I have a love/hate relationship with multi-tools, if we’re being honest. I think they’re useful in many capacities, but they’re rarely better than the actual tools they’re emulating. That’s the trade-off, right? You’re packing a bunch of tools into one easy-to-carry package. The Leatherman Micra is the same idea, but with a great design and excellent execution.
The Leatherman Micra
What Tools Is the Micra Packing?
The Micra is a small, keychain-sized multi-tool. Folded closed, it’s just 2.5 inches long and 0.75 inches wide. It weighs only 1.8 ounces. Drop this in your pocket and you’ll forget it’s there until you need it. Yet, it packs a lot into that small size.
When you unfold the Micra, the first thing you’ll see is the spring-action scissors. These take the place of the traditional pliers found in most multi-tools. I gotta say, these scissors are outstanding. They’re perfect for nipping loose threads on clothing, cutting tags, and such. The action on them is smooth, too.
The rest of the tools are folded into the handle. On one side, we have a pair of tweezers, a bottle opener, and two different-sized screwdrivers. On the other side, you’ll find a knife blade, nail file, nail cleaner, and one more screwdriver. Running along the outside of the handle are markings for a 12 cm ruler.
With the obvious exception of the scissors, each of the tools can be folded out and then used with the handles closed.
Is the Micra Actually Useful?
One of the basic tenets of EDC, at least from my perspective, is that the gear you carry should serve to make your life easier. I mean, sure, there are a few things we tend to put in our pockets that are more just for the cool factor rather than functionality. A good luck charm, for example. But by and large, we want to bring things with us that will solve problems.
Need to open or break down a box? A knife will handle that. Lights go out at work? A pocket flashlight will be handy.
Here are some of the problems the Micra can solve. The extra-small screwdriver will tighten your glasses if they come loose. The scissors will cut open the bag of chips you just bought from the Wheel of Death in the breakroom at work. The nail cleaner will help you look more presentable when you suddenly realize you have a meeting with the boss about a raise in about an hour. Need to pop the back off your phone to replace the battery? The Micra has you covered.
It’s a multi-tool, but not something you’ll use to defuse bombs or fix a broken fence. It’s exactly what you need if you work in an office, inside or outside the home. Honestly, this thing is a dream for any parent of a young child, too. You’ll find yourself reaching for it all the time, whether it’s to open the latest blister-packed toy or cut off the wristband they were using at the carnival.
Micra Color Options
The Micra comes in ten different color styles. The one shown here is Parakeet. I chose it specifically because it was likely to stand out on my desk, rather than blend in with everything else. But they have everything from plain black to pink-toned Heather Blush.
