Nextool F12 Multitool Review

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a keychain multitool with capable features, the Nextool F12 is a top choice that made it on our guide to the best multitools. It has a unique double-folding design to offer both pliers and scissors in a compact frame, giving far more leverage than other designs. During testing, we appreciated its size as an everyday carry (EDC) tool, allowing it to disappear into our pockets until we needed it.

The large (for its size) pliers were helpful if we needed to grab a bolt when tightening screws, and being able to flip out full-sized scissors for trimming paracord the next minute was a trick that never got old. The other selection of tools also struck a nice balance of useful and high quality. The knife had a good edge to it, although as a small tool, we didn’t push it nearly as hard as some other tools. A slight complaint was running into a situation where the one screw we needed to tighten didn’t quite fit into any of the 3 screwdrivers on the tool, leaving a bit of a blind spot.

But when compared against the low price and the quality of tools offered, EDC enthusiasts must be pleased. This is a top pick for keychain or pocket use, and we think it’s a great option for all those who just want a small tool with the essentials on them at all times.

How We Tested

We tested the Nextool F12 over the winter in a variety of household tasks, using it as an everyday carry (EDC) tool for the spontaneous moments of need. We also used it on a rural property that pushed its capabilities a bit, fixing chicken coops, whittling sticks, and tightening screws as problems arose.

Tool Selection

Unlike full-sized multitools, mini varieties need to fit a limited number of good tools rather than as many as possible. The F12 strikes a great balance here, offering a few tools that are high quality. Nextool lists these as the features:

• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Transparent Glowing Block
• Bottle Opener
• Metal File
• Clip
• Ruler
• Knife
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Flat Head Screwdriver
• Hanging Hole
• Scissors

Compared to other small multitools, the F12 packs a good number of features while still coming in at a weight that feels comfortable in the pocket. One unique area where the F12 shines is in locking tools. Both the knife and the file have frame locks (most small tools lack them).

Tool Performance

The star of the show here is the massive (relatively speaking) scissors. This dual scissors/pliers folding design has been appearing more and more recently, and in a mini tool, it makes a lot of sense. The serrated cutters are surprisingly capable, slicing through paracord, cardboard, and other items with ease.

The praise extends to the pliers, which are a little on the narrow side but offer a good grip for their size. The tips don’t align as well as some other tools, but that’s a small negative in an otherwise good tool. And thankfully, both pliers and scissors are spring-loaded.

The screwdrivers are solid for their size, but we did run into a situation while trying to fix a Bluetooth speaker where none of the tools could fit the screws well, suggesting that perhaps the F12 has a bit of a blind spot we happened to find.

Thankfully, the knife is good. Not great, but for its size, it has a decent edge when whittling sticks, and importantly, the feel in the hand when holding the tool gives a lot of assurance when wielding it. Small tools can sometimes feel unwieldy because of their size, but the F12 didn’t have this issue for our hands. 

With tool steel of 8Cr14MoV and a hardness of 57-59HRC, this is relatively high-quality blade steel that should hold up to use. We also appreciate that Nextool lists the frame material on their website, which is 20Cr13, a good all-around steel that should hold up to corrosion well.

Comfort & Ease of Use

Small multitools will always make some sacrifices to comfort, but the F12 lands solidly in the middle of the pack here. It’s comfortable enough, but with a few areas for improvement. The nature of the large folding scissors and the frame means it’s a bit sharp in some areas, but way better than fiddling with the smaller scissors on most tools. And the pliers ended up being surprisingly comfortable to grip, with the tool’s curved edges helping reduce sharp points.

However, like most small tools, there’s quite a bit of fingernail digging to get the tools out. It’s no worse than any other small tool, but there’s no quick one-handed deployment of the knife here, try as we might.

A slight negative is the pocket clip, which is caught in a tough situation. On one hand, it has a pocket clip, which many small tools lack. On the other hand, Nextool tried to make this clip low-profile so it wouldn’t catch on too much, but that low-profiledness makes it tricky to use sometimes. 

We appreciate that it is removable and that the option is there since most tools don’t give you the option.

Weight & Size

This is where the F12 shines – it is a mini multitool after all!

At just 2.7oz (76g) and 2.6×1.1x.7 in (65 x 27 x 17 mm) closed, this is made for pockets. To improve portability, it includes a lanyard ring on the removable pocket clip, but if you remove the clip, the ring comes off too.

Should You Buy the Nextool F12 Multitool?

If you’re looking for a mini EDC multitool, the F12 is outstanding. It offers a solid selection of features at a low weight, capped off with a unique and powerful set of scissors that blows away everything else in this category. It’s also priced low enough to be worth trying out, making the F12 an easy recommendation for those in search of their next keychain or pocket-carry tool.

What Other Multitools Should You Consider?

We have 15 more reviews of our favorite multitools, from ultralight minimalist styles below to super-duty workhorse options for field work.

Leatherman Micra Review: If you don’t care about pliers and want a smaller and lighter tool, the Micra has been a solid choice for years now. It’s not as versatile as the F12, and it’s more expensive, with only internally accessible tools. We don’t like it quite as much as the F12 for all-around work, but for the right person, it’s solid.

Swiss Army Classic SD Review: For the smallest multitool, the Swiss Army Classic is hard to beat for the essentials. At a paltry 0.7oz and with only a few small tools, the Classic is best for someone who just needs a knife, scissors, and a screwdriver every now and then. Still, it’s a popular choice on thru hiking trails, and we carried one for the entire PCT, and it delighted us mile after mile. For a weight-conscious hiker or EDC enthusiast, the Classic is a great choice.

Swiss Army Huntsman Review: If you forgo pliers, the Huntsman offers a compelling package of tools compared to the F12. It’s heavier and more expensive, but the bar shape can be more comfortable for some people to carry. For the more lifestyle-focused user (it has a wine opener after all), the Huntsman is probably a better pick, but the F12 edges it out in getting work done.