They said I couldn’t find a high-quality multitool for under $30 – but this one’s a winner

I have been a huge fan of multi-tools and pocket tools for decades. I own some of the items from celebrities, such as Leatherman, Gerber, and Victorinox. Some I still have, others I have given or lost. I broke a few but in such cases I was able to get a replacement under warranty.

These are premium tools, often priced at over $100, with some costing significantly. At that price you will get a robust, long-term tool with a solid guarantee to back it up. But not everyone wants or needs a multi-tool worth over $100. Many people simply look for something affordable and reliable – a tool to get the job done, but it won’t break your heart if it’s lost, stolen or damaged.

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The problem is, cheap and good things rarely go together, and I had difficulty finding a decent multi-tool in the $100 category.

Until now.

For the past few weeks I’ve been using it Nexttool E1 Pocket Tool. This multi-tool combines 10 different features into a compact, pocket-friendly package.

All of these are just 3.1 x 1.0 x 0.7 inches and fit tools weighing less than 3.5 ounces.

The tool components are made of heat treated 30cr13 stainless steel, known for its durability and toughness, but the scale is made of durable polymer, making the multitool light and sturdy.

The driver is an outstanding feature. If you like it, you can buy it 10-bit expansion pack. These bits are also compatible with Leatherman’s Bit Holder, so if you use that multitool, they may be useful.

I’ve tested all the tools and are sharp enough to effectively handle tasks, while still retaining sharpness after use. Knife and mini scrapers have thumb studs on the blade to make openings easier, while other tools use nail nicks. Some tools may feel a bit stiff to open at first – some because you need to loosen the joints, partly because there is a trick. However, after several days of use, it becomes a second nature.

In particular, utility knifes require practice to open, which is a good thing as they actually prevent accidental openings in the pocket.

I like this pocket tool because it’s small enough to keep your pockets noticing, but big enough to get the job done. Please note that there are no sets of pliers or keyring clips. If you need them, you’ll have to look at some of Nextool’s larger products.

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It is also worth noting that the tool includes two blades so it cannot be obtained on a flight, and if you try to bring it through airport security, you will likely end up in a TSA bin.

ZDNET purchase advice

nexttool e1 It’s a great pocket tool and comes with a price tag of $27, so it’s a pretty bargain. This makes it a very unique category. This is a decent tool at an affordable price. You don’t get the pretty long guarantee you’ll find in things like Leatherman, but for just $30, if you break or lose it, you won’t break the bank.