Electricians are some of the hardest-working and most knowledgeable people you’ll ever meet. They make sure the lights stay on and use a lot of really specialized tools to do it.
Like many workers in the construction trades though, they like to carry around a few essentials anywhere they go. Today we’ll look at some of the best electrician multi tools available and let you know how they stack up against one another.
Contents
Best Multi Tools Designed Specifically for Electricians
If you work as a licensed electrician having the right tools is absolutely essential. There are plenty of purpose built devices out there but they can get a bit bulky.
Having a multi tool with the basics on hand is a great way to increase your overall readiness. There aren’t a lot of multi tools built specifically for electricians but there are a few good stand out examples.
Leatherman Squirt ES4
I am an avid enthusiast of hiking, camping, and generally anything that allows me to immerse myself in the great outdoors. Needless to say, having a reliable multi-tool is a fundamental part of my adventures. Having come across the Leatherman Squirt ES4, I decided to tether it to my keychain, complementing my Leatherman Wave which has been a trusty companion over the years. The ES4 is not only a compact powerhouse but also a noteworthy addition to my everyday carry.
The first thing that caught my eye was the neat assortment of tools nestled in this tiny gadget. The nine tools including the spring-action needlenose pliers, wire strippers, and cutters are a boon when I am tinkering with electronics or setting up my campsite. The 420HC knife, although small, has proven its mettle when it came to slicing through straps or packaging, and I’ve found it incredibly handy for precise cuts during my outdoor exploits.
The scissors on the ES4 are quite responsive and I’ve used them more times than I can count, especially when trimming ropes or cutting small twigs for a makeshift shelter. The spring-action in these tools adds a level of ease and efficiency that I didn’t realize I was missing.
I am particularly fond of the wire strippers. They may not replace full-size strippers but for a gadget that’s always within arm’s reach, they are beyond adequate. I’ve used them to strip wires for minor repairs on my camping gear and they’ve never disappointed.
The ES4 is compact enough to not be a burden yet versatile enough to be a significant asset. I’ve found the outside-accessible tools to be a time-saver, particularly when I am out in the wild and need to quickly access a tool. The flat/Phillips screwdriver has come in handy during my impromptu repair sessions, although the Phillips head could do with a true “+” shape for a better grip.
Over time, I’ve noticed the color on the scales fading, a small price to pay for the functionality it offers. Although I did have a minor hiccup where I pocketed the keyring with the screwdriver in a deployed state, causing a small tear in my pocket. A little caution goes a long way to avoid such minor mishaps.
On one occasion, while on a hiking trip, I found myself in a bit of a bind when the strap on my backpack snapped. The sun was setting and I needed to set up camp before dark. With no time to sew the strap, I decided to improvise a quick fix. I pulled out my Leatherman Squirt ES4 and unfolded the spring-action needlenose pliers. It was impressive how I could grip the broken strap tightly, enabling me to thread a temporary wire hook through. The wire strippers and cutters also came in handy to trim and bend a small piece of wire to just the right shape. With the sun dipping below the horizon, I managed to securely fix the strap and was able to comfortably carry my backpack to the campsite. Throughout this ordeal, the ES4 was instrumental, and its compact size was a godsend, allowing me to work swiftly without the encumbrance of fetching a bigger toolkit. This little episode not only saved me a great deal of hassle but also amplified my appreciation for this pocket-sized marvel. Each tool in the ES4 played its part seamlessly, making my life in the wild a bit less wild.
Lastly, the ES4 has become an indispensable part of my daily life, not just my outdoor excursions. I’ve used it in various settings, from fixing a terminal at a client’s location to quickly tightening screws that came loose on my backpack during a vigorous hike.
The Leatherman Squirt ES4 is an embodiment of big things coming in small packages. It’s an incredible blend of functionality and portability, making it an essential piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast or anyone in need of a handy, reliable multi-tool for everyday use. The charm of the ES4 is its ability to provide a solution in trivial and pressing situations alike, making my outdoor adventures a tad bit easier and a whole lot more enjoyable.
This is a well made tool from a respected manufacturer. It certainly isn’t the only tool an electrician needs, but I’m sure most would get a kick out of how much functionality it provides in such a small package.
Pros:
- Compact and Portable: Its keychain-size makes it a convenient carry-along in pockets or tethered to a keychain.
- Versatile Tool Set: With nine useful tools including pliers, wire strippers, and a knife, it covers a broad spectrum of minor task requirements.
- Durable and Reliable: Despite its size, the ES4 proves to be sturdy and dependable during various tasks.
- Outside-Accessible Tools: Quick access to tools without having to unfold the multi-tool is a significant time-saver.
- Functional Pliers and Scissors: Unique in offering both functional pliers and scissors, which come in handy quite often.
- Ideal for Electrical Tasks: The wire strippers and cutters are especially useful for minor electrical tasks, a boon for electricians or tech enthusiasts.
Cons:
- Color Fading: The color on the scales tends to fade over time due to wear and tear.
- Pocket Snags: The outside-accessible tools can catch on pocket seams if not carefully retracted.
- Phillips Screwdriver Design: The flat Phillips head doesn’t provide an ideal grip on screws.
- Lack of Some Tools: Missing some grooming tools and a micro screwdriver which could have added to its utility.
- Not TSA Approved: The inclusion of a knife blade means it isn’t suitable for air travel.
- No Disassembly for Maintenance: Riveted design prevents any form of disassembly for maintenance or customization.
SOG Kilowatt Pocket Knife Wire Stripper
If you’re looking for a quality folding knife with some useful electrician’s tools SOG has the knife for you. The Kilowatt Pocket Knife Wire Stripper does exactly what it says in the name. It combines a razor sharp folder with several different wire strippers. These include:
- Straight Edge Blade
- 10-22 Numbered Wire Strippers
- Odd Size Stripper
- Spring Loaded UTP Stripper
SOG has been coming out with innovative designs since they were founded and they’ve done a great job here. The blade itself is made from AUS-8 stainless steel and takes an edge easily.
The numbered wire stripper uses a fold out system that holds the wire in place. Simply thread a wire through the correct slot and press down on the bar. You can then twist and pull the wire for a clean cut.
The odd size wire stripper is interesting in that it actually uses the main knife blade. It places the wire in contact with the closed blade and allows you to pull it through easily.
The UTP cutter is really innovative. It lifts up to allow the wire to be put in place then applies pressure all on its own.
Overall a high-quality folding knife that provides a lot of value for an electrician.
Sheffield 12-in-1 Electrician’s Multi Tool
The Sheffield Electrician’s Multi Tool gives you 11 different tools packed into an aluminum frame. These tools cover a good selection of electrical tasks and include things like:
- Needlenose Pliers
- 10GA-20GA Wire Stripper
- Wire Cutter
- Saw
- Straight Edge Knife
- Combo Knife
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Wood/Metal File
- Zipper Pull
The pliers on the Sheffield multi tool are quite small but do allow you to grip a wire securely. We really like the range of common wire sizes the stripper allows you to strip.
The knife blades were made of cheaper steel to be sure but they were easy to put an edge on. Each of the screwdrivers worked reasonably well, but again they can’t match the quality of larger manufacturers.
If you want a full size multi tool specific to an electrician there aren’t a ton of options out there. The Sheffield Electrician’s Multi Tool gives you a lot of useful features at a reasonable price.
Klein Tools Electrician’s Multi Tool
The Klein Tools Electrician’s Multi Tool gives you a few basic tools that really come in handy for electrical work. They aren’t quite as large as a full up wire stripper/crimper system but they do work reasonably well. There are seven tools in total, including:
- Needlenose Pliers
- 12GA-16GA Wire Strippers
- Wire Cutter
- Straight Edge Knife
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Removable Tweezers
This multi tool is a bit smaller and lighter than many others on this list. It certainly has fewer tools than you’d expect on a butterfly fold multi tool.
The electrician specific tools it has though are well made and fulfill their intended purpose. The wire strippers don’t cover as many sizes as others but they do a good job cutting and stripping wire.
The one thing I do wish it had was a wire crimper. Without the ability to crimp two wires together its usefulness is limited a bit. You can use the needlenose pliers but they aren’t as precise.
Overall a useful multi tool but overshadowed by others on our list.
Best General Purpose Multi Tools for Electricians
Contractors, plumbers, and electricians have been carrying multi tools as long as there have been multi tools. They provide you with a wide array of useful tools in a very compact package and help you get the job done when it counts.
We’ve put together a list of some top-quality full size multi tools that provide a lot of value for any electrician.
Leatherman Surge
The Leatherman Surge is one of the most rugged and heavy duty multi tools on the market today. It’s the multi tool for people who work hard all day long and need tools that can keep up with them. It has 21 different tools, including:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Hard Wire Cutters
- Stranded Wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- Straight Edge Knife
- Serrated Knife
- Saw
- Spring-action Scissors
- Awl with Thread Loop
- 8 in/19 cm Ruler
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond Coated File
- Blade Exchanger
- Large Bit Driver
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
The Surge is a big tool, coming in at 4.5 in long and weighing a full 12.5 oz. That puts it firmly in the heavy duty category.
As far as tool loadout goes the Surge is truly top of the line. Every tool on it is made from high-quality materials with excellent craftsmanship.
The wire cutter system is one of our favorite features on the Surge. Leatherman’s replaceable cutter system lets you quickly switch out the blades without any fuss.
The cutters themselves are excellent. There are areas for hard and soft wires as well as a small notched zone for cutting cleanly through threaded wires.
One of the most common tasks an electrician will carry out is cutting, stripping, and crimping wires. The Surge lets you do all of that plus includes razor sharp knives, a replaceable saw blade, and different files.
All in all an excellent multi tool that’s perfect for hard working contractors or electricians.
For more information about the Leatherman Surge, read our full review.
Leatherman Charge+ TTi
The Leatherman Charge+ TTi is the top of the line full size multi tool the company offers. It’s made from strong and lightweight titanium and includes some of the highest quality tools available. There are a total of 19 different tools/functions on the TTi, including:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Hard Wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- S30V Straight Edge Knife
- 420HC Serrated Knife
- Saw
- Spring-action Scissors
- Cutting Hook
- 8 in/19 cm Ruler
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond Coated File
- Large Bit Driver
- Small Bit Driver
- Medium Flathead Screwdriver
Like most Leatherman products the Charge+ TTi is based around a pair of needlenose pliers. Once you open it up though you start to see the high end touches and materials.
The titanium handles look great and provide it with a highly scratch resistant finish. The pliers themselves are precisely fitted together and the replaceable wire cutters provide a ton of value to an electrician.
We generally find the wire cutters to be one of the first parts to wear out on a multi tool. For an electrician this is only amplified.
The unique crimper design also comes in on the Charge+’s favor. It places a small crimping circle in the body of the pliers themselves.
For smaller wires there’s also a wire crimper located at the base of the pliers.
The knife blade is razor sharp and uses high end S30V stainless steel. This allows you to put a razor edge on it without worrying about corrosion.
The Charge+ TTi is probably the best general use multi tool on the market today. It’s precisely manufactured and includes all the top of the line features you expect from Leatherman.
If you’re an electrician looking for a top notch multi tool the Leatherman Charge+ TTi won’t let you down.
For more information about Leatherman Charge+ TTi, check out our full review.
Leatherman Super Tool 300
If you’re an old school kind of guy you’ll love the vintage styling and high quality tools on the Super Tool 300. An updated version of the second multi tool released by Leatherman, the Super Tool 300 packs 19 tools into a heavy duty body. These include:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Hard Wire Cutters
- Stranded Wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- Straight Edge Knife
- Serrated Knife
- Saw
- Awl with Thread Loop
- 8 in/19 cm Ruler
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
The original Super Tool was the first heavy duty multi tool to hit the market. This updated version uses the classic styling of that tool combined with all of Leatherman’s modern engineering expertise.
The tools on the Super Tool 300 are almost as good as purpose built versions. The knife and saw blades in particular are large enough to function well all on their own.
The wire stripper and crimper are both workable as well, though the stripper doesn’t stand up quite as well as a full size model.
The replaceable wire cutter system gets the same high marks as always and the pliers fit together seamlessly.
If you’re looking for a classic tool that can keep up with our modern times the Leatherman Super Tool 300 is the tool for you.
For more information about the Leatherman Super Tool 300, check out our full review.
Gerber MP600
The Gerber MP600 is the issue multi tool of the US Military. It uses Gerber’s signature one-handed opening design and comes in more than 20 different versions. Some common tools on the MP600 line include:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Replaceable Carbide Wire Cutters
- Wire Crimper
- Straight Edge Knife
- Serrated Knife
- File
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Ruler
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Blasting Cap Crimper
- Lanyard Ring
Not every version contains all of these tools of course. Some of the more esoteric tools are only available on limited edition or highly specialized tools.
The electrician specific tools are mainly the wire cutters, wire crimper, and carbide wire cutters. The standard wire cutters work about as well as could be expected though you need to be careful not to try and cut any really thick hard wires.
We were excited to try out the carbide wire cutters. They were advertised as an easy to replace triangular system that could cut through even the hardest wires.
Unfortunately they just aren’t up to snuff. We found them to be incredibly brittle, to the point they broke after only a few uses.
The wire crimper works as well as could be expected and their isn’t a specific wire stripper.
Overall the Gerber MP600 is a reasonably high-quality multi tool but doesn’t have the best tool loadout for a working electrician.
For more information about the Gerber MP600, check out our full review.
SOG PowerAssist
SOG is a relative newcomer to the multi tool market. Despite this they’ve made a name for themselves with their innovative designs.
The SOG PowerAssist is their flagship product and uses a Compound Leverage system to increase the gripping power of the pliers. It provides you with 16 different tools, including:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Channel Bolt Gripper
- Hard Wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Blasting Cap Crimper
- V-Cutter
- Straight Edge Knife
- Serrated Knife
- Ruler
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Three Sided File
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
The SOG PowerAssist is an interesting design that was well put together. The Compound Leverage system actually works, providing greater handle travel for a much smaller plier range of motion.
The wire cutters are sharp and sturdy but not removable. For an electrician cutting wires is their bread and butter. If they chip or dent that’s pretty much it for their usefulness.
The wire crimper works well but without a wire stripper its utility for an electrician is more limited.
Overall a really cool multi tool concept that was well executed but not a great option for a working electrician.
| More Great Multi Tool Guides |
|---|
| 🥇 Hammer Multi Tools |
| 🥇 Saw Multi Tools |
| 🥇 Swiss Army Knife |
| 🥇 EDC Pry Bar |
Best Electrician Multi Tool Comparison Chart
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top
Top | LEATHERMAN Squirt Es4 Blu Alum Hndl Tin | Prime | Buy on Amazon | |
Top | SOG EL01-CP Kilowatt Electricians Pocket Knife with Wire Stripping Multi Tool, 3.4 Inch AUS-8 Blade, UTP 10-22G Wire Stripper Knife | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
Top | Multi Tool 7-in-1 with Hybrid Pliers, Screwdrivers, Pocket Knife, Wire Cutter-Stripper, More Klein Tools 44216 | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
Top | LEATHERMAN, Surge Heavy Duty Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters and Spring-Action Scissors, Stainless Steel with Premium Nylon Sheath | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
Top | LEATHERMAN, Charge Plus TTi Titanium Multitool with Scissors and Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Stainless Steel, Built in the USA | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
Top | LEATHERMAN, Super Tool 300 Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters and Saw, Stainless Steel with Leather Sheath | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
Top | Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier, Needle Nose, Black [47550] | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
Top | PowerAssist Stainless, S66N-CP | Prime | Buy on Amazon |
Final Thoughts
As you can see there aren’t a ton of electrician specific multi tools on the market. Those that exist though are well thought out, made with care, and generally provide real value. We choose to pick out two best of’s in this review. The best electrician multi tool, and the best multi tool for electricians.
The best electrician multi tool had to be the Leatherman Squirt ES4. It gave you the ability to strip and crimp a variety of common wires and was small enough to fit on your keychain.
The best multi tool available is generally the one you’ll actually have with you when you need it. For us, that’s definitely the Squirt ES4.
As for the best multi tool for electricians, the decision was a bit harder. There are great products from several well regarded manufacturers but in the end there was only one choice.
The Leatherman Surge is honestly one of the toughest and hardest working multi tools available. It combines full size tools with a very rugged body to provide tons of value.
It’s a heavy duty tool for heavy duty tasks and will likely provide the most overall value to a contractor or electrician on the job.
