SOG S62 vs Gerber Diesel

D

dmonay

Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Messages
546
I have decided to buy one of these two Multi tools but don't know which is better. I can't seem to find a store to compare them in so I need help.
Any one have both or handled both? I have a gerber 400 so this is a step up. I really like the 400 and would not have a problem with the Diesel but I like the Power plier part of the SOG. Beyond that I think that they are pretty much equal. the SOG does have a seatbelt cutter though.
Also has SOG covered up the gears on all its new production tools or only certan models, and if so what date did they start to do that?
 
dmonay said:
I have decided to buy one of these two Multi tools but don't know which is better. I can't seem to find a store to compare them in so I need help.
Any one have both or handled both? I have a gerber 400 so this is a step up. I really like the 400 and would not have a problem with the Diesel but I like the Power plier part of the SOG. Beyond that I think that they are pretty much equal. the gerber does have a seatbelt cutter though.
Also has SOG covered up the gears on all its new production tools or only certian models, and if so what date did they start to do that?
Click to expand...

It was probably a typo but just in case: The SOG is available with a v-cutter, not the Gerber.

The Diesel is a good tool but I'll second ElCuchillo's recommendation of the PowerLock. Both tools have wire cutters which perform better than most other multi-tool cutters. Accessing the tools on both the Diesel and Powerlock is about the same--both require opening the pliers. A couple of nice features of the PowerLock are the compound leverage pliers and the ability to customize the tool selection. The Diesel can also be disassembled/reassembled but replacement parts aren't readily available except through warranty repair. I prefer the tool selection on the PowerLock but your mileage may vary. Both the PowerLock and Diesel have a combo edge blade. I often swap out the combo blade on the PowerLock for SOG's double bevel plain edge blade.

Last year, SOG released the EOD PowerLock 2.0 and started integrating some of its improvements into the other PowerLocks. It wasn't an all or none change and it can be a bit confusing for both the buyer and seller. For example, I've seen some PowerLocks with the new pliers but the old locking mechanism and no gear covers. Other new PowerLocks have the improved pliers, gear covers, and "piano key" locks. Based on feedback from other forum members, it seems that the photo on the website doesn't always match what you receive. If you buy online, I'd recommend talking with the salesperson to make sure that you know what you're buying.
 
supratentorial said:
It was probably a typo but just in case: The SOG is available with a v-cutter, not the Gerber.

The Diesel is a good tool but I'll second ElCuchillo's recommendation of the PowerLock. Both tools have wire cutters which perform better than most other multi-tool cutters. Accessing the tools on both the Diesel and Powerlock is about the same--both require opening the pliers. A couple of nice features of the PowerLock are the compound leverage pliers and the ability to customize the tool selection. The Diesel can also be disassembled/reassembled but replacement parts aren't readily available except through warranty repair. I prefer the tool selection on the PowerLock but your mileage may vary. Both the PowerLock and Diesel have a combo edge blade. I often swap out the combo blade on the PowerLock for SOG's double bevel plain edge blade.

Last year, SOG released the EOD PowerLock 2.0 and started integrating some of its improvements into the other PowerLocks. It wasn't an all or none change and it can be a bit confusing for both the buyer and seller. For example, I've seen some PowerLocks with the new pliers but the old locking mechanism and no gear covers. Other new PowerLocks have the improved pliers, gear covers, and "piano key" locks. Based on feedback from other forum members, it seems that the photo on the website doesn't always match what you receive. If you buy online, I'd recommend talking with the salesperson to make sure that you know what you're buying.
Click to expand...

Yes, it was a typo, thanks for catching that. I'll fix It. The V Cutter is what I like about the SOG the along with the compound pliers. I would like to get the latest improvements/upgrades if possible. I guess I will have to call an on line store and ask for specifics. I have been looking but cant find a local retailer who sells SOG too bad that hurts sales somewhat. I did find the Diesel at wally world for $49.99 a good deal I believe.

Thanks superatetorial and Cuchollio for your input. :thumbup:
 
I couldn't find my Diesel earlier but it turned up in my coat pocket. Here are a couple of comparison photos:

diesel_powerlock-0a.jpg


diesel_powerlock-1a.jpg


diesel_powerlock-2a.jpg
 
Oh man those are nice pictures, thanks for posting them makes it hard to pick one. I see the Diesel (is that MOSSY OAK) is a little smaller than the SOG. Does it carry less noticably than the SOG ?
 
The Diesel in the photo is Mossy Oak... maybe that's why I couldn't find it. ;)

The Diesel and PowerLock are similar in size when closed. The Diesel is a just a hair longer because the pliers don't fully retract into the handles. The tips of the pliers stick out about 1/4" which may bother some people--especially when carried in a flimsy nylon sheath.

There's not really a noticeable difference in the weight the Diesel (~9 oz) and PowerLock (~9.6 oz).
 
I forgot to mention that tool clumping is an issue with the SOG multi-tools. It doesn't bother me but some people don't like it. Tool clumping isn't an issue with the Diesel but you will need super strong fingernails to open the tools--the spring retention mechanism is fairly strong. I needed to loosen the pins so that the tools were easier to access.
 
supratentorial, THANKS for all your input.
Now I have to decide...........................
 
I purchased a T8 hex head screwdriver at Sears and was able to adjust my Diesel just how I liked it. Out of the box one side of the tools were floppy loose while the other side was a nail buster. A couple tweaks here and there though, and it was smooth as butter. While I am a fan of the SOG Powerlock, the Diesel is a good multi-tool as well.
 
dmonay,

I agree with jtb49er2000--both are good multi-tools. If you get a chance, let us know which one you end up getting and what you think of it when you get it.

Jake
 
The only thing I didn't like about the Diesel was the crimpers. The older Gerber multi-tools (I think 600 model?) had great crimpers that worked well for small and medium connectors. The Diesel model though has more of two ramps or shoulders coming towards each that will not grip well on all but the smallest and flatest connectors. The SOG on the other hand, well that thing will crimp about as good as a real pair of T+B crimpers! Both cut wire well (though I'd give the advantage to SOG for being able to cut heavy duty stuff). They both have their advantages and disadvantages just like every other comparasion out their, but both are good multi-tools for toting.

As Supratentorial requested, let us know what you pick!
 
Will do.
I looked at a Diesel at wally world and the tools are too hard to access as repored. I think I'll go with the Sog. I'll do a review as soon as I get it.
 
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