Tools

Multitools have always been a popular topic, and that didn't change in 2023. It was a pivotal year for multitool design, seeing the birth of what Leatherman calls its best ever. See what other multitools captured the imagination in 2023.

Interchangeable-bit ratcheting screwdrivers are very useful devices, but they're not something you'd typically stuff into a pocket. The folks from Logical Carry are out to change that, with the flat-form Ti-Mag.

Opinel's timeless No. 08 folding knife has gotten even prettier. The Sampo Curly Birch limited edition 08 trades out the normal wood handle for one made from a special Nordic silver birch, adding a splash of depth to the classic best seller.

When using a spirit level (aka bubble level) to mark mounting points on a wall, you almost need three hands. The Levelmarker 2.0 is designed to address that problem, by combining level-holding and mark-making in a simple two-handed job.

Leatherman calls the new Arc the best multitool it's ever made – hyperbole, sure, but a big declaration from a brand with many multitools to sell. The Arc brings together prized features like a MagnaCut steel blade and one-handed magnetic operation.

Interchangeable-bit screwdrivers may be convenient but they don't always provide enough leverage, depending on the task at hand. Symtik's S1 Boost addresses that shortcoming with a power-boosting lever that can be utilized as needed.

Pumping up deflated tires has to be one of the most cumbersome tasks on two wheels. The electronic Mini Pump, pitched as the world’s lightest tire inflator, is just the kind of handy gadget that you’ll want to take along for the ride.

New analysis of a tool that dates back 300,000 years has revealed that our ancestors were skilled craftspeople that made useful hunting weapons designed for comfort, efficiency and longevity. Some of these skills are still seen in woodwork today.

Combining the timeless shock and awe of a switchblade with some multitool utility, the new HX Retractable EDC Tool is a unique addition to any multitool collection. With the flick of a thumb, the tool fires out a series of four handy functions.

Researchers from University College London's Institute of Archaeology have uncovered a cache of 800 stone artefacts dating to more than 300,000 years ago. The find includes one of the largest hand-axes ever unearthed in Britain.

Although interchangeable-bit hex wrenches aren't that hard to use, there's always room for improvement … right? The designers of the Switch Hex T seem to think so, as their wrench features a carousel-like multi-bit rotating head.

It was just last year that we told you about the MetMo Driver, which was a modern take on the classic ratchet screwdriver. Well, its makers are now offering a smaller version, and it's appropriately named the MetMo Pocket Driver.