Using a multi-tool correctly means deploying the implement you need, confirming it locks, and applying steady, controlled force.
That first multi-tool moment often starts with a puzzle: you’ve got pliers, a knife, screwdrivers, and a saw folded into one package, and you’re not entirely sure how to get each one out safely. The good news is that nearly every Leatherman-style tool works the same basic way. And whether you just got your first one or you’ve owned one for years, the same habits separate a smooth, safe experience from a pinched finger or a blade that folds mid-task.
Deploying the Pliers
Pliers are the heart of most multi-tools, and they’re the easiest part to open. Hold the tool in one hand and pull both handle halves apart — away from each other — until the pliers open like a pair of scissors. Keep pulling until the handles click into a straight line; that click is the lock engaging.
The tool is now stable in your grip. When you’re done, reverse the motion: fold the handles back together, and the pliers tuck back into the body of the multi-tool.
Opening Individual Tools the Right Way
Individual implements — the blade, saw, screwdrivers, and file — sit along the tool’s sides and need a deliberate step to deploy. Each one pivots out from the handle on its own hinge. Using your thumbnail in the designated notch or opening, pull the tool out of its channel and rotate it until it reaches its working position. That position is the one where the implement lines up straight with the handle, and you’ll feel a lock click into place. Never apply force until that lock engages.
To close an implement, press the release mechanism — usually a liner lock or a button — and fold it back flush with the handle. If the lock doesn’t engage properly, the tool isn’t seated; fold it back and try again rather than forcing it.
Using Blades and Saws Safely
Cutting tools on a multi-tool deserve extra care because they’re the easiest way to draw blood. When you use a knife blade, keep the other tools folded closed so the blade is the only thing exposed. Cut with the blade pulling away from your body, using controlled pressure — never so much force that the blade slips off the material. For the saw, use long, even strokes and let the tool do the cutting; pressing hard just wears you out and risks the blade binding.
If a blade arrives with the multi-tool partially open, take a moment to survey which side is the cutting edge before you touch anything. Keep your fingers clear of the tip and the cutting path, and if the tool doesn’t feel right — a wobbly blade, a release that sticks, or a lock that feels loose — stop using it. A multi-tool with a failing lock is a safety hazard, not a convenience.
Maintenance and Everyday Care
A multi-tool earns its place in your pocket with basic upkeep. Reseal folding tools into the sheath with the pliers facing downward so the folding implements stay protected. But when it comes to picking a model, the brand differences show. Leatherman’s product families — the Crunch with its locking pliers, the Signal built for outdoor emergencies, the everyday Wave+, and the compact Micra — each handle tasks a little differently. If you are ready to find a multi-tool that fits your typical jobs, the roundup at KitchPrep highlights reliable picks organized by use case. Compare our tested multi-tool recommendations to see what suits your daily carry.
For electric oscillating multi-tools, the safety picture changes: match the accessory to the spindle, make sure the workpiece is clamped, and unplug the tool before you swap any blade. The Power Tool Institute also warns to hold only insulated grips when the tool might contact hidden wiring — a hazard that doesn’t exist with your hand-cranked version.
| Task | Implement to Use | Key Habit |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting cord or rope | Knife blade | Confirm the lock clicks before cutting |
| Gripping a nut or wire | Pliers | Open handles fully so the lock engages |
| Driving a screw | Flathead or Phillips driver | Match the bit size to the screw head |
| Cutting a branch or dowel | Saw | Use long, steady strokes; let the teeth work |
| Smoothing a metal edge | File | Pull in one direction, not back and forth |
With that rhythm down — deploy, lock, work, release, close — you can go from “which blade is this?” to confident use in a single afternoon. The last step is good storage: a clean, dry tool and a spot where the blade won’t accidentally open are all the maintenance most models need.
FAQs
Should you oil a multi-tool?
Yes, lightly and occasionally. A drop of light oil on the pivot points keeps the implements moving smoothly and prevents rust, especially after the tool gets wet or dirty. Wipe away excess so it doesn’t attract grit that makes the action feel rough.
Can you carry a multi-tool on a plane?
Generally no in carry-on luggage. Because most multi-tools include a blade, TSA rules require them to go in checked baggage. Some models with no blade may pass, but the simplest rule is to pack any multi-tool that has a knife in your checked bag.
What is the best way to break in a stiff multi-tool?
Work the pliers and each implement open and closed repeatedly — a few dozen cycles usually smooths the action. If it stays stiff, apply a small amount of lubricant to the pivot points and work it through. Avoid forcing a tool that won’t pivot freely.
References & Sources
- Leatherman. “Multi-Tools 101: A Complete Beginner’s Guide.” Explains deploying implements, lock engagement, and safe folding practices.
- Power Tool Institute. “Multi-Tools & Oscillating Tools.” Details safety guidance for powered multi-tools, accessory matching, and electrical cautions.
