Broke my Leatherman Supertool... other options?

J

Jim_Linch

Joined
Dec 20, 2004
Messages
44
Yeah, I was abusing it. I broke the lock for the serrated blade while hammering it with a 2x4 through 2x8's to make kindling for a fire.

So I was wondering if there is anything on the market with a stronger lock mechanism?

Seems the only features I used on it in 10 years was:
- Serrated knife
- File
- Phillips driver
- Small / large flat driver
- Pliers
- Saw blade

Some additional stuff I would like on my next MT:
- scissors
- crimpers
- wire stripper

Anything out there that fits the bill (main list) and is bomb proof?

PS. Not interested in Leatherman due to his recent ignorance.
 
Well, I wouldn't expect any multi-tool to stand up to being used to split wood with a baton. That being said, the toughest multi-tool I've ever seen or held is the Victorinox Swisstool.
 
hehe, I wouldn't either, but sometimes ya just gotta make do. :)

Reading here, I'm getting the impression that the Swisstool is the toughest out there. Any place online that sells them cheap?
 
www.eknifeworks.com sells them the cheapest I've seen on the net for the moment (I'm not sure they are actually the cheapest of the net). too bad you missed the "25% off" sale!

(the "25% off" sale was only for victorinox products.)
 
Just got a LM fuse for $39.00. Supposed to have stronger lock. Comes with everything you want except saw at only 6 oz. The blast has saw and file but costs and weights more.
 
Check the SOG EOD PowerLock. It has crimpers. IMHO it is stronger than the Supertool.

S/F

Bob
 
X at 10 said:
Check the SOG EOD PowerLock. It has crimpers. IMHO it is stronger than the Supertool.

S/F

Bob
Click to expand...
I agree the SOG powerlock is pretty tough, I put mine through the ringer plenty of times and it still keeps going.
 
If you partial saw the wood perpendicular to the gain it will split *much* easier, you can then probably just press the knife down into it. I broke the jaws in half on mine, it was replaced with no questions asked. There are very few locking folders in general that can handle those kinds of impacts, on multi-tools or stand alone knives.

-Cliff
 
I have owned most every multi tool out there ( being a first responder for 30+ years ) and the two best for the money are the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife SwissTool RS and the SOG Powerlock S60 - don't waste your money on anything else - " Leather Guy" can't come close to an SOG or Victorinox in performance and Warranty!

Victorinox SwissTool RS (Rescue and Survival). comes equipped with both scissors and belt cutter which replace the serrated blade and the metal file and can be life saving in a auto accident. Tools included are: Pliers, Screwdriver (2mm), Screwdriver (3mm), Wire Cutter, Screwdriver (5mm), Bottle Opener, Screwdriver (7.5 mm), Large Blade, Scissors, Seatbelt Cutter, Metal Saw, Wood Saw, Reamer/Punch, Phillips Screwdriver, Chisel/Scraper, Strong Crate Opener, Wire Bender, Wire Stripper, Wire Scraper, Can Opener, Ruler (9 inches), Ruler (230mm), Electrical Crimper, Lanyard Hole . The SwissTool RS has the same features as the original SwissTool with two additional features: seatbelt cutter and scissors - something every first responder needs. Retail Price is $85.

SOG Powerlock S60. This folding tool isn't new, a fact that speaks to its highly regarded Compound Leverage mechanism that generates twice the pressure and gripping power of lesser tools. To wit: this thing is the Jaws of multitools. Beyond strength, you'll love the pivoting handle covers that really do improve comfort and dexterity. All the essential tools are intricately positioned for deployment, including a quarter-inch drive socket, spring-loaded scissors, half-serrated knife blade, saw, several screwdrivers and Phillips-style model, wire cutters, file... and on and on. And for you showoffs out there, the PowerLock's ability to open with a quick flick of the wrist is undeniably cool. The PowerLock features removable, pivoting handle covers that improve the comfort profile for your hand. More pressure can now be exerted on those tough jobs! Like the rest of the family in the PowerPlier® series, the PowerLock can be opened and closed with a one-handed flip of the wrist. This is a basic requirement from SOG as so often one is holding wires or standing on a ladder and does not have both hands free. All tool components are easy to access and lock in the open position. The Phillips even locks in two open positions. With one of the simplest and safest locking devices ever engineered, just press the back of the lock and close the component into the handle. Included in the handles of this compact tool box is the first foldable 1/4" drive that will turn sockets or, with a standard adapter, any hex screwdriver tip. It will also turn heads! Scissors can be one of the most used tool components and we have answered that demand with foldable spring-loaded scissors that are extremely sharp. This patent pending marvel only has spring tension in the open position, an additional safety feature. Other components include: plier/gripper, wire cutter, crimper, double toothed wood saw, 1/2 serrated blade, 3-sided file, large screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" drive, awl, can opener/small screwdriver, bottle opener/med. screwdriver, scissors, rulers and lanyard ring. PowerLock also comes with a heavy-duty, dark leather pouch A standard issue with any SOG multipurpose tool is the advantage of hex bolt construction. This essential design element gives you the greatest versatility to clean and change tool components. Features all stainless steel construction and comes with a leather pouch, a Lifetime Guarantee and they are MADE IN THE USA. SOG PowerLock S60 Retail Price is $85.

Andrew J. Gnoza, III

Explosive Safety & HazMat Consultant
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Consultant
Hazardous Materials Consultant / Instructor
Weapons of Mass Destruction Instructor
 
I disagree about the LM warranty. I have heard nothing but Sterling reports about it. They even warranty the diamond file, even if you wear it out, they will replace it FOC. This file is far superior to either the SOG or Vic.

I have a Power Plier and one of the rivets that hold on a gear for the compound leverage is coming out. Its an old tool so I can't be bothered to get it fixed but it hasnt seen that much hard work. In fact my LM Wave has done anything I asked it to pretty well, and certainly better than the SOG did with its sharp edges. The SOG also seems to be made from a poorer quality of steel. The blade didnt stay sharp very long and one of the drivers twisted and to add insult to injury the reamer chipped....

That being said I love the Paratool but what the initial poster asked for, he is not likely to find as battoning on an multitoll blade like that is, without a doubt abuse.
 
Thanks guys for the info. Seems that there are a few who see the quality of each brand as inferior and a few that are on the opposite side. I handled the Vic the other day and was inpressed with the build, but will try to get a hold of a SOG before deciding.
 
In all honesty you probably will not notice a huge difference between the three or so main makers. Some will suit a task better than others but perform poorly for another use.

Rather than look for a style you like, perhaps it would be wiser to ask what will you ask of the tool, then go from there. The SOG has the best jaws without a doubt. IMHO though the Vic and LM beat it on the other tools that cut.

Its a tough one, I stock SOG's, Gerber and Vics. I dont sell LM yet but plan to get some this year.

Its quite an enjoyable problem that you have though :D
 
The LM Blast seems like the candidate to replace a SuperTool. (Cheaper too)

The SOG Powerlock is an oustanding choice. If you break the Jaws, they will likely replace them and ALL the other tools are USER REPLACEABLE. Break the blade? Put a new one in. Keep spares on hand... Change out the tools for others....I added an extra flat driver to mine that I filed into a chisel!

Try one (can even get them at Wal-Mart recently).
 
I agree with Temper that the high-end models from the top makers (Victorinox, Leatherman, and SOG) are all more than good enough that which is "best" is purely subjective. You aren't going to get a bad tool from any of them except as a fluke. And if you are that unlucky you can be sure you'll be well taken care of.

I do give the PowerLock and SwissTool a slight edge over the SuperTool and Crunch in sheer toughness, but not by enough that you're likely to notice. Just keep in mind that all multi-tools are compromise designs intended to put a lot of funcitonality into a small and lightweight package. They will not hold up as well as a dedicated tool designed for toolbox duty.

The best suggestion I can make is to compare the tool selections and features to see which comes closest to matching your needs. Start with that one and you'll probably be quite happy. If you aren't, find a buyer for your used tool and try the next one on your list.

Personally, I think the SwissTool X is the best overall design of the bunch, but I liked the pliers on the PowerLock enough better to carry it instead.

For what it's worth, my current EDC tools are actually a Victorinox CyberTool 41 SAK and a Spyderco Spyderench. I wouldn't carry the Spyderench by itself, but the combination is amazingly versatile.

--Bob Q
 
Well I bought a SOG Powerlock today at Wallmart. Went to buy ammo and had an impulse while waiting at the counter. :) First impressions... Well made and the pliers are very nice, definitely better gripping than anything else out there. The locks are not as firm as the Leatherman Supertool, I am a bit disappointed in how much play they have. The assortment of tools is good and the ability to switch them out is nice. Anyone know the best place to buy individuals? The "comfort" panels for the pliers came with sharp edges from being punched out of the sheet steel, but a little belt sander action fixed that. Not sure if they are worth keeping anyway as they are another step to go through to get to the tools. The sheath is a nice leather one. Verdict is still out at this point, but the lock mech is really got me wondering if it's worth it.
 
Jim_Linch said:
Well I bought a SOG Powerlock today at Wallmart. Went to buy ammo and had an impulse while waiting at the counter. :) First impressions... Well made and the pliers are very nice, definitely better gripping than anything else out there. The locks are not as firm as the Leatherman Supertool, I am a bit disappointed in how much play they have. The assortment of tools is good and the ability to switch them out is nice. Anyone know the best place to buy individuals? The "comfort" panels for the pliers came with sharp edges from being punched out of the sheet steel, but a little belt sander action fixed that. Not sure if they are worth keeping anyway as they are another step to go through to get to the tools. The sheath is a nice leather one. Verdict is still out at this point, but the lock mech is really got me wondering if it's worth it.
Click to expand...


Strange, There is no play in the implements on mine. I wonder if the hex bolts are a tad on the loose side. I completely re-organized the implements before I even used mine, so I dunno if it had any play initially.

I too sanded down the corners of the covers. I am not too concerned about the speed of access, since I can flip open the pliers and I carry another folder anyway. I have tried it without the covers and it can be uncomfortable for long periods of time. BUT, the covers are easily snapped off and on so you can try either way.

Replacement parts and/or new tools (different blade, robertson driver etc.) can be obtained directly from SOG. Just go to their webpage and phone them to order. They are very helpful.

The one-hand pliers, the compound leverage and the ability to dissasemble are the selling points for the powerlock in my mind. If the pliers are not a primary concern, then I would still suggest the LM Blast (The new LM pliers are stronger than before and the wire cutters are longer). I realize Tim Leatherman made statements on his opinion, but even if you don't agree with him, he still makes very good tools.

Give the powerlock a couple weeks and try tightening the hex bolts a bit.
 
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