Paratool v Powerplier

Aux

Aux

Joined
Jan 29, 2003
Messages
321
I am in need of a new medium duty multitool (already have a Switchplier and Powerlock). I am seriously considering a Paratool, as I appreciate the design where the closed side of the handles are what the hand works against, not the edges of the open sides.

However, never having held one, I am a bit concerned about the potential for the plier head to close on the hand. I suppose that this concern may be similar misplaced fear of a slipjoint folding knife - use it right and there will not be any problems.

So, can anyone with experience with the Paratool share opinions as to the benfits of it's design vs. the drawbacks? The alternative I am considering is the Powerplier.
 
Aux - the ParaTool can and will close on your hand at just the wrong time. I have been there and done that. You can tension the hell out the plier head so that is quite difficult to close. The catch is, it makes it a bear to open. The little tab stop thingy that came on my ParaTool fell off after a couple of weeks (that was about 5 years ago). It was only attached with a weak tack weld - not a good design. Since then, I left the tab off and just pull out the head with my fingers. [I looked at their site, and I see that the newer ParaTool has a screw-attached tab, this should be an improvment]. To do this, you can't have too much tension on the plier heads, so they will close up fairly easily.

Since I don't have all that much need for adjustable angle head pliers, I just put my Paratool into a drawer and got a SwitchPlier. It does everything I need, and comes in an even neater package than the Paratool.

The Powerpliers are unbeatable for grip strength compared to either the ParaTool or the Switchpliers. Unless you need the adjustable head, get the Powerpliers.
 
Forget the ParaTool and get yourself a Deluxe Pocket PowerPlier! One of those is my EDC multi-tool.
 
I have had my Paratool for 5+ years.
Very compact and useful.

I've had no problems with mine.

I use the powerlock more becasue it is just BIGGER for farm work.

The PAratool is in my motorcycle jacket now as part of my daily carry, and it goes on all of my outdoor adventures with me.

Great product.
 
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