10 pocket-sized tools that make life easier &#8211; and how I use each

A selection of tools on a keychain. — Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

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I’ve collected my fair share of multitools and gadgets, but I’ve lost track of how often I’ve needed one — only to realize it’s sitting at home or in the car. Carrying a full toolbox everywhere just isn’t practical.

What I do have with me almost all the time, though, is my keychain — and it turns out, it’s the perfect way to keep essential tools within reach.

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My keychain is the one bit of kit I get asked the most questions about. People are often surprised at the things I carry around. I guess most people just carry their keys on their keychains. Weird.

Here’s a tour of what I carry on mine. Don’t feel like you need everything on this list. Remember, the beauty of this approach is that you can customize your EDC to suit your needs.

1. KeySmart Air

The KeySmart Air is the core of my keychain. This device acts as both the main key loop and also as a way to attach an Apple AirTag to my stuff, so I don’t lose my entire keychain.

If I didn’t need the AirTag carry feature, I’d probably go for the KeySmart Mini (yes, I like KeySmart gear). If you are a Tile user, the KeySmart Max is a good alternative.

2. YubiKey 5C NFC

Hardware security keys are a high-tech, high-security alternative to using text messages and two-factor authentication (2FA) to log in to websites.

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This security key from Yubico features both USB-C and NFC, making it suitable for most modern devices, from computers to smartphones and tablets.

3. KeySmart MultiTool, 5-in-1

This tiny multitool fits inside the KeySmart Air (and is now almost 50% off, down to $10). It’s a box opener, a mini pry bar, a mini ruler, a flathead screwdriver, and a Phillips head screwdriver.

4. KeySmart Safe Box Cutter

This handy box cutter is made from tough polyamide plastic and is a safe way to open letters and packages.

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However, I use this device in a different way, and find that it’s a handy pry tool for opening electronic devices without damaging the plastic shell of the device.

5. KeySmart NanoScissors

These are retractable, portable, and lightweight scissors that are designed to fit into KeySmart accessories. They’re perfect for cutting threads and fingernails, snipping tags, or slicing zip ties. I’ve been using mine for a year now and they’re still in great condition, and I’ve been cutting things with them that I shouldn’t — such as thin wires and thick plastic.

6. Nite Ize S-Biner SlideLock

This stainless steel S-Biner SlideLock has two gates with sliders that lock securely in place. I find these locks perfect for things that need to be easily removed from the keychain, and they’re far simpler to use than split rings.

7. Lumintop EDC Pico

This tiny rechargeable flashlight has a runtime of 4.5 hours in low-power mode; it’s constructed of tough aircraft-grade aluminum and is water and dust-resistant with an IP68 rating.

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Unlike most tiny flashlights that are controlled by a myriad of complicated button presses, this device has a twist cap — twist to get a low-power beam, twist more to get a high-power beam.

This has lived on my keychain for over a year now, and while the black anodization is showing signs of wear, the flashlight is still going strong.

I have started testing the Olight IMINI 2, and that also seems like a superb everyday carry flashlight, and I like the fact that the USB-A connector is integrated into the design.

8. Gear Aid Glowing Keychain

This glow-in-the-dark tag makes locating keys a lot easier. The tag is waterproof up to 50 meters, dustproof, and weatherproof. You can also use it for night fishing!

9. KeyUnity Carabiner Clip Multitool

This compact multitool keychain packs seven handy functions into a single carabiner. It includes a flathead and slotted screwdriver, seven different hex wrench sizes, a bottle opener, a pry bar, a scraper, a key loop, and a built-in measuring ruler.