This 31-in-1 multitool would be good enough for MacGyver, but serves me just as well

Bibury Multitool Pliers Pro

ZDNET's key takeaways

• The Multitool Pliers Pro is available now for $36.
• It's a 31-in-1 multitool made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
• The tools might require some lubrication for easier access.

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I admit it: I have a soft spot for multitools. It's probably because they were one of the first pieces of cool EDC to enter the market after the Swiss Army Knife. And since my childhood hero MacGyver used a variety of Swiss Army Knives (the Tinker, the Spartan, and the Recruit models) and Leatherman multitools, I of course, had to have them. 

But the problem with multitools is that they're expensive. You can pay as much as $200 for the latest Leatherman Wave Alpha.

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That's a lot of money for the average user who might use their multitool occasionally. And while I've been on the lookout for decent multitools for sub-$50, good ones are very thin on the ground.

This is why I've been so excited about the Bibury Multitool Pliers Pro. This is a 31-in-1 multitool (yes, you read that right: 31 tools) that's built to be used, made from materials that will last, and available for a fantastic price. 

The Pliers Pro is a beefy multitool for sure. At over 11 ounces, it's a fair bulk for the trouser pocket. But on the plus side, it does come with a quite decent belt pouch to hold the tool and the accessories. 

Bibury's product has pretty much everything you'd want from a multitool. At the core of it is a big set of pliers. These are nicely engineered to have a long but strong nose, a gripper spot for holding bolts and such, and replaceable hard wire cutters (the tool comes with spares that you can use as replacements if they get damaged). 

But tough pliers are no good if the handles are awkward or painful to use. Well, I have more good news, because Bibury has made the handles smooth and comfortable.

But there's more. There are two knives — one plain edge for general cutting and one serrated that's great on rope and cardboard. 

The blades can be opened single-handed and lock in place, which is handy as far as safety goes, but can be problematic in some jurisdictions, so be aware of that.

There's also a pair of full-sized scissors, that are excellent for pretty much anything you'd expect scissors to deal with, plus a lot of stuff — like thinner gauge wires — that they shouldn't have to. 

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The approach that Bibury has taken to the file and saw is interesting. The file — case on one side, and a fine diamond file on the other — sits in a holder that's built to take standard T-shank jigsaw blades. 

As someone who uses the saw a lot, and knows that once the saw is blunt, there's no way to effectively sharpen it, I like this approach. It also allows you to choose the appropriate wood or metal cutting blade, depending on what job you're undertaking.

There's also a handy bit holder to take screwdriver bits. It comes pre-loaded with a double-ended Pozidriv bit, and the multitool comes with an assortment of seven more double-ended bits in a variety of sizes and types. The bits all feature a ball defend to hold them in place, which I like as it's a lot more reliable than a magnetic bit holder. 

The bit holder locks out so you are free to apply a lot of pressure on fasteners to get them undone. 

And there's more: there's a small flat head, a large flat head, an awl, and a can opener with a wire cutter. On and there are ruler markings etched into the handle — a nice touch, and because they are etched, they won't wear off. 

All the tools are fashioned from 3Cr13 stainless steel, which is a budget stainless steel for sure, but offers excellent corrosion resistance, is tough without being too brittle, takes an edge well, and can be resharpened quite easily. 

It's a great bit of kit. Sure, the tools were a bit still initially, and I did end up cleaning all the joints and pivot points with brake clean spray and lubricating them appropriately, but beyond that, I've had no problems. 

ZDNET's buying advice

I've been using and abusing my Bibury Multitool Pliers Pro for a few weeks, and I have to say that it's been amazing. I've had it in the woods, on the beach, it's had a soaking in the sea more than once, and been exposed to a lot of rain and sweat (and blood, thanks to that one time I underestimated how sharp the awl was). After all that, there are no signs of corrosion, and all the tools look and perform like new. 

The silver Bibury Multitool Pliers Pro I've been testing retails for $37, but if you want something different, it also comes in a golden finish as well as black. If you (or someone you know) are looking for a decent multitool, but your budget or the amount you'll use it doesn't justify an expensive tool, or maybe you're just worried that it'll be lost, stolen, or “borrowed,” this is a great option. You're getting a fantastic tool for a fantastic price.