How To Use A Credit Card Multi Tool – Perfect Tool To Travel

Have you ever wished you had a small screwdriver to fix the loose screw? With a multi tool, you have all you need at your fingertips. Unfortunately, during one of my travels, my most-prized Swiss knife ended up in the airport security collection bin because I wasn’t supposed to take a knife through security. That was when I switched to and learned how to use a credit card multi tool.

Was my credit card multi tool valuable and helpful? Absolutely! And the great thing about it is that I can practically take it everywhere, anytime. Even on a flight, I can take this EDC (everyday carry) and won’t have any TSA security checkpoint issues as long as it is bladeless.

But before I talk about how to use a credit card multi tool, let’s talk more about what it is and what it can do.

What Is A Credit Card Multi Tool?

A credit card multi tool is just what it says – multiple tools in a card that looks almost like a credit card, size-wise. It is twice as thick as a credit card but slightly smaller overall. It’s almost like the tools hide so, I know you’ll want to know how to use a credit card multi tool?

The credit card-like multi tool is typically a card made of stainless steel or some other durable material you can keep in your wallet. It has several slots in different shapes and sizes, representing multiple tool functions. For example, a multi tool may have one side that is beveled while the other may be serrated. In addition, another side may have an oddly-shaped gap or opening.

A credit card multi tool may have a bottle opener, a saw tooth or edge (not a blade), a measurement edge, a screwdriver, a knife edge, and other helpful tools in one card. Being familiar with the different tools in their traditional forms and sizes will help you learn how to use a credit card multi tool quickly.

The number and type of tools included in the credit card multi tool depend on the manufacturer. Some credit card multi tools have as many as 40 or more functions in a card. On the other hand, the simple and basic ones have as few as six tools.

Let’s talk about how to use a credit card multi tool.

A Useful Guide On How To Use A Credit Card Multi Tool

Let’s identify the tools commonly found in a credit card multi tool. Then we will discuss how to use a credit card multi tool, one tool at a time.

The essential tools often included in a credit card multi tool are a can opener, a screwdriver, a bottle opener, a knife edge, a saw edge, a ruler, a protractor or compass, and a wrench. In addition, some credit card multi tools will have other complex mechanisms such as a hex wrench, a hex bit driver, a drill gauge, and many more.

If you are familiar with the use and function of the essential tools mentioned above, you will better understand how to use a credit card multi tool.

We Have Put Together A List Of How To Use Each Tool On Your Card

Below this list is an image to help you locate the tools on your credit card multi tool. It is only a guide.

• Can opener: You can open canned food (beans, sauce, soup, etc.). Press the sharp edge into the lid and run it around the can in an upward and downward motion as it cuts through the can.
• Knife edge: If you know how to use a knife, you know how to use a credit card multi tool with a knife edge. While not as sharp as the standard knife, the beveled edge on one side of the card can cut carrots, onions, tomatoes, twine, cable, or rope.
  You can also use the knife edge to sharpen a pencil.
  Remember, this is not a knife blade but a knife edge, so it’s safe to take on a flight.
• Survival Tool: You can use the credit card multi tool as a survival axe to sharpen a tree branch’s tip and even tie it to a stick to use as a handle.
• Screwdriver: You can use it like any ordinary screwdriver. Find the screwdriver tip on the card, place it on the screw head, and turn it to fasten or loosen a flat or phillips screw head. You may use it to tighten or loosen different sizes and types of screw heads depending on your card size.
• Hex wrench: Do you know how to use a credit card multi tool with a hex wrench? Either choose the size or slide the card to fit the hex slot and turn the card with the nut head to tighten or loosen. Each credit card multi tool may be different.
• Four-position wrench: If you know how to use a credit card multi tool with a hex wrench, using the four-position wrench will be easy. Slide the wrench over a bolt head, and twist the multi-tool to find the right fit on the bolt head. You can use this slot on four to eight nut head sizes.
• Saw edge/tooth: This is on one of the four sides of the card with serrations in a saw-tooth pattern. You can cut a small branch, stick, or a thin piece of wood. Like the can opener, it may not be the best tool to do the job fast, but it cuts nonetheless.
• Butterfly wrench: This is a long slot in the card for turning a small-sized butterfly nut. Insert the wings of the butterfly nut into the opening and turn to either fasten or loosen.

FAQs About How To Use A Credit Card Multi Tool

Here are some commonly asked questions about how to use a credit card multi tool.

What are three examples of tools on a multi-use tool?

Three tools included in a Multi-use tool card are phillips and flathead screwdrivers, and a can opener. Each multi tool has a different number of tools to use but all of them have many more than 3 tools.

Is it worth it to get a multi-tool?

Having a multi-tool is worth every penny spent. Imagine the convenience and practicality of having a tool within reach whenever you need to fix or repair something. With a multi-tool, you can do the task on the spot.

How To Use A Credit Card Multi Tool – Conclusion

Having a credit card multi tool is one thing. Knowing how to use a credit card multi tool is another. With this guide, you can locate each tool on your credit card multi tool.

A credit card multi tool fits your wallet so you can use it anytime, anywhere you need to repair something. It’s even TSA-friendly if it has no blades or sharp parts like scissors, meaning you can take it with you when you fly.