Considering a Powerlock

S

Springer45

Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Messages
50
Just to give a little background, I started with a Leatherman PST and upgraded to a Wave (discontinued model) a couple of years ago. Both have served me extremely well. The only problem I ever had with the PST was discomfort when applying pressure to the pliers because of the handle design which is why I chose to get a Wave. The only negative about the Wave was the fact that I actually put a small dent in the edge on the hard wire cutters of the Wave trying to cut a piece of wire that it looked beefy enough to go through. I guess it could have been an improperly hardened set of plier heads but I never bothered to send it in because I rarely use it for cutting wire anymore. Since that incident I have been afraid to really apply a lot of pressure on bolts and such, sometimes letting the tool slip, for fear of damaging the joint somehow. I like the external blades but rarely use them as I EDC a folder every day. I like knowing they are there in case my knife breaks or I screw up the edge, but I honestly have only used them maybe twice each.

A few days ago I was browsing a knife site and noticed the SOG Powerlock again. Taking a better look at it I was reminded of my old PST but the handles looked more comfortable like on my Wave. It didn't appear to lack anything my Wave has, except for the external blades, and the pliers appear to be stronger like I'd prefer. Gotta say I like the idea of being able to dissassemble it myself for cleaning and such also. I am considering the Stainless EOD since the only difference I can see is the crimper inside the jaws and the price is about the same. Can't find one locally to try out though.

I have skimmed a few threads here and have seen the Powerlock referred to as "bulky". I also saw one thread complaining about restricted motion of the pliers versus other tools. If someone here has both a Leatherman PST or Wave (old or new) and a SOG Powerlock (regular or EOD) could you please compare the two for me. My main concerns are weight, size, and range of motion of the pliers.
 
The only Leatherman I can compare the Powerlock with is the SuperTool 200 because that is the only one I have used. They are very similar in size, but I switched to the SOG for work because the tools are much easier to unlock while wearing gloves. The Powerlock opens easily also, almost like a butterfly knife.

Check your local Wal-Mart as they are closing out the Powerlocks. I bought one for myself for $45 two weeks ago. I went back on Saturday to buy for another one for a gift, and they were down to $35!

Anybody know where I can get a bit kit for the SOG?
 
I have a collection of leathermen . I bought a powerlock and have been edc it along with a pocket knife like you. I do not use any multi tool on large bolts unless its an emergency and have no tools.

That said, the powerlock is a small amount larger than my pst and wave.The range of motion is approximately the same. Only Gerbers open WIDE on standard Pocket tools. The pliers offer compound leverage which is better than the rest. Also, the pliers can be used with the handles in any position.
The gears move the head.

It is as rugged as the leatherman. I like being able to replace broken blades and configure it how you want. ALL my leathermaen broke blades a lot. Leatherman fixed it but their steel is brittle. I never broke any blades on other knives.

If you need to move bolts a lot, it is standard with a driver connector for add ons. So far I havent been able to damage it. I dropped it out of the sheath when I took it out of the box. It landed gear point on a steel stanchion. No damage. All in all a good sign.

Most of my leathermen are older and retired except the wave. I will still use it but I know the SOG is stronger and if it breaks I can fix it so am finding it more and more useful. The knife blades on the leatherman is on the outside on the wave.Sog you have to pull it out of an open handle like the pst.

Sog has a more comfortable handle cause of the cover.

edited to add I hit the Wal mart sale too.
 
Sounds good. I've been a little careful with my LM out of fear of snapping some of the blades due to the fact they are kind of thin on the old Wave. Like I stated previously, I rarely use them so I don't see the SOG's blade as a negative and the ease of replacement is a plus to me. I use the pliers more than anything and didn't want a brick hanging off my belt and it doesn't sound like the Powerlock is as large as I was thinking. I'll check Wal-Mart later today but the ones near me don't usually carry the cool stuff like multi-tools and such.
 
I have a SOG Powerlock, and I can tell you that the pliers are useless. They don't open very wide at all:thumbdn: I have most of the Leatherman line, as well as the Gerber Diesel and Swiss Tool X, and the SOG just doesn't compare with any of them when it comes to the pliers...sure they look good, sure they have a cool mechanism for gripping, BUT they don't open very wide. I tried them alongside several of my other multi tools and they could only fit around SMALL nuts and bolts...which defeats the purpose of having a mutli plier, IMHO.:rolleyes:
JK
 
Curious, i was cleaning an old super tool of mine after work and had the powerlock on the belt. The jaws seem to open a tad wider that the leathermans. Granted the handle arcs out ward as the jaws open but it should fit fine. For a confined space the handles arc closed and act on the jaws with the same strength. I wouldnt use either for bolts given a choice. Pliers have so much utility.
 
It's not my first choice for nuts and bolts but sometimes it is all I have handy for small stuff. I don't usually bother with larger things unless I am at home and can get a wrench or ratchet out.

BTW, no luck with Wal-mart in my area. Called SOG and they didn't appear to know who has exactly what near me so this is probably getting ordered after the holiday rush is over.

ETA I saw the pic on AG Russell after doing a search for it and I understand exactly how the pliers work and have a better idea of their range now. They have a shot from a different angle giving a slightly better view of the gear system.
 
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