At first this seemed like it would make them difficult to use but we were pleasantly surprised. By holding the body of the buckle in your hand you could easily control the motion of either screwdriver.
The hex wrenches are located on the metal loop used to hold back the belt. The largest one is closed in and centrally located on the front. The two smaller wrenches use an open faced design and were placed on the rear of the loop. All three were easy to use once you got the hang of them. We really liked the slide on design of the side wrenches. Finishing up with a functional and decorative bottle opener, the Original Snow Tool Belt is a real winner in our book. It’s well made, well thought out, and exactly the kind of innovative tool that gets EDC enthusiasts excited.
Fire Starter Survival Whistle Buckle
If you’re looking for a great introductory belt buckle multi tool check out this neat little fire starter whistle buckle. It uses a side release design but replaces the central plastic post with a small fire starter rod. It provides you with two useful tools and a fully functional buckle. These tools are:
- Ferrocerium Fire Starter Rod
- Metal Striking Plate
- Emergency Whistle
One of the best things about this kind of buckle is its low cost and flexibility. You can frequently find ten of these for less than $20, a really good bargain. At ⅝ of an inch they’re smaller than many of the other buckles on our list but this can actually be seen as a good thing. They’re right at the lower end of comfortable belt thicknesses, this allows them to be used for paracord survival bracelets, lanyards, dog collars, etc.
The fire starter rod is quite small but once you get a hang of the motion it produces a lot of sparks. The included whistle is honestly deafening, make sure you don’t try it out indoors like we did. There are models available with an included compass but all the ones we tried out were unable to find true north. We recommend you stick to the basics.
When you combine their low cost and basic utility we end up with a neat little product that’s fun to use and provides you with real value in an emergency situation.
| More Creative Multi Tools |
|---|
| 🥇 Hammer Multi Tool |
| 🥇 Credit Card Multi Tool |
| 🥇 Bracelet Multi Tool |
| 🥇 Cycling Multi Tools |
| 🥇 Multi Tools for AR15 |
Best Belt Buckle Multi Tool Recap
- SOG Multitool Belt Buckle – Sync II EDC
- Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Belt Buckle Multi Tool
- Bison Kool Tool USA Made Multi Tool Belt Buckle
- Fix Manufacturing Multi Tool Holder Belt Buckle
- 686 Original Snow Multi Tool Belt
- Fire Starter Survival Whistle Buckle
Conclusion
Belt buckle multi tools are rapidly developing into a really valuable segment of the multi tool market. There are several good companies making really interesting stuff that provide you with a lot of bang for your buck. As with any of our recommendations you should compare your personal needs with the capability of different multi tools.
If you love surfing, boarding, cycling, or snowsports you should definitely check out the Fix Manufacturing line of Payload Pocket products. They have a specialized tool for several different extreme sports in a very attractive package.
If you’ve got more of a survival mindset the best multi tool belt buckle for your is probably going to be the SOG Sync II or Bear Grylls Survival Belt. The Sync II is the only fold out multi tool on this list and has a really nice tool loadout. The Survival Belt doesn’t provide the same level of functionality but it does give you a good amount of survival gear in an emergency.
For best overall though, we have to recommend the Bison Kool Tool or 686 Original Snow Belt. They both provide a lot of everyday value in a very attractive package. The Snow Belt was our appearance and workmanship favorite, with a really nice brushed nickel finish and strong tools that were easy to use. The Kool Tool beat out every other tool in the number of included tools but each tool wasn’t quite as easy to use as on the Snow Belt. Either way, you’ve got a great multi tool belt buckle at a pretty reasonable price.
Just got my Bison Kool Tool buckle – it’s amazing how many tools they’ve packed into this! The hex wrenches are super handy for quick fixes.
Gerber’s Bear Grylls buckle looks perfect for my camping trips. Love the survival-oriented tools!