LM Blast vs SOG Power Pliers vs ?

H

hippiephin

Joined
Oct 7, 2007
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I'm looking for a good multi-tool for EDC. Size isn't much of a factor, as I plan to carry it on my belt. I've searched a lot of old posts, and these two models seem to be the most attractive in my price range. MY most important features are:

1. Pliers. If I can grab a 9/16" bolt, I'd be happy
2. Screwdrivers. A good philips is important, i prefer a #2
3. Wire cutters. I need to be able to cut #12awg, but being able to cut a #8bond wire would be nice.
4. Scissors. They don't need to be heavy duty, just capable of cutting thin vinyl.
5. A metal file would be nice
6. I prefer a serrated edge knife. I EDC a Kershaw "needs work", so the knife isn't terribly important.
7. A saw that's capable of cutting smaller diameter PVC, about 3/4"

I have to say I'm leaning towards the Blast at this point. I'd like to stay near $50, but if I find that another $20 will get me a much better tool, I'd have to consider it. If anyone has some other suggestions I'd like to hear them.

The main thing I like about the SOG are the pliers and being able to easily change out tools. Does anyone know if it's possible to carry both scissors and V-cutters on the SOG? I need to have scissors, but I could see that V-cutter really coming in handy a few times a year. Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Hi,

I am a Leatherman collector with 128 LM tools, 32 LM knives and 3 LM pruners in my collection. I've probably carried the LM Blast the most in the past few years. I really like the pliers, the scissors (cutting duct tape a week or so ago), the saw and the files. Great value for the money. Go for it.

Best - Joe :)
 
I'd guess that most full size multi-tools probably wouldn't have difficulty gripping a 9/16" bolt but I'm not sure. Except in an emergency situation, I'm a stickler about using a wrench when undoing nuts and bolts.

The new PowerLock pliers and wire cutters are by far the best on any multi-tool that I have used. If you get one, I'd advise getting the new one. The PowerLock can hold 4 full size tools. The v-cutter is slim so you might be able to get away with placing the v-cutter next to one of the blades. I'm not sure though. But the PowerLock only has a #1 Phillips driver and you'd need to use the 1/4" drive and a socket adapter to use a #2 Phillips bit. So the PowerLock may not be the best choice for you since you prefer a #2 Phillips.

I agree with Joe that the the Blast is a fine choice for the money. The SwissTool X might be another option. Both the Blast and the SwissTool X have combination #1/#2 drivers and scissors. The pliers and cutters on the Blast and SwissTool aren't as good as those on the new PowerLock but they'll perform fine on 10 gauge solid wire. They'll work OK on some stranded wire. The PowerLock or the Gerber Diesel are about the only multi-tools that cleanly cut finely stranded wire.

Joe, you've got an impressive collection! Could you be convinced to post some photos in the forum? How do you store all your multi-tools?
 
With the PowerLock is it possible to carry 1 #2 philips bit in the bit holder all the time, or will it not fold? The SwissTool is interesting, but it almost seems too pretty to abuse at work.

One more question. Any rust problems with either of these two? I do a fair bit of wading for smallmouth in the spring, and whatever I carry will occasionaly be dunked in fresh water.

Thanks for all the great advice so far. Seems like I can't go wrong either way.
 
hippiephin said:
With the PowerLock is it possible to carry 1 #2 philips bit in the bit holder all the time, or will it not fold?
Click to expand...

The 1/4" drive stays inside the tool but the adapter and Phillips bit have to go in order to close the pliers.

hippiephin said:
One more question. Any rust problems with either of these two? I do a fair bit of wading for smallmouth in the spring, and whatever I carry will occasionaly be dunked in fresh water.
Click to expand...

Rust hasn't been a concern for me but some of my favorite working tools are made of iron and some of my favorite knives are high carbon steel so everything else doesn't seem to require much maintenance. A couple of my Leatherman tools have shown a few spots but after a quick cleaning with FLITZ it hasn't reappeared. I've never seen rust on a SOG or Victorinox multi-tool. That doesn't mean that they're better--they're just more maintenance free.
 
Hi Jake,

I'm just beginning to get into photographing my multi's. Will eventually post some pictures.

As to storage, I use the plastic ten-drawer cabinets that Staples sells. If I buy the Leatherman tools new, I try to get them in boxes. If not or if I buy loose tools on ebay, I use polyethylene fishing lure boxes to keep them from banging into one another.

Best - Joe
 
My current EDC is a Swisstool. It's held up OK to fairly heavy use. Typical wear, broken awl tip, worn phillips tip, etc. The only bad thing is that I can't replace the worn parts myself.

Next up will be a SOG, as soon as I have time to fabricate a sheath. If you carefully grind off the very tip of the #1 phillips bit, it will fit into a #2 screw better. Also, you can have a V-cutter and scissors in the same tool, but at the cost of one of the other long implements like file, saw, or knife blade. I don't think the SOG scissors are really much to write home about, but YMMV.
 
Mahoney, I've heard the same things about the SOG scissors from some older posts I've searched. Anyone know if they're just uncomfortable to use, or if they're just so small they're useless?

Once again, thanks for all the good advice.
 
I also think that the SOG scissors aren't anything to write home about. I do think they work fine but they are uncomfortable to use. I think they may actually be a bit larger than the scissors on the Blast. Here's a photo for comparison (note that the Charge has the same scissors as the Blast):

scissors.jpg
 
hippiephin said:
Mahoney, I've heard the same things about the SOG scissors from some older posts I've searched. Anyone know if they're just uncomfortable to use, or if they're just so small they're useless?

Once again, thanks for all the good advice.
Click to expand...

I have never had any luck with the scissors on the Powerlock. They are pretty narrow so cut into your thumb when you apply a little pressure on them and at least on mine, the spring will pop out of the scissor assembly when cutting anything tough at all. I think that the scissors on a Victorinox Classic would outcut them to be perfectly honest! Not a bad multi-tool mind you, but the scissors are junk in my opinion.
 
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