New PT540 (expanded PowerLock)

The PowerPlay tools were manufactured in a collaboration with SOG. They're geared toward telecom and datacom professionals.

The PT-540 is the largest of the group. It's actually larger than the PowerLock. Here are some comparison photos of the PowerPlay tools (PT-510, PT-525, PT-540):





Here's a scan of the PT-540:

 
Supratentorial,
As usual, you're on the ball again with some good pics and info! How do you get the newest hardware so fast?? I mean, who else can know the details and get side by side pics almost sooner than the rest of us even hear rumors?
 
Thank you for the very kind words but I must admit that I've had them for about a year and they've been around a while longer. They don't seem to be very well advertised though. I'm happy to share photos and information with you. Collecting tools and multi-tools is a hobby for me and I enjoy the discussions with you guys.

Here's a scan of the PT-540 and PT-525 side-by-side which better shows the difference in size. The PT-525 is the same size as the PowerLock. The PT-540 is a different breed.

PT-525_vs_PT-540.jpg


The SOG and PowerPlay parts are interchangeable and I "SOGified" my PT-510.

sogified_PT-510.jpg
 
The PT 540 is significantly larger - i'm suprised that SOG went through the effort to make a larger tool - that must have taken a bunch of new tooling to do. even the handle covers are different and it now uses allen head bolts instead of hex. No piano locks though. I like it.
 
I like the three of the PowerPlay multi-tools but I prefer the PT-525. Before the second version of the PowerLock came out, I raved about the PT-525 because of the performance of its pliers/wire cutter and the gear covers (I liked it so much that I actually bought two of them and replaced the tools in one of them with SOG tools). Now that those improvements have been added to the PowerLock, I'd recommend the PowerLock 2.0 unless you need the specialized datacom/telecom tools.
 
I just ordered the PT-540 based on what I read here.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm always looking for the heaviest multi tool I can find.
 
Supratentorial,
Regarding the PT-540:
1) are the 2 tool locks plastic or metal? How well do they work? Which do you prefer? Regular SOG one piece lock, PT, or piano locks?
2) Is the body wider to accomodate more tools?
3) The body is longer. Will they accomodate longer tools? (longer blades, etc.)
4) I assume since the present version of the Powerlock first came out as a Paladin tool (PT-525) rather than as a SOG (S60), SOG may come out with its own version of the PT-540 in the future using the larger frame/plier? Hopefully this would include more non-telecom tools and piano locks.
5) The handle covers don't cover the ends of the handles - how does this affect function?
6) On the Multitool forum, the SAK and the LM Charge tied for 1st place. How does the PT-540 rate in comparison? Maybe its like comparing apples and oranges since the PT-540 is primarily a datacom tool and the same shortcomings that prevented the SOG Powerlock from taking 1st place are inherent in the PT-540?
7) The PT-540 sacrifices some straight wire cutting surface in order to get wire stripper function. With the plier lock behind the plier head in "off" position, the whole cutting area including the wire stripper portion acts as a large wire cutter. How well does it function as a large wire cutter?
thanks for your insight on all this.
 
I noticed a few more improvements on the PT-540:
1) The ends of the handle covers have dot-sized dimples that fit into their counterpart detents in the handles. this acts as a retaining feature to keep the covers from swinging open inadvertently.
2) The handles have small square shaped punched-out protrusions which act as stops for the handle covers.
Don't know if these extra features add up to much but probably make for small improvements.
 
I wrote this just before bed so I hope it's coherent! ;)

cncyana said:
Supratentorial,
Regarding the PT-540:
1) are the 2 tool locks plastic or metal? How well do they work? Which do you prefer? Regular SOG one piece lock, PT, or piano locks?
Click to expand...

The locks on the PT-525 are essentially the same as the locks on the PowerLock. The locks on the PT-540 are also metal but they're cast. They rust fairly easily so I put a thin layer of RenWax on them for protection. The cast locks look good but they are rough around the edges and it's noticeable when you grip the handle to use the knives/tools. My opinion about the piano locks is becoming more positive so I'll pick them out of the three types.[/QUOTE]

cncyana said:
2) Is the body wider to accomodate more tools?
Click to expand...

The inside width of the PowerLock handle is 0.5". It's 0.55" on the PT-540--not a big difference.

cncyana said:
3) The body is longer. Will they accomodate longer tools? (longer blades, etc.)
Click to expand...

Theoretically yes but most of the tools (except the telecom/datacom tools) are identical to those on the PowerLock.

cncyana said:
4) I assume since the present version of the Powerlock first came out as a Paladin tool (PT-525) rather than as a SOG (S60), SOG may come out with its own version of the PT-540 in the future using the larger frame/plier? Hopefully this would include more non-telecom tools and piano locks.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure SOG would agree (or admit ;) ) that the PowerLock 2.0 is their version of the PT-525 but that seems to be the case. I'd also like to see SOG release a version of the PT-540. I wonder if the PowerAssist will be based on the PT-540. The PowerAssist seems to have the same handle covers (photo ) as the PT-540 but the pliers (photo) look like they may be the same size as those on the PowerLock 2.0. It's hard to tell without a direct comparison.

cncyana said:
5) The handle covers don't cover the ends of the handles - how does this affect function?
Click to expand...

They're a bit less comfortable to grip unless you have small hands.

cncyana said:
6) On the Multitool forum, the SAK and the LM Charge tied for 1st place. How does the PT-540 rate in comparison? Maybe its like comparing apples and oranges since the PT-540 is primarily a datacom tool and the same shortcomings that prevented the SOG Powerlock from taking 1st place are inherent in the PT-540?
Click to expand...

Are you referring to the following comparison: link I've been meaning to update it but my picks haven't changed much. Now that the SOG is revamping their line of tools (PowerAssist, PowerCut, PowerLock 2.0), I'd recommend buying a SOG instead of a PowerPlay unless you'll use the telecom/datacom tools... or really want a built in wire stripper... but SOG is releasing a wire stripper accessory for their multi-tools.

cncyana said:
7) The PT-540 sacrifices some straight wire cutting surface in order to get wire stripper function. With the plier lock behind the plier head in "off" position, the whole cutting area including the wire stripper portion acts as a large wire cutter. How well does it function as a large wire cutter?
thanks for your insight on all this.
Click to expand...

The wire stripper portion actually works well as a wire cutter for thinly stranded wire (actually it works much better than the cutter). But I wouldn't recommend using the wire stripper to cut solid wire.

cncyana said:
I noticed a few more improvements on the PT-540:
1) The ends of the handle covers have dot-sized dimples that fit into their counterpart detents in the handles. this acts as a retaining feature to keep the covers from swinging open inadvertently.
2) The handles have small square shaped punched-out protrusions which act as stops for the handle covers.
Don't know if these extra features add up to much but probably make for small improvements.
Click to expand...

Improvement #1 is really a nice touch.
 
Supratentorial,
Thanks again for all your input - hope it didn't keep you up too late at bedtime! Overall, I'm getting more interested in the SOG line than the LM Charge which was my previous favorite to get next. So many choices.....
 
cncyana said:
Supratentorial,
Thanks again for all your input - hope it didn't keep you up too late at bedtime! Overall, I'm getting more interested in the SOG line than the LM Charge which was my previous favorite to get next. So many choices.....
Click to expand...

If you have difficulty deciding, the solution is to buy them all. :D

sog_powerplay_leatherman.jpg
 
I bought mine from Datavis in NYC. I paid about $100 after a coupon (found the coupon in the NY Times if I recall correctly). I think it was $110 before the coupon but that was about a year ago. Now it's listed for $94.99. It's still kinda pricey compared to a SOG PowerLock. I like it a lot although the handles are bit less comfortable than the PowerLock handles (the hex wrenches on the handles stick out) and I don't need all the datacom/telecom tools--Someday I may replace a couple of them with standard SOG tools.
 
I just received my PT-540 today.

I was a bit disappointed to see it was made in China.

However, this thing is heavier than my previous Powerlock, and has cutters, strippers, and crimpers that I have missed in other tools.

I do wish it had a couple of other screwdrivers, but other than that, this thing looks like it is going to fit the bill for me.

Now, off to get a custom sheath made for it.

Thanks for pointing this tool out! I would never known it existed if I hadn't seen it here!
 
Hey Mike. Glad you like the PT-540! If you get a chance, post some photos of the custom sheath when you get it--I'd love to see it!

The PowerPlay is assembled in the USA using US and foreign parts. I think some of the parts are made in Taiwan.

powerplay-usa.jpg
 
I missed the fine print; I only noticed the COO: Taiwan mark.

I'll definately post pics with the new sheath after it is done.
 
I realize that it's been years since this thread has seen activity, but if any of you have PT-540s that you're willing to sell, I'm decidedly interested in buying.
 
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