Like many other Swiss Army Knife tools, the bottle-opener (also known as the cap-lifter*, or the large screwdriver), is designed to do more than just one function. This tool started out as a simple robust flat-head screwdriver on the original Soldier Knife, and shortly after on the Officer's Knife. Over time the screwdriver evolved to include a cap-lifter/bottle-opener, later a wire-stripping notch was added, giving us the current cap-lifter/screwdriver tool (see image by the toc). Along the way minor changes to the shape of the tool, and its features, have also occurred.
Both the Victorinox and Wenger full sized cap-lifters look quite similar today, and offer the same functions, except that the Wenger versions have the locking mechanism, and the Victorinox versions have the'half-stop' (see below).
* In earlier catalogues Victorinox referred to this tool as the cap-lifter, but has now standardised on the bottle-opener name. SAKWiki typically uses cap-lfter
See Also: The Combination Tool, which combines screwdriver, cap-lifter and can-opener capabilities.
Table of contents
Victorinox
58mm
Found on a handful of 58mm models and despite its small size, this tool combines the functions of a cap-lifter and a small screwdriver. Some models have a flat-headed screwdriver tip (eg the Rover), while others sport a Phillips head (eg the Rally), the tips are magnetic. In 1997, Victorinox added a small wire stripper notch between the cap-lifter and the screwdriver. The flat-tipped version is no longer available (since the early 2000s?).
84mm
The front of the tool is blunt and flat, making a screwdriver for medium sized flat-head screws. The cap-lifter/bottle-opener is cut into the body of the tool, the small hook near the base is used to catch the lip of the cap, as the tool is moved upward. Just behind the cap-lifter is a small wire-stripping/bending notch. See instructions below. Prior to 2011 (estimated) the 84mm tool did not have a 'half-stop' when the tool can be opened at the 90º angle.
91mm
The 91mm tool is very similar in design to the 84mm tool (a scaled up version!).
The bottle-opener was added to the screwdriver around 1942. A sharpened edge on the cap-lifter for wire stripping; and the wire-bender/stripper notch were both added around 1951, the stripper edge was removed in the mid-70s.
Around 1985 a friction lock/catch was added that enables the screwdriver to operate at 90° to the body of the knife, as well as at 180° when fully opened. The catch/lock is a little stronger when fully extended. The extra catch can also help torque or accessibility, and also helps to stop the tool from unintentionally closing whilst being used.
In 1999 a small 'locking-nub' was added to the tool which helps (but not prevents) the tool from closing when fully open. The nub engages with a small internal dimple in the backspring, and can be seen when looking down on the tool from above when closed.
93mm
The original Soldier screwdriver transitioned onto the 1951 Soldier, where it gained the sharpened edge for wire-stripping.
In the late 1950s a screwdriver was incorporated into the new Alox Pioneer, where it gained the cap-lifter (with wire-stripper edge) capability, and the 90° half-stop. And of course this tool then featured in the 1961 Soldier, which was based on the Pioneer. The wire-stripping edge was removed around 1993 and replaced by the wire-bender notch.
The current Alox range features this tool; with screwdriver, cap-lifter, wire-stripper notch and half-stop. The tool is equivalent to the 91mm version but is very slightly longer and thicker, and therefore stronger.
108mm
The 108mm cap-lifter is attached to the end of a wood saw and is part of what may be the first version of an openers combination tool.
111mm - Slide-lock version
The original cap-lifter for the slide-lock 111mm models is very similar, if not exactly the same as, the 91mm version, and as such appears quite small relative to the size of the knife (see diagram below). Note: Most models contain this tool, although a few had the combination tool - See here.
111mm - Liner-lock version
Most 111mm Victorinox liner-lock models, have a fully locking cap-lifter/screwdriver.
The screwdriver end is roughly 7mm in width, and the tool is considerably stronger than all other versions, being thicker, as well as wider, so it can also be used as a small prying tool. When fully open (180°) the liner-lock must be released to close the screwdriver, it also features a catch (friction lock) at 90° that enables the tool to be used in this position.
The Cheese Master model has a unique cap-lifter embedded into the fondue fork.
108mm Combi Tool
| 111mm: Liner-locking cap-lifter
| 111mm: Original vs. newer locking cap-lifter
|
130mm
The 130mm models from the Victorinox Delémont line inherit the bottle opener from the 130mm Wenger Rangers (see below).
The Victorinox Wine Master model has a cap-lifter integrated into the corkscrew lever.
Fun Fact
As of the present (2026), the screwdriver tool for the 84, 91, 93, 111(SL) and 111(LL) models all have the same capabilities - The interesting fact is that the addition (or removal) of the various functions: Cap-lifter, wire-stripper edge, wire-bender notch, 90° lock, all followed completely different timelines - See details above.
Wenger
85mm
The modern Wenger 85mm models feature a locking screwdriver on their cap-lifter using what is sometimes known as the 'Packlock' system. This design uses a unique spring mechanism on the tool: When pressure is applied along the length of the knife, the tool is pushed slightly into the knife body so that a catch on the tang of the tool latches into a notch in the spring, which means that the tool cannot fold in, until the pressure is released. This works as a very practical safety-lock, when having to use more force on the screwdriver, to loosen or tighten a screw. Unlike the Victorinox cap-lifters there is no stop/catch at 90° for using the tool in this position. The tool is about 27mm long from the edge of the frame
120mm / 130mm
The Wenger Ranger 120 and 130mm screwdrivers are identical, although they open from opposite ends of the knife. They also feature the same pressure 'Packlocking' system as the the 85mm version, but are much longer being about 40mm in length from the end of the frame.
85mm SD - Showing the Wire-stripper
| 85mm SD - Showing the Locking Notch (just!)
| 120mm SD
|
Using the Wire Stripper
The Wire Stripper is arguably the most misunderstood and misused tool on any Swiss Army Knife!
It works in conjunction with the main blade - which means this method works better on models with fewer layers.
Directions for use:
- Open the cap-lifter/wire stripper (or Combo tool, depending on the SAK) halfway, forming a 90° angle between the cap-lifter and the SAK itself. (The newer Victorinox models have a friction stop at this point).
- Open the large blade.
- Place the wire you wish to strip at the corner formed between the body of the tool and the opened cap-lifter/combo tool.
- Gently close the large blade onto the wire. If the spring tension does not cut into the wire, press down on the blade just enough to cut into the wire's insulation.
- While holding the long side of the wire, carefully rotate the SAK around the wire, making one complete rotation.
- Remove the wire, close the main blade, and fully open the cap-lifter.
- Place the cut in the insulation layer in the round notch near the base of the cap lifter, and press and hold the wire down into the notch with your thumb. Holding the long end of the wire, just below the cut, with your other hand, push the cap-lifter forward, removing the insulation from the wire!
