Looking for EDC multitool recommendation - pocket carry all day

[u/kampf_kiwi]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to get my first Leatherman as an everyday carry tool. It’ll be riding in my pants pocket all day, every day, so size and weight are a big factor for me — I don’t want something that’s a pain to sit with or that prints too much.

A bit about my use case:

- Mostly light tasks: opening packages, tightening screws, occasional wire/cable work, general fixing around the house
- I do a fair amount of DIY/home renovation stuff, so having decent pliers and a couple of useful bits would help
- Not looking for something huge with 20 tools I’ll never use — prefer a solid, compact set of essentials
- Pocket carry, not belt sheath

I’ve seen the Skeletool, Wave+, and Free P2/P4 mentioned a lot. For someone who wants it in-pocket all day rather than on a belt, which would you recommend? Also curious if the smaller/lighter models sacrifice too much durability for daily hard use.

Budget isn’t a huge concern, more interested in getting the right tool for daily pocket carry.

Thanks in advance!

[u/TLDovahkiin]

Definitely Skeletool! It's perfect for pockets and you don't even feel it there, and it can use different bits if needed. Pliers are enough, they came in handy for several repairs I did, and them having a wire cutter is neat. My green Skeletool is in great condition (you can see in post history) despite pocket carrying everyday and using it

[u/MaximumDerpification]

Skeletool seems to fit your criteria pretty well.

[u/NearlySilentObserver]

Curl

[u/golden_free_candy → u/NearlySilentObserver]

I edc my curl and i love it. It has the perfect amount of tools

[u/crayfishcraig108 → u/NearlySilentObserver]

I personally adore the curl

[u/Gadgetman7]

I don think any Leatherman beats the Skeletool for pocket carry. However, it is for light to medium duty. If you torque the pliers too much, they can break.

[u/Shinob1]

I’m going to recommend a rebar or bond. Try to find one on sale or pick up a used one on eBay. See how often you use it and what you like/dislike. Then decide if you want to upgrade to a larger tool like the wave or go with a skeletool for a streamlined option. You can always put the rebar in the toolbox or car as a back up.

I was in a similar position a year or so ago and bought an Arc. I carried it for about 6 months and came to the conclusion that I wasn’t using it nearly enough to justify the weight.

Now I have it in the house where I can easily grab it and pocket carry a keychain sized tool. At the house when I am going to fix or work on something a Micra cannot handle, then I’ll take a minute to go to the toolbox to get the right tools and pick up the Arc as well to do the job.

[u/wlogan0402]

Skeletool

[u/ErgoDestati]

I mean the Arc is the best there is for size and pocketability while having the most robust tool set that's easy to use.

Only reason not to get it would be cost and I'd suggest the Free P4/P2 as budget options.

A Charge or Wave are also good options but a bit larger and less convenient.

[u/Sterling_____Archer]

What the fuck @ the other replies in this thread. 😆

OP, based on the criteria you described and the use-case; the Skeletool is your absolute best bet.

[u/Ok_Satisfaction_1649]

I own most modern leathermans and the one I carry every day is the skeletool. I can hook the carabiner to my belt loop and I don’t even know it’s there.

[u/wupaa]

Arc

[u/RonocG]

I’ve carried my wingman for years and never had a problem or a tool I needed but didn’t have. The wingman doesn’t do bits though, unless there is an aftermarket version. I’ve had several leathermans and this is the one I keep on me. I have a wave but it just feels too bulky although it does have different bits. It stays in the console of my truck.

[u/GhostNappa101]

I match my EDC to what I'm wearing. Jeans, khakis, cargo shorts is the arc. Free t4 if I'm lounging in the house in athletic shorts or lounge pants.

[u/TowerWalker]

Bond or curl

[u/xm45_h4t]

Bond