These Card-Sized Tools Offer All of the Functionality of a Multi-Tool, with None of the Bulk

If you’re a regular camper or the outdoorsy type, you’re probably very familiar with multi-tools. They typically include multiple blades, saws, pliers and even fire starters to prepare you for survival situations. Multi-tools are great for anyone who wants to be able to make quick repairs, too. But if you’re not particularly handy or outdoorsy, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest in a multi-tool. You just might want to think smaller.

The best pocket or keychain multi-tools will get you through the situations that you’re actually likely to encounter in your daily life, whether that’s cutting open a package, opening a bottle, or doing basic grooming like filing your nails. Many of the most popular tools fit on a keychain. But if you’ve maxed out on keychain space or just want to add a little more functionality to the things you keep in your pocket, then it’s worth looking into a credit-card-sized multi-tool. They’re barely thicker than a credit card or ID, but many of them can perform over a dozen functions. They’re sized to fit into your wallet sleeves or be seamlessly carried in your pocket.

The first thing many people ask about a multi-tool is how many functions it has. But a more important question is how well does this tool perform them. If a tool is flimsy or awkwardly placed, it’ll be like not having it at all. That’s why we’ve focused on credit-card pocket tools that have handy functions like bottle openers, screwdrivers, nail files and scissors. Basically, these multi-tools are loaded with the functions you need and none that you don’t. These are the credit-card pocket tools to get.

1. Wallet Ninja Credit Card Sized Multitool

Don’t let the playful branding fool you; the Wallet Ninja is a serious tool. It has 18 different useful functions, some you might expect and some you’d be surprised by. There are bottle, box and can openers, plus multiple hex wrenches for unscrewing nuts and bolts. Each corner of the tool functions as a screwdriver, including one for tightening loose eyeglass screws. It’s made out of sturdy steel but can fit into a wallet pocket.

Pros: Wide variety of tools, including bottle, box and can openers. There are also screwdrivers and wrenches. There are no actual blades, so it meets TSA guidelines.

Cons: Some features, like the wrenches, are less handy than others.

2. Victorinox Swisscard Lite Pocket Tool

Whether or not you’ve heard of Victorinox, you’ve definitely heard of their flagship tool — the Swiss Army knife. The SwissCard Lite is a great companion to the knife, but it works well on its own, too. Like the knife, the SwissCard has a sheathed design. The tools on the SwissCard can be fully removed from the plastic sleeve. Alongside blades, scissors, screwdrivers and tweezers, there are surprising tools like an LED light and even a mini ballpoint pen.

Pros: Card-sized tool by the maker of the Swiss Army knife. Tools are fully removable, so they won’t get in the way of each other. Since they’re housed in a sheath, you won’t have to worry about sharp points cutting your pockets.

Cons: Plastic sheath could be more durable. No bottle opener.

3. Smart RSQ Credit Card Multitool

Like the Wallet Ninja, this multi-tool from Smart RSQ consists of a single piece of metal with various notches and slots cut in that function as tools. There is a knife blade and a saw blade, a bottle opener, a nail file, a fruit peeler and various mini screwdrivers and wrenches. The card includes bonus gear like a cardholder, money clip, card sleeve and carabiner.

Pros: 37-in-1 functionality. Tool comes with a cardholder, card sleeve and carabiner.

Cons: Could be more precisely made.

4. SE Pocket Tool

This affordable tool is designed to perform 11 different functions. It’s slightly smaller than a credit card, making it easy to attach to a keychain or keep in any wallet. It has both a can and bottle cap opener, in addition to wrenches, screwdrivers, a knife-edge and a saw blade. It comes with a synthetic leather case.

Pros: Compact and affordable, simple design that is intuitive to use.

Cons: Synthetic leather sleeve is not very well made.