SOG Multi - Tools ?

[skyhorse]

Any thoughts on SOG multi-tools? Likes,dislikes or a favorite model? Thanks.

 

[Vinjints]

Still playing with and getting to know my Powerlock, but I'll share what led me to it through my journey through forum posts and product reviews between the top bread winners.

I've got a multi-tool because the SAK doesn't have the pliers ability. If I'm getting a MT for the pliers, might as well be the best pliers.
The SAK also doesn't have a saw, so make sure the MT has that (or that I can add it).
SAK scissors are great, no need for multi scissors (that reportedly suck). switch out for v-cutter.
Hex Bits are on the way for the option of using them with bit driver.
If they don't fit the stock pouch, I'm not too worried, since I haven't cared for it since day one (leather option that holds tool and bits would be great!)
Also plan on changing out half serrated blade for a full and my only serrated blade.
Reason 243 for SOG was the interchanging of parts and pieces. I can do it at home.
Powerlock over Powerassist, because when I need a knife quickly, I have a folder for that purpose.

 

[Kiah]

They have "Compound Leverage" which is exclusive to them as far as MTs. Haven't personally found that it matters, but I know some do. The thing it does do though is make them the smoothest MT pliers I've used. A Wave, Surge, ect is easy enough to flip open one-handed, but nothing compared to a SOG. The pliers design is also really good. Have heard tales of them snapping, but that can be said about most.

As for the other tools, some are alright and some aren't. As mentioned though, you can order what you want and swap them out. Actually encouraged by SOG, so no worries about voiding any warranty. They're also kind of a pain to get to. On the inside, under a flap, and clumping. The PowerAssist has two outside OHO blades and the Blacktip has a OHO blade and V-Hook (though they actually require two hands or thumbs made of steel to open on mine). The "safeties" on the OHO blades are annoying and bang up the edges when they slip (constantly). I'd add that if you do decide to start swapping tools you may wanna consider the cost into the decision.

So great pliers design and pliers access, not so much on the rest IMO. If you're mainly after pliers (and don't need replaceable cutters) then they're a good choice. If you're looking for a pocket toolbox though, there are better choices (again IMO). Everyone has different preferences and opinions though and some swear by them and actually like the tools and access, so keep that in mind.

 

[powernoodle]

Just to reiterate what K-dog said, the compound leverage and the smoothness of opening are what really stand out. They are largish tools too. The "covers" add an extra step or two to deploy the tools, but that's no biggy. An upside is that the tools are user replaceable. Overall I give them a high score.

 

[gadgetgeek]

I set a powerlock up for use as an A/V stage and theater tech, a plus was having the ability to get some tools in there that no one else provided, like a #2 robertson for doing extension cord ends. The relatively low cost of the replacement tools meant that I could pretty safely modify them if needed, I ground the can-opener into a long flat screwdriver for pot switches. a little work could turn the C4 spike into a useful marlin spike.

getting everything lined up inside is a bit of a challenge, be sure to buy the extra shim and washer pack as well, its well worth it. But a bit of trial and error, and it will work out.

Overall, I found the fit and finish to be a bit lower on mine. I have to follow that with the following. mine was potentially from early after the re-design that added the piano-lock, so that may be why or it could be that the slightly looser tolerances are a feature of the swappable tools, rather than a bug.

 

[skyhorse]

Thanks for the info guys. So many options to consider on multi tools nowadays. The wire cutters on my old Gerber have been used many times in emergencies cutting two strand barbed wire to free a horse or steer caught up in the wire. So looking for one with good strong cutters.

 

[shinyedges]

If you use the cutters frequently or on harder thicker materials I recommend a leatherman because of the replaceable wire cutters. I used a sog powerlock for several months and noticed a few things..

1. The compound leverage is nice and as noted by others very smooth. The big draw back for me was the cutters were non replaceable which means sending it in for replacement.

2. The inner tools almost seem like an after thought and felt a little cheap but worked for the task they were meant ok.

If they upgrade to replaceable wire cutters I could deal with the tools, plus swapping tools is cool. I carry a modded leatherman wave that has a rebar pliar head and awl. Hope that helps.

 

[gadgetgeek]

I think you'd probably be better served by a good pair of linesman's pliers if that's your use-case. Since you know what you are up against, might as well have the right tool.

 

[skyhorse]

I think you'd probably be better served by a good pair of linesman's pliers if that's your use-case. Since you know what you are up against, might as well have the right tool.

You're right. I have a fence tool with big cutters and a combo hammer/plier head.They're actually the proper tool but they're big and as luck would have it when livestock gets hung in the wire sometimes only a muti tool is handy. Normally it's dark as well,when these things happen.I've been lucky the old Gerber gets it done but they've seen better days for sure. I'll take a look at the Leather-man as well.

 

[gadgetgeek]

I know exactly how that goes. I have a Rebar and really like it, but I think you'd want to go for the 300, bigger all around tool. either way those carbide cutters are serious business.

 

[Joe58]

I carried the small Pocket Power model for quite awhile and found it well made and very handy. And I liked I coukd switch tools around. But I agree that it wouldn't do at all for cutting fence wire.

I used it one time to try and twist the handle off a 5 gallon plastic bucket. Snapped one of the pliers head right in two. I sent it in with an explanatory letter saying it was my fault. Wanted to oay fir a new set of plier heads. I also mentioned I didn't want to just replace it as I had rearranged the tools. They replaced tbe plier portion. No charge. As well as cleaned it all up and sharpened the blade. This was a few years back now so I've no experience with the current lineup.

 

[Leftytwogunz]

I've owned a sog powerlock for many years and find it to be my favorite of all of my multitools. I have multiple leathermans and gerbers
and have gifted those away or have them stashed away as backups or emergency tools like in the car or packs.

I do like the compound leverage and they do open smoothly. As mentioned the handle "cover" feature does add an extra step to get to the
tools but I find it very pleasant to have when gripping the pliers very tightly. Some tools that I have used with out the covers really dug into
my hands when using the pliers. I chose to go with the V-cutters instead of the scissors and got a model that did not have the ridiculous C-4
spike.

Also someone mentioned the sheaths. My first one came with a leather belt sheath which I have never used. The black oxide version that I
now have on the way to me is coming with a very cheap looking nylon sheath. Luckily it is easy to find an aftermarket sheath that fits this
tool. For a while I carried mine in a pouch that came with one of my old microtech knives, but it recently broke. I now have it attached to my
pack in a benchmade pouch that came with my Infidel OTF knife. It fits perfectly and will work well for belt carry or on packs/molle gear.

The powerlock is the only model that I have owned from them, but with it, I can't see the need for another.

 

[Kiah]

Played around some more with a PowerLock last week. Lo and behold the "compound leverage" did prove itself pretty darn useful on a couple occasions. Actually didn't mind dealing with the tools so much after pulling the covers off. Still not a fan of some of them and a bit bulky to carry around for me.

Liked it enough to pick up a PPP though. Pretty sweet. That angled head should be standard on every MT. Actually like the slip-joint on the tools. Couple downsides (tiny opening width with the CL and the gears don't play well with the drivers), but that little slanted head is just too nice. Something I own is about to lose a pocket clip.

 

[kcub]

I think the Leatherman Surge should be strongly considered for heavy duty wire cutting et al.

 

[Kiah]

I learned something perusing the SOG site last week. SOG actually sells the pliers heads by themselves for around $16. So I guess they kinda do have replaceable cutters for all intents and purposes, you just have to take a new set of jaws along with 'em.

 

[kcub]

I learned something perusing the SOG site last week. SOG actually sells the pliers heads by themselves for around $16. So I guess they kinda do have replaceable cutters for all intents and purposes, you just have to take a new set of jaws along with 'em.

I poked around and did not see it, would you mind posting a link?

Saw most of the other tools here. Shame you either get cool tools with the power lock or one hand opening with the power assist. No one tool has both.

http://www.sogknives.com/type/accessories.html

 

[Kiah]

I poked around and did not see it, would you mind posting a link?

http://www.sogknives.com/knife-tool-care.html

Not listed for order on the site, so you'd probably have to call.

 

[kcub]

It is mentioned on that page under "WHAT ABOUT MY PLIER HEAD?", thank you.

I may call them about putting together the tool I want; a power assist with scissors, awl, and bit driver. I carry multiple guns so I don't have room for multiple knives/multi tools. V cutter will be the first thing to go.

 

[KingMC]

I own a powerAssist that I carry at work, but most of what I do is pull staples . It's a breeze to deploy though, I do it balisong-style. I never use the blades, but the tools are pretty good for what they are, I've used the screwdrivers the most. I'd give it good marks overall, but mainly because of the nice pliers and fast plier deployment.

 

[kcub]

I set a powerlock up for use as an A/V stage and theater tech, a plus was having the ability to get some tools in there that no one else provided, like a #2 robertson for doing extension cord ends. The relatively low cost of the replacement tools meant that I could pretty safely modify them if needed, I ground the can-opener into a long flat screwdriver for pot switches. a little work could turn the C4 spike into a useful marlin spike.

getting everything lined up inside is a bit of a challenge, be sure to buy the extra shim and washer pack as well, its well worth it. But a bit of trial and error, and it will work out.

Overall, I found the fit and finish to be a bit lower on mine. I have to follow that with the following. mine was potentially from early after the re-design that added the piano-lock, so that may be why or it could be that the slightly looser tolerances are a feature of the swappable tools, rather than a bug.

I looked for that shim and washer pack and do not see it. Link?