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I tested the $13 multitool that everyone is talking about. Here’s my verdict

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 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

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.

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. 

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.

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