Functionally Frugal: Top 10 Multi-Tools for $10 or Less

Just because you're thrifty or broke doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to tighten screws and open bottles on demand. Here are my picks for the Top 10 Multi-Tools for $10 or Less. (Note: All items' prices are listed as they were at printing. Prices are subject to change.)

The Friendly Swede Survival Grenade $9.99. Clip this "grenade" to a pocket or backpack, or use it as a great big bulbous keychain. Pull the carabiner pin to reveal aluminum foil, tinder, a fire starter, fishing lines, fishing hooks, weights, swivels, a dobber, and a knife blade wrapped in 7 feet of 500 lb paracord.

RE:SOLVE 12-Piece Multi-Tool $9.98. This Green Machine houses: 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm hex keys; a removable 4" wrench; a 2.5" locking blade knife; scissors; a 2.5" locking blade saw; a bottle opener; a removable LED flashlight; a flint stick; a slotted 1/4" driver; and a Phillips No. 1 driver. Whew. I need a breath. And a beer.

Paracord Survival Bracelet $6.59 to $7.95. If the grenade is too cumbersome, try this flattened paracord issue. It winds 8' to 10' of 280 lb paracord around your wrist and secures it with a clap fashioned from a combination of a whistle, fire starter, and mini saw. Available in 3 sizes.

Gerber GDC Zip Hex $4.85. Clip it on, zip it up, and let it hang until you need one of the 5 included metric Allen wrenches. 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm all reduced to a 2.1" long, 1.6-ounce Gerber especial.

Wallet Ninja 18-in-1 Credit Card Tool $5.54. They call it the world's first 100% flat multi-tool. Made from 4x heat-treated steel guaranteed never to rust, bend, or dull.

Skull EDC Pocket Tool $4.70. Stainless steel black or silver keychain tool with a bottle opener, pry bar, and screwdriver. And it's a skull! Muahahaha!

Columbia River Eat'N Tool $5.57. Spoon, fork, bottle opener--you're all set to crash the picnic or sneak samples at the Whole Foods fresh buffet. Also includes 3 hex wrenches and carabiner clip.

DoohicKey Multi-Tool $4.05. This key-sized stainless multi-tool from Nite Ize includes a box cutter, bottle opener, wrench, ruler, and flat head Screwdriver. Measurements: 2.6" x 0.7" x 0.1"; weight: 12 grams.

Utili-Key 6-in-1 Key Ring Multi-Function Tool $7.50. Another play on the word "key!" This model from Swiss+Tech can open bottles, packages, letters, and most screws with its assortment of pries, knives, and screwdrivers. Weighs just 0.5 ounces.

Clippa Hair Clip Mini Tool $7.90. Sweet, now instead of asking my girlfriend to carry my multi-tool in her purse, I can act like it's a fashion statement and have her carry it in her hair. The Clippa, like most women, is an accessory of many moods and dispositions. On the surface it's a snap-closure clip that holds a chunk of hair in place. But spin it around, open it up, and set it on the table and the Clippa transforms into: 3 different screw drivers; a wrench; a trolley coin; a ruler; a cutter; a lemon hacker; and a match stand. The perfect gift for urban survivalists of the female persuasion, as well as dudes comfortable enough in their masculinity to wear a ladies' barrette.