The Palette Muse

menu icon
go to homepage
  • DIY
    • Home Improvement
    • Home Maintenance
    • DIY with Paint
    • DIY Decor
    • Cabinets
    • Furniture
    • Camper
    • Makeovers
    • Tips
    • Tools
    • $100 Room Challenge
  • Crafts
    • Painting Crafts
    • Paper Crafts
    • Fabric and Yarn
    • Wreaths and Banners
    • Handmade Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Art
  • Design
    • Color
    • House Flipping
    • Home Staging
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Home Office
    • Kitchen Design
    • Home Decorating
    • Outdoor Decor
  • Organizing
    • Airbnb
    • Cleaning
    • Planners and Worksheets
    • Printables
    • Saving Money
  • Family
    • Recipes
    • Camping
    • Creativity
    • Faith
    • Holidays
    • Musings
  • Printables
    • Get the Newsletter
  • About Me
    • Work With Me
      • Affiliate Disclosure
      • Disclosures & Disclaimers
      • Privacy Policy

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY
    • Home Improvement
    • Home Maintenance
    • DIY with Paint
    • DIY Decor
    • Cabinets
    • Furniture
    • Camper
    • Makeovers
    • Tips
    • Tools
    • $100 Room Challenge
  • Crafts
    • Painting Crafts
    • Paper Crafts
    • Fabric and Yarn
    • Wreaths and Banners
    • Handmade Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Art
  • Design
    • Color
    • House Flipping
    • Home Staging
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Home Office
    • Kitchen Design
    • Home Decorating
    • Outdoor Decor
  • Organizing
    • Airbnb
    • Cleaning
    • Planners and Worksheets
    • Printables
    • Saving Money
  • Family
    • Recipes
    • Camping
    • Creativity
    • Faith
    • Holidays
    • Musings
  • Printables
    • Get the Newsletter
  • About Me
    • Work With Me
      • Affiliate Disclosure
      • Disclosures & Disclaimers
      • Privacy Policy

×

What is a 14-in-1 Painter's Tool?

Modified: Jul 9, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links · 53 Comments

  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

A quick look at the many uses for my new 14-in-1 painter's tool. Plus, why I keep buying multi-tools!

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

I love multi-tools. I have a Swiss Army Knife, a Leatherman, and even one of those flat credit card sized tools that can do 12 different things but probably can't be legally carried on an airplane.

Today I almost bought a cute little combination flashlight/bottle opener at the checkout at Lowe's, before I realized I was already carrying both those tools on me at the time, in the form of other multi-tools.

Basically, if you can make my life easier and more efficient, you have my heart.

So when I was killing time at the hardware store the other evening, waiting for my hubby to choose between two different styles of light switch plates (this is what we do on our dates these days), I wandered into the paint aisle, my happy place.

Before long, a 14-in-1 painter's tool made its way into my hands. It seemed like the perfect multi-tool, even if I didn't have a clue about half its functions.

Some guys buy their wives flowers, mine buys me tools. They last longer, and he gets to enjoy them too. (For Mother's Day, I'm getting a new chop-saw, but that's a story for another day.)

Long story short, I batted my eyelashes at my date and a few minutes later we walked out with his light switches and my new multi-tool.

A map of the 14 tools in a Painter's Tool

When I got home with my treasure, I realized there was nothing on the packaging to tell me how to use this miracle of efficiency. So I did what any savvy DIY-er would do, I googled it. I couldn't believe how little information I found. I guess this is one of those things that, if you don't know how to use it, you shouldn't be buying it?  

So I did a little more digging and found out what all the little pieces of this tool do, and I'm passing my research on to you so you won't feel as left out as I did, if you decide you need one of these.

So what does a 14-in-1 painter's tool do?

Everything except actually paint.

1. Hammer - perfect for pounding the lid back on the paint can. (I can't tell you how much paint I've ruined because I forgot this crucial step.)

Using a painter's tool to hammer the lid back onto a can of paint.

2. Flat Screw Bit - for unscrewing plate covers like light switches and plugs.

Using the screwdriver on a painter's tool to remove outlet cover

3. Philips Screw Bit - every time I paint a room, it never fails that one plate cover uses Philips instead of flat.

4. Large Hex Nut Wrench - supposedly the nut wrenches are sized to fit those commonly found on paint sprayers.

5. Small Hex Nut Wrench - same deal, just smaller.

6. Convex Scraper - great for scraping paint off curvy molding.

7. Concave Scraper - every curve has an equal and opposite reaction. Or something like that.

8. Nail Puller - there's always that one nail you missed when you were prepping the room for paint.

9. Crack Opener - ever wondered how to get a clean edge around your ceiling, without taping? Simply run this end along the edge where the wall meets the ceiling, and you'll create a little trench for your paint brush to safely follow, without overlapping onto the ceiling.

The trick to getting that perfect line when painting between ceiling and wall.

10. Chisel - this sharp edge is for scraping off flaking paint.

Painter's tool scrapes loose paint off door trim

11. Spreader - flip the tool over to the dull side and this edge is great for applying spackle while prepping the walls.

Painter's tool fills in a hole in the wall with spackle.

12. Paint Can Opener - no more searching for a screwdriver or that little pry key when you're itching to get started.

Painter's Tool prying lid off paint can

13. Roller Cleaner - you can save a lot of paint, and clean-up time, by scraping any remaining paint off your roller before washing it.

Painter's tool scrapes excess paint off roller

14. Bottle Opener - and last but certainly not least, this one's pretty self explanatory at the end of a long day of painting.

There are probably plenty of other uses for this tool, but this is as far as I've gotten. Now it's time for me to put this baby to work. I've got some scraping, screwing, hammering, cleaning, and (let's not forget) painting to do!

Even More Painter's Tools

For more painting tips, check out my post on making painting easier with the right tools!

More DIY

  • Under Cabinet Lighting You Can do Yourself
    How to Choose and Install the Best Under Cabinet Lighting for your Kitchen
  • Time saving trick to painting window frames and mirrors
    My Time Saving Trick for Painting Window Frames and Mirrors
  • Install long drawer pulls
    How to Install Long Drawer Pulls without a Template
  • Removable Window Film
    How to Install Window Film to Upgrade Your View

Comments

  1. Mary-the boondocks blog says

    May 09, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    I had no idea these things even existed. And for someone like me who is always painting it would be a pretty present. Meridith, I hope you can join us at a new link party we are hosting, Sweet Inspiration. It runs Friday till Tuesday.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 11, 2016 at 1:10 pm

      You would love this little tool, Mary! And I've missed your party for this week, but I'm putting it on my calendar for Friday!

      Reply
  2. Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com says

    May 09, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    Hi Meredith, First I was laughing at you for buying a tool without knowing what it did exactly. Now I'm laughing at myself as I run out to buy one after quickly reading your bullet points. Cool!!!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 11, 2016 at 1:11 pm

      Ha! I never thought about it but I guess that is a funny way of buying tools! Oh well, it really worked out in this case. 🙂

      Reply
    • Kelwinkwel says

      April 27, 2023 at 10:12 am

      @Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com,

      I’ve been using it all week for our spring home projects and painting. I couldn’t figure out all it’s uses but awesome!!

      Reply
  3. Anita C. Lee says

    May 09, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    What a clever tool! Now will you come over to my house and put it to use?

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 11, 2016 at 1:12 pm

      Sure! As soon as I'm done with my own list of projects...

      Reply
  4. Paulette Lee says

    May 09, 2016 at 11:06 pm

    Your blogs are always so entertaining! I know I'd never use half those functions, but after reading this, I'm fighting the urge to put it on my next amazon prime order!

    Reply
  5. jacquiegum says

    May 10, 2016 at 4:58 am

    Okay...now this is genius:) Truly!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 11, 2016 at 1:12 pm

      That's exactly what I thought Jacquie!

      Reply
  6. C.D. Loken says

    May 11, 2016 at 7:55 am

    Now this is a tool I MUST have! I too have ruined so much paint by not making sure the lid is closed! And the paint roller cleaner-GENIUS!! Of course, hubby would buy it just for the bottle opener!! We just purchased a new grill and guess why he just had to have that specific one! 🙂

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 11, 2016 at 1:13 pm

      That's hilarious CD! Oh well, I guess these companies really know their target audience! 😉

      Reply
  7. Jeri Walker (@JeriWB) says

    May 18, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    Okay, I am love with this painter's tool and love is not a word I use wisely. My toolbox was recently stolen from my garage when I left the door open overnight, so I may very well end up buying one of these now that I have some tools that need replacing.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 25, 2016 at 9:12 am

      Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that Jeri! It can get really expensive to replace all those tools. Hopefully this will help a little.

      Reply
  8. satrntgr says

    May 30, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    Wow, that tool is amazing - might have to get one for my husband for Christmas. Thank you for sharing this with us at the #HomeMattersParty

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      June 13, 2016 at 11:34 am

      Yes, it would be the perfect Christmas gift... or Father's Day gift! 😉

      Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    June 18, 2018 at 10:06 am

    I LOVE THIS TOOL SO MUCH! I’ve had a 5-in-1 for years so when I saw this little guy I couldn’t resist. Just the other night I had to keep correcting my boyfriend for repeatedly calling it a 5–in-1. So naturally he says “okay smart pants what are the 14 tools?” ?? “Hmmmm .. I’ll get back to ya on that one” haha So thank you, thank you, thank you for post this!!!! You saved me. I will school him this evening. Haha

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      June 27, 2018 at 10:34 am

      That is awesome! I'm so glad I could help set the record straight! 😉

      Reply
  10. TMc says

    August 10, 2018 at 9:43 am

    I never even knew this tool existed until the other night while watching a home makeover show. Guy whipped this gadget out of his tool belt to cleanly rip off the end of his painters tape in a nice straight line by using the sharp chisel end (#10 on your diagram above) against the tape and the wall. That was one thing I hated about masking was the corners and getting straight line in those creases. Between this tool and clear paintable caulking....I'm gonna go into the painting business Ü Thanks so much for all those tips!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      August 20, 2018 at 9:41 am

      Wow, I never thought to use the blade that way, thanks for sharing! That always bugged me about the painters tape too!

      Reply
  11. Michael Allen says

    October 22, 2018 at 9:11 pm

    The hammer on the end is also for hammering the wall to push in holes before filling them so the edges are smooth and no paper from the wallboard sticks out

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      October 23, 2018 at 4:27 pm

      Yes that's an important step and makes a big difference in the overall outcome!

      Reply
  12. Ca says

    November 18, 2018 at 6:00 pm

    Thank you for the thorough explanation! Shame on Home Depot for not including this in their description. Great job on your end!!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      November 19, 2018 at 4:29 pm

      Thank you! ? I thought maybe the was no explanation because whoever buys these already knows what they're for. But I knew I couldn't be the only one wondering...

      Reply
  13. Robert Lee Verble says

    April 15, 2019 at 9:54 am

    Thank you - I was keen on learning what your research found GREAT JOB!
    - I might add to those: BBQ grill scraper and hot grill lifter, spatula, prybar, spacing gauge, box cutter, whittling blade, planting tool glazing tool, grout repair tool, and by all means it is a Very sharp tool on two edges - snake killer in the right hand

    We keep one with the paint kit, one in Vicky's car kit, and one in my kit and one in my workshop

    I attest to their worthiness - should be in every kit you have

    One firm warning: Do Not Underestimate how easy you hand holding the grip can slide off and slice the small finger or edge of your hand quite handily

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      April 30, 2019 at 12:47 pm

      Yike, that's a great warning! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  14. poolsupply4less says

    April 19, 2019 at 7:59 am

    Great job with pictures to explain. Thank You.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      April 30, 2019 at 12:44 pm

      Thanks! And thanks for commenting!

      Reply
  15. Lori says

    June 08, 2019 at 8:19 pm

    I have a tool like this and glad to know what’s its all for. Thanks

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      June 15, 2019 at 4:40 pm

      You're welcome, hope it's helpful!

      Reply
  16. Laura Adams says

    June 27, 2019 at 7:46 pm

    You are a woman after my own heart! (Just found your blog.) I asked for a chop saw for Mothers Day about 15 years ago, and I've added to our tool collection along the way, and my husband feels just fine about that! I've built lots of furniture over three years, and now that he's retired, we're building things together (sometimes fun /sometimes not.?) Anyway, I bought one of these 14-in-1 tools a while ago, and got it out yesterday, trying to figure out what it was all about. Couldn't figure out some of them, so I ended up at your blog. Thanks for posting this info. Now I'm gonna go look at your projects!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 17, 2019 at 11:02 am

      I'm so glad to be of help! It's always great to meet a fellow DIY-er!

      Reply
  17. Bob says

    August 11, 2019 at 11:36 am

    This scraper is an absolute must have for anyone who moves into a new house. I’ve used this tool more times than I can count. Also the pointed end cuts the cover on 5 gallon buckets then flip it over to pop the lid off.
    And in lunchtime desperation it cuts pizza !!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      August 19, 2019 at 9:13 am

      Lol! I think pizza cutter might be the most creative use I've heard yet!

      Reply
  18. Brian Spence says

    November 03, 2019 at 4:17 pm

    Thanks I had one already but I did not know all of the uses for it. Some I had figured out already which is not bad for an old Canadian fart I don't think

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      November 05, 2019 at 7:59 am

      For sure! That's more than I knew when I got mine!

      Reply
  19. Bob Dumlao says

    January 06, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    This is obviously a very late reply. I came across your site while browsing around. I've been prepping and painting houses as well as cars for many years. May I offer some "corrections." You should never use the "hammer" end to close paint cans. In fact never use anything hard, such as hammers, because it damages the lid and can cause the seal area to leak. Always, use something soft, even the end of a "wood" hammer handle is better. The metal end is the tool is for "tapping" popped out nails beck into the wall as you're prepping it. Also, you should always try to use the paint can lid opener. The bent end slips under the lid and lifts it straight up to prevent damage to the lid seal area. Using a screw driver or the edge to the 14-in-1 tool can damage the seal area by deforming it. Otherwise, it was a very well written explanation of the tool.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 07, 2020 at 4:08 pm

      Good insights Bob, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  20. Tyler says

    February 01, 2020 at 7:12 pm

    It's now a 15-in-1. Please update .

    Reply
    • tommyboy says

      June 22, 2022 at 5:20 pm

      @Tyler, 1 more use & a very important one, after opening your new paint can use the pointer to pierce 3 or 4 holes in the paint can ridge to allow the paint to drain back in the can, this allows the lid to an air tight seal instead of the paint curing in the ridge. a good lid seal important to preserving the unused paint from curing in the can....

      Reply
  21. Jacob Bighley says

    April 01, 2021 at 7:05 am

    I have a few decades of construction experience. Over time I have figured out most of those functions. It has always been one of those instinctual things, learn by experimenting, or something passed down from journeyman to apprentice. Something those in the trades don't realize is not common knowledge and we don't think to share. This is the first and only actual comprehensive description of the multi tool options I have seen. Option#9 was a new idea for me as well. Well done. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      April 05, 2021 at 1:15 pm

      Thank you Jacob, that makes my day to hear that!

      Reply
  22. Darlene says

    May 05, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    Hahaha, what! You mean I can stop using my round part between my finger and thumb to clean paint rollers?! ! And no more lining up a row of Q-tips to clean the rim of paint cans. Fantastic! That's the neatest tool I've seen in a loooong time. Yes, I must own one of these. Appreciate your info. Thanks so much.
    Darlene

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 12, 2021 at 11:25 am

      Yes you need one of these! And I'm impressed you've been cleaning your paint cans with Q-tips!

      Reply
  23. Tommy Bell says

    August 15, 2021 at 5:32 pm

    I remember when I was working in a hardware store back in the 60’s , paint thinner came in a bottle you opened with a bottle opener (like a soft drink). Maybe that’s why #14 is an opener.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      September 08, 2021 at 11:34 am

      Oh that makes sense! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  24. Jo says

    June 14, 2023 at 8:29 am

    Thank you so much!

    Have seen them around and thought they looked useful but didn’t know for what exactly 😂

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      June 16, 2023 at 8:18 am

      You'll be amazed at how many uses you find for yours!

      Reply
  25. Arturo says

    July 28, 2023 at 5:07 am

    I've had mine for years. Still goes in the back right pocket of my painter pants. 😉 Great tool indeed.

    Reply
  26. Ron Mottola says

    November 02, 2023 at 2:59 pm

    Number 1 can also be used to flatten and create an indent around a nail holes so the spackle with number 11, will go on better.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      November 09, 2023 at 10:31 am

      Yes, good point!

      Reply
  27. Shirley S. says

    February 29, 2024 at 9:08 am

    Who needs to hire a repairman when you have a tool like this? I just bought three. My two brothers will love these

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Anti-Fascist Toolkit – Magnetic Poetry Tarot says:
    August 22, 2017 at 11:06 am

    […] Fascism Clean-up Kit include so far? Well, I tell you what, my favorite product right now is this 14-in-1 tool I found (opens in new window). Add in a microfiber or fine-fiber cloth, vinegar & water squirt bottle, […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome!

I'm Meredith, the designer, crafter, and DIY-er behind The Palette Muse. I love all things colorful and creative, and I love sharing them with you. Thanks for visiting today!

More about me

Popular

  • The Best Way to Paint Kitchen Cabinets (No Sanding!)
  • What I Wish I'd Known about Double Barn Doors
  • How to Paint Laminate Cabinets
    How to Paint Laminate Cabinets without Sanding
  • How to Make Your Own Simple Chair Covers

Seasonal

  • New Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
    New Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
  • Our Latest Flip House Before and After
    Our Latest Flip House Project - Before and After
  • warm amethyst color palette with shades of purple and very faint orange.
    Warm Amethyst Color Palette
  • Refresh your home for spring with these unique etsy finds
    Give Your Home a Spring Refresh with These Unique Home Decor Finds

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Work With Me

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 The Palette Muse

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Email