SOG PowerLock = Amazing

Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
1,693
Well i have been carrying a Leatherman Skeletool for about a year now and love it. Its simple and works well for a teacher. But since I broke the jaws I needed something to take its place for the time being so I broke out the PowerLock. Its heavy, bulky, and built like a freaking TANK!!! Only problem... The first tool I went to use was the file shockingly enough and it went way too far back and the spring for the lock bend to it doesn't work. Oh well SOG said send it back and they will fix it. One thing I was wondering though. The leather sheath that came with it is real nice but rides way too high and wiggle around on my belt. I am looking for someone to bend some kydex for me. I looked around the sheaths forum and will post there too but enough of that. Guys if you don't have one get one, and if you can find the tool configuration you're looking for go to their website and get the tools you need. They seem easy enough to change. So bulky, heavy, and TANK are what I think make up the perfect all around multitool. What are your thoughts?


HAK

RP#354
 
Well I ended up grabbing a bolt with the tip straight on and twisted. Didn't think anything of it till I heard the POP!!! which almost made me puke. I have carried it everyday for a little over a year and love it. But after using the PowerLock I think I am going to have to change. No worries though I emailed them and they told me to send it back to get it fixed.

As for carrying the leather sheath upside down. I think I'll pass. I am sure it would work but I really want to carry it horizontal if I ca find something that will work. I tried using paracord to secure it to my belt and it worked but I couldn't get it tight enough so it didn't hold close enough for me. But thanks for the idea I will try it tomorrow and see how it works.


HAK
RP#354
 
I love my new PowerAssist, especially after I added a ClipDraw pocket clip (in college, have no access to tools for drilling/tapping screws).

I've fixed watched, bent silverware back into shape, annihilated zipties on children's toy packages (that v-cutter is great for zipties), cracked a cocunet, and more, and only had it 3 months.
 
Well I tried to carry the sheath upside down and while it holds the tool if it comes open accidentally it came open way too much. I must have snagged something at least 6 times today and popped the snap open. Guess I need to find a horizontal kydex of some sorts. Thanks for the tip though hobo.:)

HAK
RP#354
 
i love my powerlock, it came with scissors instead of the v-cutter, though... had mine for 3 or 4 years now.
 
+1 on the Powerlock or Powerassist. They are both amazing tools. I love the leather sheath. SOGs multi's are definately top notch and built for heavy use.
 
How do you guys deal with the fact that all the tools come out together when you try to open just one?
 
I completely agree that this thing is built for serious work. As to the leather sheath, the new model comes with a Nylon one with a Plastic:confused: Clip on the back and more then enough velcro to cage the beast in.

The newer models also have the "piano keyes" lock on the back of it to hold each tool individually which prevents the clumping for the most part. I will take a picture of it for you guys because i cant really do it justice with words, its pretty cool.

I also really really like the fact that all the screws and parts are super easy to repair or replace. I have the TiNi coated one to prevent rust since I work in a brewery and there is alot of water.

I will post again with the pictures of the case and the tool for your viewing pleasure. :D

-Alex
 
Yeah the "piano key" lock on the file is the one that is fubar on mine. I love this tool. If you check SOG's site you can pretty much customize the whole thing and get the tools you want. I think I am going to replace the scissors with the v-cutter, the 1/4 drive bit with the c4 punch and maybe the bottle opener/ screwdriver with robertson bit. All I need now is a horizontal kydex sheath. Who do you guys recommend? I was thinking of drawing up my idea and sending it to someone so see if it would work. What do you think?

HAK
RP#354
 
["Yeah the "piano key" lock on the file is the one that is fubar on mine. I love this tool. If you check SOG's site you can pretty much customize the whole thing and get the tools you want. I think I am going to replace the scissors with the v-cutter, the 1/4 drive bit with the c4 punch and maybe the bottle opener/ screwdriver with robertson bit. All I need now is a horizontal kydex sheath. Who do you guys recommend? I was thinking of drawing up my idea and sending it to someone so see if it would work. What do you think?

HAK
RP#354"]

You could always make it out of duct tape...:D

...Just saying...

-Alex
 
Guess I could but after that stuff get hot everything gets sticky. But is was a good idea. For the sheath I was thinking about having it completely covered with a flat back. Then before having the sheath put together cutting it with a dremel to expose 1/2 to 1/3 of one side leaving one side covered for retention. Then cutting a hole in the bottom to be able to pop it out when you needed it. Add a couple of belt loops for one good clip and be done. I think I may try to make it myself if I can get my hands on some local kydex. I thought about ordering some but am in no rush since I need to send it out anyway.


HAK
RP#354
 
How do you guys deal with the fact that all the tools come out together when you try to open just one?

I like this feature because when your hands are cold or when your wearing gloves it makes it easier to get to the tools.
 
I wouldn't call that a feature. To me it's annoying. If I'm after one tool, I get all of them on that side coming out. Except for the amazing pliers (see, I stayed OT), I prefer my SAK.
 
I used to carry an average-sized working knife, along with a smaller, more discrete blade for using on smaller jobs or around people. Usually I'd pair a Kershaw leek with a Sebenza.
Since owning a PowerAssist, I find it's been replacing the Leek pretty regularly. The SOG gives me a fun little A/O, just like the Leek did, but with a host of other useful tools attached. Also, since it's a multitool, and not a knife in the sense that we use the term, it doesn't seem to have the same stigma attached. A multitool can be carried and used in a way that just plain isn't acceptable with larger blades.
 
Quick question... What tools do each of te powerlocks offer. I looked this afternoon and it really doesnt say on their site. I am looking at the powerlock assist EOD, but I want the v-cutter and the saw.

HAK
RP#354
 
The best thing I found was to look at the pictures...but aside from that get the multi and just go to their website and order whichever tools that it didn't come with that you want on it. They are cheap and easy to customize. The saw on mine is really crazy double toothed it's pretty sweet. I highly recommend getting the blacked out one because it helps stop the inevitable rusting plus it looks cool. If you go to thier website I think they list the tools in the different versions of them I don't think it's on the initial page when you click on the multi I think it migh. Be under one of the tabs?!?! I'm not positive tho. The spring assisted one doesn't have as many tools or room for tools on it though just something to think about

-Alex
 
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