This $12 gadget has become a permanent accessory on my keychain – here’s why

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• This super-thin, super-durable tool has a myriad of uses.
• These are priced well, with cheaper copies on the market, but you should avoid them because they’re not a patch on the originals.
• The only downside I’ve found is that I can’t seem to find the Mini Spudgers for sale on their own, only as part of a set.

One question I get asked a lot is which of my tools is my favorite. It’s a tough question — kind of like asking me which one of my kids is the best because I love all my tools. The answer also depends on what I’m doing. If I need to undo a screw, I’ll grab a screwdriver. When I have to cut a wire, I’ll reach for my side cutters. Each tool has its purpose. 

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But there’s one tool that gets an extraordinary amount of use, one that I carry with me everywhere. It lives on my keychain and is simple yet incredibly versatile, capable of handling all sorts of tasks. This tool is an absolute workhorse, from opening letters to popping open random electronic gadgets.

Let me introduce you to the DotterPod Mini iSesamo Spudger.

And let me tell you, it excels at its work. Whether dealing with seams glued shut, ultrasonically welded, or just clipped shut, the Mini iSesamo Spudger can sneak into even the tiniest cracks. Once it’s in, it’s only a matter of time before the gadget pops open. 

Another gadget succumbs to the Mini iSesamo.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Why I love my Spudger

One word: durability. I’ve used and abused my Mini iSesamo for over two years now. I bought the tool in March of 2023 and it’s still going strong. No bends, no significant chips, no signs of quitting. The gadget is tough as nails, yet gentle enough to avoid damaging delicate components. 

This is the minimal wear on the specially engineered edge on my Mini iSesamo Spudger after almost two years of hard use.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

After adding the Mini iSesamo to my keychain, it quickly became the tool I reach for the most. Just today alone, I’ve used it to:

• Scrape stubborn adhesive off some glass
• Open multiple boxes and packages
• Mark an aluminum sheet for cutting
• Clean my fingernails

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It’s a tool you don’t realize you need until you have one, and then you wonder how you ever lived without it.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Want one? I don’t blame you. If you’re thinking of picking the tool up, and I strongly recommend you do, you’ll have to buy the twin pack with a full-size and Mini iSesamo Spudger for just $12. The full-sized one lives on my repair bench and has an equally hard life.

The durability of these gadgets means they’ll probably last you for years, maybe even a lifetime (assuming you don’t misplace them as I have in the past).

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So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a gadget repair hobbyist, or just someone who appreciates a versatile tool, the Mini iSesamo Spudger is a fantastic addition to your toolbox or keychain. You won’t regret buying it.