Opinions about new SOG PowerLock 2.0...?

[slavpek]

Looking for new multi-tool. Stopped on PowerAssist, but they say it will be available only in few month. What about PowerLock 2.0? Can i buy it in new S60 (with new features like Piano Locks etc..) or it comes only in S69 (EOD version)?
i'm interested to hear from people who have one (if it already for sale). Pliz reply only if you have/used/experienced one.

10x in advance.

 

[supratentorial]

Can i buy it in new S60 (with new features like Piano Locks etc..) or it comes only in S69 (EOD version)?

The new features were added first to the S69 and B69 but were later added to the other PowerLocks. The new S60 is available direct from SOG but it'd probably be much cheaper to buy it elsewhere.

i'm interested to hear from people who have one (if it already for sale). Pliz reply only if you have/used/experienced one.

Here's my opinion on the S69: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=505065

 

[slavpek]

2 supratentorial: thanx a lot!!! great review.

 

[jscalia]

I personally am not thrilled with the Powerlock. Its heavy, a bit crude, the tools clump when pulling out, the sizzors are mediocre, and the gear teeth can cause problems. The pliers part of it is the best out there, though. Its better than most of the other multitools out there, though, but not the best.

 

[slavpek]

I guess the fixed many of what you mentioned in last 2.0 version. do you talk 'bout this one?

 

[supratentorial]

What sort of problems do the gear teeth cause? I'm not familiar with a problem unless you are referring to the original version of the PowerLock.

Tool clumping is a matter of fact with SOG multi-tools. You can reduce the tool clumping slightly by loosening the pins but it won't eliminate it. If you're used to the old Leatherman multi-tools (e.g. PST, SuperTool, etc.) it'll just seem normal to you. But I can understand that it would bother some people.

I also agree that the scissors are mediocre but I'd say that about most multi-tools. The only multi-tool scissors that I really like are the ones on the SwissTool but maybe it's just because I've used Victorinox Swiss army knives since I was child! The scissors on the original Wave were also pretty good. The scissors on the PowerLock work (atleast in my experience) but the design could be improved (esp. the crude spring mechanism). If I recall correctly, the scissors haven't changed since the PowerLock was first introduced about a decade ago. The SOG S69 that I reviewed doesn't come equipped with scissors (unless you swap something out) but scissors are standard on the S60.

The PowerLock is definitely not a small multi-tool but at 9.6 oz it's actually lighter than the SwissTool (9.9 oz) as well as the Leatherman Core (10.8 oz) and Surge (12.5 oz).

From my experience, I'd also have to say that the pliers and wire cutters on the new SOG are the best. I'm not sure what multi-tool I'd call the best. I suppose it depends somewhat on what I'm doing. The SOG is definitely one of my favorites.

 

[cncyana]

Great review!

1) How well does that gold TiNi wear? Is it still available?
2) Will externally opening blades ever become available on the Powerlock?
3) The Powerlock could use a few more tools - dedicated screw drivers of various sizes (large/small phillips, 3 flat blade sizes, bigger better scissors, etc). Even if it becomes wider and heavier, the extra tools are worth it.

 

[supratentorial]

Thanks! Good questions!

1) Titanium nitride (TiNi) is a very hard coating that's used to extend the life of high wear tools such as screwdriver bits and drill bits. It definitely won't wear off as easily as black oxide (black oxide has lower reflectivity though). I've heard some claims that TiNi will not scratch but I purchased a used SOG crosscut that had some scratches in the TiNi.

SOG claims only that their TiNi coating is scratch resistant:

Titanium Nitride coatings are some of the toughest coatings that can be applied to steel. They exhibit extreme hardness, are exceptionally scratch and peel resistant and help increase longevity. This coating is applied using a unique process of plasma deposition that occurs in a complete vacuum.

TiNi was previously an option for most of the SOG multi-tools: the PowerLock (T60), PowerPlier (T52 and T65), Pocket Power Plier (T44), CrossGrip, and CrossCut. Unfortunately SOG hasn't used TiNi on their multi-tools in a few years even though they still use it on many of their knives. The old TiNi coated multi-tools are somewhat difficult to find now. SOG is starting a collectors club which promises to offer some discontinued and rare items for sale. Maybe we'll see some TiNi-coated multi-tools in the collectors club. But I'd like to see SOG reintroduce TiNi as an option on their standard production multi-tools.

2) The SOG PowerAssist (product page) has outside accessible assisted-opening blades. SOG says that it will be available in March. Only the two blades are outside accessible though.

3) On the EOD version of the SOG PowerLock 2.0, the C4 Punch takes the place of the 1/4" drive and the saw. Other versions of the PowerLock have a better selection of tools (SOG's comparison chart). The PowerLock has 4 flat screwdrivers: large, medium on the end of the can opener, another medium one on the end of the file, and small on the end of the can opener. Unfortunately there's only a #1 Phillips drivers. I'd like the option for a #2 Phillips driver or a #1/#2 combination driver like the ones on Leatherman tools. The 1/4" drive and adapter accessory will allow you to use standard screwdriver bits.

 

[cncyana]

supratentorial,
thanks again for the info and pics! The outside opening blades on the Powerassist are a good thing, however, the power mechanism seems to have taken up enough space to disallow any other tools from being placed on that side other than the 2 blades. I would have preferred more tools and no power assist, a little less fluff and more practicality. that said, i'm looking forward to seeing that Powerassist and, who knows, I may like it. In this regard, the LM models seem to be able to pack in a lot more tools in the same space.