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TOOLBOX

Leatherman Wave $90 leatherman.com

I just got a Leatherman Wave multi-tool, and to say I’m in love is an understatement. In the three days I’ve had it, it has left my side for no more than 15 minutes at a time. In addition to the two outer blades (serrated and normal) that can be deployed in seconds using only one hand, there’s a diamond-coated file and a saw.

Inside, you find not only the standard pliers (which are beautiful all by themselves) but also two bit drivers (large and small), a bottle opener, a ruler, and more.

Remember those flimsy Swiss Army scissors that can barely cut paper? The

Wave’s scissors are far better; they have a real handle, not to mention that you can tell just by their look that the Swiss Army blades can’t even compare.

No matter which tool you’re using on this amazing 17-function knife, it feels great in your hand. As an added bonus, you can purchase a bit kit, which is full of different-sized flat, Phillips, and Torx bits.

Within two hours of getting my Wave, I’d already used it to fix my boot. Earlier today, I used it to help me build an iPod charger in an Altoids tin, from Volume 07 of MAKE. —Adam Zeloof

Want more? Check out our searchable online database of tips and tools at makezine.com/tnt. Have a tool worth keeping in your toolbox? Let us know at toolbox@makezine.com.