Tool Review: DeWalt MT16 Multi Tool

Key Features:
 +   Strong pliers
 +   Locking knife blade
 -   Driver tips are rounded


Some multi tools are made to hide out in your pocket, in case you ever need a nail file or a bottle opener. Other multi tools are made to do serious work.  The DeWalt MT16 multi tool (model #DWHT71843) is part of the second group. If you stick the MT16 in your pocket and leave it there, you'll soon feel it getting restless.

The MT16 is similar in its basic design to many other multi tools.  It folds open into a pair of pliers, with other tools and implements built into the handles.  I've never owned a Leatherman or an SOG multi tool, so I don't know how the DeWalt tool compares to them in quality, but for a low-end multi tool it works great. (UPDATE: Since trying the Leatherman Sidekick, I still prefer to carry the MT16.)

This tool is heavy -- heavier than most other similarly-priced multi tools.  The extra weight may be due to the sturdy construction of the pliers; these are solid, well-built pliers that can apply a good deal of force.  The pliers handles are contoured, and provide a decent grip, and the spring action on the pliers is very strong (as are the teeth).  The pliers can function as needle nose pliers (though not very thin at the tip), curved jaw pliers, and wire cutters.

The secondary tools on the MT16 all open from the outside, so you don't need to swing open the pliers in order to get to any of them. The tools pivot out easily, and you can adjust the tension on them (and on the pliers) with a T-8 Torx/star screwdriver if necessary.

The tools built into the MT16 include a Phillips screwdriver, several slotted screwdrivers, a knife, a bottle opener, a can opener, scissors, a file and a ruler. All of these tools are well made and sturdy.

The knife is of good quality, especially for a multi tool. It has a sharp point and a very sharp blade, and half of the blade is serrated.  The knife even has an automatic lock -- a feature uncommon among inexpensive multi tools -- so it won't fold inward on you accidentally. The knife tip is fine enough that you can use it to pop e-clips or do other precision work.

The screwdrivers are more rounded than they should be, but they're usable.  The ruler measures up to two inches, the file is decent, and there is even a lanyard hole if you want to hang the MT16 from a peg or attach it to a key chain (though it is far too heavy to wear on a key chain).  The scissors are okay; they will cut paper easily, but not much else.  The can opener works very well.

The DeWalt MT16 Multi Tool is a versatile and useful tool. The handles have the typical yellow-and-black DeWalt coloring. The pliers are black and silver, and the other tools are all silver.  If you're used to expensive multi tools, the MT16 may not be for you, but it's a good tool that will serve you well for a long time.  It gets a solid 4 out of 5 stars.  (A saw blade, better-machined screwdriver tips, or a little less weight would easily bump it up half a point.)

You can find the MT16 sold by itself -- $23.98 on Amazon.com right now -- or as part of a gift set with a smaller key chain multi tool.  Over $20 is too much for this tool; if you can find it for $15 or $20, it's a good buy.  The MT16 is the same tool as the Stanley T16 FatMax multi tool, with only a few slight variations.