Only if it has no knife blade. Under TSA guidance, a multi-tool containing any blade, at any length, is prohibited in carry-on and must travel in checked baggage. A blade-free multi-tool with pliers, drivers and a bottle opener is permitted in carry-on.
TSA treats the presence of a knife blade as the deciding factor. It does not matter that the blade is one inch long, that it folds inside a handle, or that the tool is obviously a repair implement rather than a weapon. Any blade sends the whole tool to checked baggage.
Conversely, a multi-tool built without a blade is treated as a tool, and blade-free models exist precisely because of this rule. Several manufacturers sell travel-specific versions for exactly this reason.
Small scissors are handled separately from knives in TSA guidance, and short-bladed scissors have historically been permitted. That does not rescue a multi-tool that also carries a knife: the knife is still disqualifying.
Screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches under seven inches are generally acceptable in carry-on as standalone tools. Again, combining them with a blade in one body changes the answer.
If you travel often and want a tool at your destination, the clean solution is to own two: a blade-free tool that lives in your carry-on and a full one that only ever goes in checked bags.
Check the current TSA listing before every trip rather than relying on what happened last time. Officer discretion is explicit in TSA's own guidance, and a tool that made it through once is not evidence it is permitted.
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Knife laws vary by state, county, and city, change frequently, and are subject to interpretation by courts and law enforcement. Knives Now is a retailer, not a law firm, and this summary should not be relied upon as a substitute for consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction or reviewing the current text of the applicable statute. Before purchasing, carrying, or shipping any knife, confirm current local, state, and federal law for your specific situation, including any restrictions on carry location, blade length, or knife type. Knives Now makes no warranty as to the completeness, accuracy, or current applicability of the information on this page and disclaims all liability for actions taken in reliance on it.