Powerlock TiNi T60 or Swisstool, can't decide yet

[x2x3x2]

OK so i've read up a bit about multi tools here, comments n reviews by u guys. Lots of useful info. From the info i've read regarding LM stuff i decided to narrow down to the following 2.

SOG PowerLock TiNi T60
or
Victorinox Swisstool (the black one, style no. 53954)

Hope to get some advice before i drop the cash on one of these, currently leaning towards to SOG.

1. How do the blade locks work on these, which ones better?
2. What material are the Swisstool n T60 blades made of respectively?
3. On their site it states the Swisstool is 3 1/4 inch long but the ruler on each handle goes till 4 1/4 inch, so im abit confused about that.

 

[frank k]

1. The SwissTool uses a sliding lock that works like a miniature Bolt Action lock and the PowerLock uses a rocker similar to in principle to a lock back. I would say that the SwissTool’s lock is more compact and that the PowerLock’s appears to be a little more rugged….not sure which is best but, I prefer the SwissTool’s lock.


2. According to information that used to be on the Victorinox site, they use (or used) a steel similar in composition to 425M at a hardness of 56 HRC for the knife blades and 49-54 HRC for most of the tools.

I don’t know what SOG uses, but I would guess that it is some sort of 420?


3. The SwissTool’s overall closed length is 4 ½”.


Here is an old review I posted comparing the SwissTool to the PowerLock and the ST200:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275546


My current favorite full sized multitool is the Leatherman Core.






- Frank

 

[x2x3x2]

i think ill be going with the Swisstool. primarily cos the tools are accessible without having to open the handles. thanks for the info guys!

Btw, whats the difference between Swisstool X and Swisstool RS besides the inches vs cm rulers?

 

[frank k]

I think that the X version is the same as the standard SwissTool except that it has scissors instead of the serrated knife blade. The SwissTool RS also has scissors instead of the serrated blade (like the SwissTool X), but also has a special blade for cutting seat belts instead of a file.




- Frank

 

[pyrophilus]

i think ill be going with the Swisstool. primarily cos the tools are accessible without having to open the handles. thanks for the info guys!

Btw, whats the difference between Swisstool X and Swisstool RS besides the inches vs cm rulers?

In the short few months since I started, I went from no multi-tool to:
Black Oxide Leatherman Surge
Gerber MP600
Gerber MP400 (with corkscrew)
Gerber Diesel
SOG TiNi Powerlock S60
Swisstool Spirit
Original Swisstool

I noticed that I EDC the SOG alot more. I've actually used the SOG and the Spirit for doing toolsy things (SOG to replace flourescent lamp ballasts, change distributor cap and rotor, and Spirit to install an automatic climate control unit). No, I am not a contractor or anything, I'm a scientist who does repairs as hobby.

The SOG and the Spirit performed great. Thinking back, I think none of the other tools (Surge or the Gerber) would have been useful, because surge's short stubby bit-driver is pretty useless, unless you are driving screws into sheetmetal or other unobstructed surfaces. The gerber has longer drivers, but the handle cannot be opened 180º, which mankes it bump into things when you try to turn screws. But I digress.

As for the SOG vs Swisstool, I think either of the two would have worked fine for the jobs that I've tackled. I am most impressed with the spirit though, it gets the cake for being the smallest, but most capable tool I have owned so far. The SOG is great, but one BIG issue I have with the SOG, None of the blades will opened w/o others all clumping up together.

My $10 Chinese Multitool from wal-mart has "anti-gang washers". The tools not opening on the outside is not a complete problem, but the "handle-guard" on the SOG makes things lengthy when you are looking for a tool to flip out. Both the Victorinox and the SOG look like they will take an insane amount of beating.

I think you'll be happy with either.
Swisstool X seems to be a swisstool for the people who do not want to spend too much money. The RS stands for "Rescue and Survival", albeit I am sure the "belt cutter" on the RS isn't necessary (If I were in an accident, I think I'll have no problem cutting through my seatbelt with any of my other tools).

I have to wonder about the quality of the SOG knife that is on the Powerlock. It dulled on me rather quick. Victorinox is supposed to hold their edge well.

The vic is just very well made all-around. The only good thing about the SOG is the pliers. It really is great, but downside of the compound leverage is that in the open position, the SOG has more handle travel compared to the plier jaws.

I think if I have time in the future, I'll do a lengthy write-up with pictures of all my tools so far. Far from an expert, I just want to answer some questions because one of the reasons why I built up my "collection" in such a short time was because I was not happy with many of the tools.

 

[warrior24]

if you will be using the pliers more get the powerlock

 

[frank k]

Pyrophilus, have you ever tried a Core?




- Frank

 

[Tango44]

There's is not too much to be thinked, go for the Swisstool you cant go wrong!

 

[pyrophilus]

Pyrophilus, have you ever tried a Core?
- Frank

Hello Frank,

My first multitool was the Surge, and I was contemplating between the Surge, Core, and the Charge. I've not tried using the Core for tasks (I am but a neophyte in multi-tool world, but I am trying to catch up (in both experience and in collection)). I've looked at the core at the store. My wife originally wanted to get me the Supertool 200 a year or so back for father's day gift, but never materialized.

I went for the Surge over the Core because I use my scissors ALOT. I really liked the beefy scissors on the Surge. however, I realize that by choosing scissors of the Surge, I got the retarded stubby bit driver. I actually thought the bitdriver was a cool idea, until I tried to use it. So far, I've not found a place where it would fit. Either there is something near the screwhead and the bit driver's stubby bit does not fit, so the screw is recessed and the bitdriver's bit will not fit in the hole.

I really like the Supertool's phillips driver. I think I realize now why JOOLIESEWS' plumber's perspective report makes so much sense (great write-up by the way). I have a 2.5 year old who HATES tags. She wants them cut, so it's kinda helpful to carry a pair of scissors. I used to EDC a SAK Huntsman (the only multi-anything I've ever owned, except Vic Classic in college), and I think the best multi-tool scissors by far are the swisstool (although the scissors jaw width could be longer).

SOG has a decent looking scissors, but after using it abit, the spring in the scissor sometimes gets bent and it keeps popping out. Plus, if you try to cut through something ridiculous, the LM, Gerber, and Vic will cut through the most, but I found that SOG on few occasions would not cut. It's still pretty decent set of scissors.

I think if I do not need scissors, I'd definitely get the core over the Surge or even the Charge, due to the presence of a useful phillips driver. The large blade of the Surge is very nice (even nicer on the Charge series), but the Surge and the Charge have a phillips bit that I still haven't found use for.

Going back to phillips. When I was replacing the distributor cap on the car with the SOG, the phillips' base was still wide, and it kept scratching the side of the distributor.

I was so impressed with the spirit, that I purchased a Spirit plus Ratchet. When it arrives, I think I'll do a write-up of all the multitools that I own so far.

BTW, what do you guys think of $16 for a new Swisstool Spirit? That's what I paid for, shipping included. I also got my new in package gerber Diesel for $26 (not including shipping), and a Gerber multi-quick diamond sharpener new in package for $7. Hee hee. I love great deals...

 

[frank k]

I use scissors a lot also, but I usually carry a SwissCard Lite which has a pair of removable scissors. The SwissCard Lite also has some other features that complement a multitool well including a magnifier, tweezers and a pen. BTW, a multitool’s pliers wire cutter work great for cutting tags and zip ties!


It is nice to have the scissors on the multitool, but I have been disappointed with many of them, SOG’s are near useless and flimsy and Gerber’s are too small. The scissors on the old Wave were excellent, but for some reason Leatherman abandoned them for much smaller scissors on the new Wave. The scissors on the Surge seem nice, but I thought the first one I got was defective since it was very difficult to get them to lock in place so that the spring engages the scissors, but the one I got to replace it does the same thing to a lesser extent.



The long hollow ground screw drivers on the Core are by far the best I have seen on a multitool. IMHO, the Phillips on the Swisstool is not functional unless the screw is fairly loose already since it slips so easily. And the bit drivers Leatherman are using are too short as are most of Gerber’s screwdriver.






- Frank


PS Those are some terrific deals! Hopefully I will luck out on a good deal on a Vic. Sprit.

 

[pyrophilus]

BTW, a multitool’s pliers wire cutter work great for cutting tags and zip ties!

Yes, but my daughter hates all tags, including the manufaturer tags of shirts, including cleaning instruction tags... Thouse I need scissors for.
I've contemplated on carrying my old classic and carrying a scissor-less multitool, but with my PDA, Phone, Bluetooth GPS module, Wallet, keys, and multitool, I have alot ot carry, and I am not about to get a man-purse...

...The scissors on the Surge seem nice, but I thought the first one I got was defective since it was very difficult to get them to lock in place so that the spring engages the scissors, but the one I got to replace it does the same thing to a lesser extent.

When you pull out the Surge's scissors, before locking it in place, OPEN the scissors first, then push it to lock.

The long hollow ground screw drivers on the Core are by far the best I have seen on a multitool. IMHO, the Phillips on the Swisstool is not functional unless the screw is fairly loose already since it slips so easily. And the bit drivers Leatherman are using are too short as are most of Gerber’s screwdriver.

Absolute agree on the Core's screwdriver. If I could buy over again, I'd get the Core and carry a SAK Classic. The swisstool Spirit is okay, agree that the driver is not for tough screws. Gerber's is annoyingly short, meaning they seem long enough, but it never long enough to actually reach things... At least with the stumpy bit drivers of LM, I don't even attempt it from the get-go...

 

[JOOLIESEWS]

When you pull out the Surge's scissors, before locking it in place, OPEN the scissors first, then push it to lock.

Hey! That works a LOT better!

 

[frank k]

I've contemplated on carrying my old classic and carrying a scissor-less multitool, but with my PDA, Phone, Bluetooth GPS module, Wallet, keys, and multitool, I have alot ot carry, and I am not about to get a man-purse...

I carry bunch of stuff also, which is why I like the SwissCard Lite (about the size of a credit card, only thicker).

When you pull out the Surge's scissors, before locking it in place, OPEN the scissors first, then push it to lock.

Thanks :thumbup: , it seems like the scissors need to be open a little before they will lock, I was expecting them to lock first and then pop open by themselves. I still think that’s the way they should have been designed to work, it’s much easier to just unfold the scissors and have them lock/spring open ready to go than to have and stop and open the scissors before you lock them.

Gerber's is annoyingly short, meaning they seem long enough, but it never long enough to actually reach things... At least with the stumpy bit drivers of LM, I don't even attempt it from the get-go...

One thing that Leatherman could do with the bit holders is to come out with long flat bits that stored in a pouch in the sheath and that plug into the bit holders. Since these long bits would still be flat, they wouldn’t add much bulk to the sheath.

Gerber’s screw drivers would be fine if they were longer.



- Frank

 

[pyrophilus]

Thanks :thumbup: , it seems like the scissors need to be open a little before they will lock, I was expecting them to lock first and then pop open by themselves. I still think that’s the way they should have been designed to work, it’s much easier to just unfold the scissors and have them lock/spring open ready to go than to have and stop and open the scissors before you lock them.

Actually, on my surge, after using the scissors a bit (most used tool because of my daughter), it actually does what you say above. When you open them, and then press the scissor to lock with slight pressure of the thumb, the scissors "pop" open. I think this WAS supposed to work this way...

One thing that Leatherman could do with the bit holders is to come out with long flat bits that stored in a pouch in the sheath and that plug into the bit holders. Since these long bits would still be flat, they wouldn’t add much bulk to the sheath.

Gerber’s screw drivers would be fine if they were longer.

- Frank

OMG, I was thinking the same thing. If someone would make a long bit driver bit (maybe length of the file,saw), I'd have NO problem storing that either in the "mini mag" holder of the sheath or the tool kit sheath. If they made a bit like that then I would probably EDC the Surge alot more(currently, it's my SOG T60 or Spirit, more SOG though).

 

[frank k]

A couple of long flat screw driver bits and a good hacksaw blade that fits in the saw/file holder would sure make the Surge a lot more useful to me.



- Frank

 

[pyrophilus]

A couple of long flat screw driver bits and a good hacksaw blade that fits in the saw/file holder would sure make the Surge a lot more useful to me.

- Frank

Plus the fact, that I haven't been able to find a good T-shank hacksaw that would actually fit in the handle. I know that somoene here wrote about DeWalt having a set of three 3" saws and one 4" saw in one pack, but I haven't seen it at the local Home Depot or Loewes... Plus the normal T-shank jig-saw blades are too thin and rattle in the holder, unless I want to cut the t-shank off other thing blades and then stack them together, but then by then I would be bordering on the edge of being pathetic...

-Sage

 

[frank k]

I had the same problem with Gerber’s Rem grit saw coupler when it first came out. The only blades I could find that fit were Rem Grits which I hated so I got rid of the Gerber (recently I found some blades that look like they might fit). A good hacksaw blade would have been especially useful on Gerber's multitools, since Gerber does not but a metal saw edge on their files for some reason.


Speaking of rattle, one of the minor annoyances of the Surge is that the saw and file do rattle slightly.




- Frank

 

[v8_andrew_m]

I just bought me a Surge to complement my Wave. Quickly went to the hardware store to buy a bunch of hacksaws.

A simple solution to the play on the saw and file on the t-shank is to wrap the t-part of the blades with one or two layers of Electrical tape (and cut the edges off so it's a perfect t-shape).

Plus the normal T-shank jig-saw blades are too thin and rattle in the holder, unless I want to cut the t-shank off other thing blades and then stack them together

-Sage

For the thinner hacksaws, I've tried sawing off another end of a t-shank, but found that it made it too thick to fit the blade exchanger. I found that about 5 to 6 rolls of electrical tape would take away the play.

To make the thickness a bit more permanent, apply superglue before rolling the tape on the t-part of the t-shanks and on each layer of tape as well.

 

[v8_andrew_m]

If someone would make a long bit driver bit (maybe length of the file,saw), I'd have NO problem storing that either in the "mini mag" holder of the sheath or the tool kit sheath. If they made a bit like that then I would probably EDC the Surge alot more(currently, it's my SOG T60 or Spirit, more SOG though).

I've seen a couple or Surge, Wave, and Charge owners make homemade versions of the bit you have in mind. Like this. Now if Leatherman just made some really nice polished ones with a nick to fit the spring and make both ends magnetic, I would see a lot of Surge, Wave, and Charge owners ordering those. And maybe they could make them so they angle and lock at 45 and 90 degrees and ratchet as well while retaining the small form factor I'm not a big fan of the Universal tool adapter (too bulky).