LEATHERMAN Wingman On-The-Go Survival Multitool
Last updated: June 6, 2023
The Wingman is an affordable multitool from a trusted name and sports the same durable steel construction as pricier models. The clamshell package opener and scissors are easy to release and use, and the entire tool fits comfortably in the hand. This is an entry-level tool that can outlast the toughest projects. During our testing, we found the clip for attaching this to your belt or pocket to be super handy. This would be a great multitool to take hiking.
We looked at the top Multitools and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Multitool you should buy.
Product Details
Key Takeaway: The LEATHERMAN Wingman Multitool is a great budget tool with a solid build.
In our analysis of 124 expert reviews, the LEATHERMAN Wingman On-The-Go Survival Multitool placed 18th when we looked at the top 22 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.Our Expert Consultant
Vicki Liston
Home Improvement Expert
Home Improvement Expert
Vicki Liston writes, produces, and narrates “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er.
Home improvement and all things DIY have been Liston’s passion since she bought her first house in 2007 and she started making video blogs in 2014. She’s performed hundreds of DIY projects, from small ones to major, wall-smashing renovations and can teach you how to make a trendy DIY barn door for cheap. The proceeds earned from “On The Fly…DIY” are donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Expert Reviews
What reviewers liked
Perhaps the most unique feature on the Wingman is the package opener. This small, unassuming sharpened hook is purpose-built to tear into those plastic "blister packs" that so many small electronic devices come in. One can cut into the package without worry for damaging the contents. The package opener can also safely cut the packing tape on cardboard boxes. For many, this feature alone will seal the deal.
Construction is quite up to the mark.
The scissors are easily accessible
Price! Substantially less expensive than the Wave, with mostly all the same tools and features.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Wingman (other than its surprisingly affordable price) is its build quality.
Everything snaps back very securely and opens flawlessly…now that I have it I don’t know how I managed without so far…
It’s compact, very sturdy, and easy to slip into a pocket or bag.
We were really impressed with the build quality out of the box. It feels like a solid piece of steel in your hand, and we were never worried about breaking it or damaging it in any way when we were using it. It feels good in your hands and almost disappears into your pocket when not in use.
A big gold star for this multi-tool is its affordability. Compared to most multi-tools on the market today, even other Leatherman multi-tools, the Wingman Multi-Tool is very inexpensive. Given that this multi-tool is made of 100% stainless steel, and has a multitude of functions, this is definitely a gadget that brings a lot to the table, considering how much you pay for it.
Wingman Multitool consists of 100% stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong, reliable, and is corrosion resistant. Unlike its competitors who have only stainless steel parts, this multitool is of pure stainless steel making it last for a long time.
Not it only it is multi-faceted, it is also durable. The body is made entirely out of high-quality stainless steel. This material makes it a highly desirable multi-tool and unlike other cheap models that only use stainless steel in a few parts of the tool's body.
The scissors are extremely good considering the size of the tool.
With a brilliant outside-accessible design, the Wingman is a great entry level tool that’s seriously easy to use. It has a modern, asymmetrical shape to comfortably fit the contours of your hand.
The Wingman comes with a pocket clip and not a belt sheath; at 7.0 oz, 3.8 inches long and 1.2 inch thick on the main body (not including the width of the belt clip and rivets) its on the upper end of what can be comfortable for pocket carry. We enjoyed the Wingman much more after removing the pocket clip and using a belt sheath.
The Phillips driver is excellent. It is a true 3-D driver and works great on normal screws. The driver comes to a fine point so it even works on more delicate screws as well.
100% steel throughout (something quite different than the majority of other budget multi-tools that use synthetics and polymers, at least partially, in their build), this is a heavy-duty and premium feeling multi-tool that isn’t going to buckle or break during pretty heavy duty use.
The unique plastic clamshell package opener.
What reviewers didn't like
In another relatively minor complaint, particularly at this price point, the Wingman comes with a single blade equipped with a hybrid straight/serrated edge. The steel is good and the edge is sharp, but we wish it were just straight. Or, better yet, omit something else and include two blades.
No spare parts are available like some other brands.
The knife locking mechanism is poorly placed
Doesn’t come with a sheath or belt holster
The hybrid knife/saw blade is effective and sharp, but because it is a hybrid its uses are limited. You’re certainly not going to be sawing through anything too big with such a small serrated edge, and similarly the straight-knife edge is small enough that for longer-term cutting tasks you might prefer a larger, non-hybrid blade.
A gap appeared between the cutting surfaces of the pliers that makes them harder to work with.
Wire cutters don’t completely close.
The first thing that we felt was pointless was the ruler. With the ability to measure up to only 1.5 inches, we felt that the inclusion of this tool was kind of pointless and that space could have been utilized for something of a more overall value.
The knife has a locking mechanism to ensure safety during usage. However, some users have reported that the button for both locking and unlocking the knife is too close to where you would rest your thumb when using the knife. This means the knife is prone to accidental unlocking while in use, which can lead to injury.
But, there is one flaw associated with this multi tool. As we've stated earlier, the device has a locking mechanism for better knife usage. However, users reported that the button for locking and unlocking the knife is too close to the thumb. This means the knife unlocks on its own and can be dangerous for long term usage.
The Leatherman Wingman is supposed to be a small, light, pocket-carry multi tool, but the weight is slightly heavier than the Leatherman Rebar with fewer tools.
At first look, the spring-action scissors are reminiscent of those found on Swiss Army knives, but the spring mechanism is much stiffer when engaged. With only slightly more than an inch of surface, the wood/metal file is of limited use – as is the 1 1/2 inch long ruler. The small flat-blade screwdriver is at the tip of the file which means that access to any recessed screw will be impossible.
Having the ruler is pointless because it can only measure up to 3.5 cm (1.5 inches)
View our Multitool buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.