I’ve been covering lots of budget multitools lately — the sort of tools you don’t mind using and abusing, and if worse comes to worst, losing or breaking. I’ve reviewed several in the sub-$50 price bracket, and I’ve been really impressed. I even found one that I can take through airport security and onto a plane.
Also: I expected this cheap multitool to be junk, but I was way off
However, there was one that I had missed, and it only came to my attention when a couple of readers pointed it out to me and asked for my verdict. This was the 15-in-1 stainless steel multitool with a pocket knife, once again from the Amazon Basics range.
This thing can pretty much do it all. Let’s take a look at the lineup of tools that make up the “15” in the 15-in-1:
- Knife
- Saw
- Fish scaler
- Hook remover
- Scissors
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Slotted screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Ice breaker
- Metal file
- Nail cleaner
- Awl
- Corkscrew
- Carabiner keyring
The tools on this 15-in-1 multitool are all well made and constructed from stainless steel that is highly wear-resistant.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I can divide these into four categories:
- Super Useful: Knife, scissors, the two screwdrivers, bottle opener
- Useful: Saw, can opener, awl, corkscrew, and the keyring
- Things I Use Once in a Blue Moon: Metal file, nail cleaner, and ice breaker
- Stuff I’ve Never Used: Fish scaler and hook remover (I’ve been fishing over the years but have never used either of these on any multitool, and they come on a lot of them!).
Fish scaler with hook remover … a tool that’s on many multitool that I’ve yet to use!
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Your mileage may vary, but after four decades of using Swiss Army Knives and other multitools, this is how my usage breaks down.
The tools are all made of unspecified stainless steel (probably 304 and 316 based on hardness and wear resistance), and they’re all coated in a black finish that seems reasonably durable. The handles are made of aluminum, which has cutouts (not sure if this is for styling or to reduce weight), and they’re nicely contoured to fit the hand, making most of the tools comfortable to use.
My favorite tool — the scissors!
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Also: Finally, a TSA-approved multitool that I can bring on a plane – but it gets better
I do have a few little gripes, and they revolve around the tools on top of the multitool: the corkscrew, Phillips screwdriver, awl, nail file, and ice breaker. I’d prefer these to be designed so they open toward the middle of the handle rather than to one end, as they currently do. This would make the tools easier to use.
The position of the tools on the top isn’t the best, and leads to an off-balance feeling when they’re used.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Also, the corkscrew is a little on the small side in terms of diameter, and I was a bit concerned that it would rip out of the cork rather than pull it out. Maybe I’m just used to beefier screwdrivers.
There’s also a nylon belt pouch if you don’t want to carry this multitool in your pocket.
The nylon carry pouch is about as basic as they get.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
ZDNET’s buying advice
If you’re looking for a cheap, cheerful, yet usable multitool with a bunch of features (and maybe you’re someone who uses fish scalers all the time), the Amazon Basics 15-in-1 stainless steel multitool is a great one to pick up. Everything on it works, it’s built to last for years, and for the current asking price of $12.91, you’re not going to be upset if you need to replace it.
