WETOLS Multitool with Pocket Knife, Birthday Gifts for Men Women Mom Dad, 21-in-1 Stainless Steel Pliers with Screwdrivers, Self-locking Multi tools with EDC Sheath, Ideal for Home, Camping, Survival

First impressions and setup

I spent a few weeks carrying and using the WETOLS multitool (model WE-182), a 21-in-1 pliers-based tool that aims squarely at everyday repairs and weekend trips. Out of the box, it presents as a straightforward, no-nonsense piece of kit: stainless construction, sandblasted finish, and a layout that favors utility over flash. The handles are rounded enough to avoid hot spots, and the butterfly opening is smooth with a positive stop. At 4.13 inches closed and just under 6 inches open, it’s compact in length but notably thicker than many premium multitools. It has some heft—reassuring in hand, a bit bulky in pocket.

The tool array covers the basics well: spring-loaded needle-nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, a plain-edge blade, serrated blade, saw, awl, file, can and bottle openers, a ruler, slotted drivers, and a bit-driven hex sleeve with four double-sided bits (Phillips PH0/PH1/PH2, slotted SL2.5/SL4/SL6, Torx T10/T15). Everything locks via a self-locking mechanism with release tabs, and the package includes a nylon EDC sheath that holds the tool and bit set.

Build quality and ergonomics

Fit and finish are better than I expected at this price point. The pivots arrived snug with no tool wobble, and the locking bars engage cleanly. I found no floppy joints or loose tolerances, and nothing felt like an afterthought. The sandblasted stainless stands up well to fingerprints and minor scratches.

The spring in the pliers is on the stronger side. That’s great for repeated gripping and one-handed plier work, but it also spreads the handles more at rest and adds resistance during high-force squeezes. If your hands are on the smaller end, the width and spring tension together may be a minor hurdle. The upside is that the edges of the handles are rounded, so you don’t get the palm bites that some square-handled designs produce.

One-hand blade deployment isn’t the focus here; blades use nail nicks and open easily with two hands. All exterior tools lock, and the release tabs are positive without being stiff.

Pliers and cutters

The needle-nose pliers are the star. They meet cleanly at the tip, grip small fasteners well, and have enough stiffness to twist light-gauge wire without significant flex. The integrated wire cutters are effective on copper and aluminum. I cleanly cut 12-gauge copper Romex conductors and small zip ties. Hardened coat hanger stock required two bites and firm pressure; that’s typical at this tier. There’s no dedicated hard-wire notch, so approach tempered or thick steel with care to preserve the cutting edges.

The spring action makes repetitive gripping more efficient—stripping insulation, holding a nut while you drive a screw, or crimping light connectors benefits from the auto-open. The tradeoff is fatigue if you’re bearing down on stubborn hardware for long periods.

Blades, saw, and file

Both blades are larger than the slim “token” blades found on some budget multitools. The plain edge arrived sharp and handled cardboard, rope, and plastic packaging without fuss. Edge retention is decent for everyday tasks; after a week of use it needed a quick touch-up on a ceramic rod. The serrated edge chews through fibrous material well—nylon webbing and garden twine parted quickly. Neither blade is a dedicated pocket knife replacement for heavy slicing, but they’re genuinely useful.

The saw has an aggressive tooth pattern and does its best work on dry wood up to thumb thickness. It’s more than adequate for notching tent stakes or trimming a small branch. Stroke length is limited by the tool’s size, so larger cuts demand patience. The file is a combination cut suitable for deburring metal edges and smoothing wood. It’s not a precision machinist’s file, but it handled a rough aluminum bracket and a plastic outlet cutout without clogging prematurely.

Drivers, hex sleeve, and bits

Driver capability is where the WETOLS multitool punches above its weight. The integrated hex sleeve accepts standard 1/4-inch bits, and the included eight tips cover a sensible spread: PH0/PH1/PH2, SL2.5/SL4/SL6, and Torx T10/T15. The bit retention is secure, and the driver can be used straight or at a right angle when the handle is partially folded, which gives you better torque in tight spaces. I used PH2 on cabinet hinges, SL4 on an electrical plate (with the power off), and T15 on a bike brake lever—each felt solid with minimal wiggle.

Two practical notes:
- The bits live in the sheath, not inside the handle, so keep track of them.
- The driver’s reach is limited by the handle width. It’s fine for most household screws but won’t replace a long-shaft screwdriver in deep recesses.

The built-in slotted drivers on the tool itself are a nice backup when you don’t have the bit kit handy, though the bit driver is more comfortable and precise.

Awl, openers, and odds and ends

The awl is sharp enough to punch clean holes in leather and heavy fabric. I used it to add a hole to a belt and to scribe marks on pine; both tasks were clean and controlled. The can opener works, though like most multitool openers it rewards a consistent angle to avoid burrs. The bottle opener is easy to access and efficient. The small ruler on the handle is handy for quick measurements and marking hardware spacing in a pinch.

Carry and sheath

The included nylon sheath is better than the usual throw-in. It rides vertically on a belt, closes securely, and has room for the bit set. Stitching is tidy, and the material held up after getting tossed in a trunk and scraped against brick. That said, the multitool’s thickness and mass mean pocket carry isn’t ideal. If you want something that disappears in jeans, this won’t be it. Belt or bag carry makes more sense here, and the sheath accommodates that well.

Durability and maintenance

After exposure to damp weather and a day in a humid garage, I didn’t see any corrosion starting, and the action stayed smooth. A small drop of oil at the pivots made the already decent action a touch slicker. The locking mechanism remained reliable and didn’t loosen under normal torque. As with any multitool, occasional cleaning and lubrication will keep grit from creeping into the joints.

What could be better

• Thickness and weight: The tool is stout but bulky. A slimmer profile would improve pocket carry and small-hand comfort.
• Strong spring tension: Helpful for repetitive tasks, but the default tension may fatigue the hand when squeezing hard. It’s not user-adjustable.
• Bit storage: Works fine in the sheath, but onboard storage would reduce the chance of misplacing bits.
• Blade steel transparency: The stainless is hardened and serviceable, but the specific steel type isn’t called out. Routine touch-ups are expected.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth noting to set expectations.

Where it shines

• General household fixes: Hanging hardware, tightening hinges, cutting packing materials, simple wiring chores (again, with power off).
• Car and travel kit: The bit driver and pliers cover the “I need a tool now” moments without lugging a toolbox.
• Camping and light outdoors: The saw, serrated blade, awl, and openers cover common campsite tasks, and the sheath suits belt or pack strap carry.
• Occasional DIY: The file and drivers are helpful for quick mods and bracket installs where a full set of tools isn’t nearby.

Value and positioning

This multitool is built to be used, not coddled. It doesn’t match the refinement of high-end options, but it gets surprisingly close in core function for a fraction of the cost. The locking tools, real bit driver, and sturdy pliers add up to a practical, reliable companion. If you prize a svelte profile and one-handed blade deployment above all else, you’ll likely look elsewhere. If you value capability and durability on a budget, this is an easy fit.

Recommendation

I recommend the WETOLS multitool for anyone who wants a capable, budget-friendly multitool with a real bit driver, strong pliers, and locking tools. It’s particularly good as a belt- or bag-carried tool for household fixes, car kits, and camping. The tradeoffs—bulk, firm spring tension, and sheath-dependent bit storage—are reasonable given the build quality and breadth of functions. If you have smaller hands or need something that disappears in a pocket, consider a slimmer model. For most users who want function-first performance without paying premium-brand prices, this one delivers.