SOG Powerlock opinions

R

revolverman357

Joined
Jan 30, 2007
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I just saw that my local Lowe's has the SOG Powerlock on clearance for 49.99 with leather sheath. Are the SOG's as good as my old original Leatherman, or should I forget it?
 
Personally, I like the SOG Powerlock a lot better than the Leatherman.

It is built sturdier, it locks, and the pliers are a pleasure for me to use. The gears enhance the gripping ability.

They are heavier than the Leatherman.
 
If you are comparing it to the Wave, one downside with the SOG is that you have to open it up to access the blade, file, etc. The SOGs are nice though. Big and beefy, interchangeable tools, opens smoothly, etc.

If you bought it and did not like it, you could either keep it in your vehicle or manbag, or sell it here for about what you have in it.
 
Wow! Whale of a deal there! I just paid a lot more than that for mine. Mine is the S-63 EOD Powerlock with the v-cutter. Dunno if that explains the (almost 20 dollar) difference in price. Does the one at Lowe's have the v-cutter and the gear covers? It may be one of the old stock ones without the gear covers and hence on "clearance". Doesn't matter though at that price. I'd take it with or without gear covers. You may consider picking it up as a gift for someone. Tis the season. :)

I hate reading about these deals after the fact. :mad:

The first thing I done was got rid of the covers. Glad they're removable.
 
i've had a powerlock for 4 or 5 years now. best multi tool i've used. the pliers compound your force, and can be deployed with a flick of the wrist. the blade covers really aid in comfort when using the pliers. the blades can be removed/replaced, not that i've had to, and the 1/4 inch socket driver has come in handy a time or two.

http://sogknives.com/store/components.html
 
I like my PowerAssist a lot. It seems to me that since I carry a dedicated knife my multitool should have the best pliers available.
 
SOG multi-tools are awesome. I've broken a Leatherman, and a couple of Gerbers, but my SOGs have handled everything with ease.

Lest you mistake me for a witless fanboy, I must add that I have yet to see a SOG knife that I like.
 
I got a ClipDraw for mine because I hate belt sheaths and loose pocket carry.

Now I carry it clipped to my back left pocket and it's out of the way and I can barely notice the weight.
 
Not trying to hijack the thread or anything, and I hope the OP doesn't mind me asking this question in his thread, but how would you say it compares to the Gerber Suspension? I really like the bits that came with my Gerber, I use them almost daily sometimes. I haven't seen a SOG that came with anything additional like that. Did I miss something?

Oh, and if the OP does have an objection, just let me know and I'll delete my post. :)
 
Daniel said:
Personally, I like the SOG Powerlock a lot better than the Leatherman.

It is built sturdier, it locks, and the pliers are a pleasure for me to use. The gears enhance the gripping ability.

They are heavier than the Leatherman.
Click to expand...

+1 - for 49 dollars, I would buy two.
 
De4thStr1ke, The PowerLock has a 1/4" drive included for use with an optional 1/4" socket adapter (one from the local hardware store should work fine) and standard hex bits. The Gerber Suspension is more of a light duty multi-tool. It's a bit boxy and the quality of the manufacturing is not on par with SOG (or Victorinox or Leatherman) in my opinion. I couldn't find mine (it doesn't get used and it's in a box somewhere) but here's a comparison photo of the PowerAssist and the Gerber Tread and Gerber Flik. Those two Gerbers don't get used much either but there's already some rust forming on the Tread's blade. :( These examples are made overseas, unlike the 600 series (classics in my opinion).

gerber-sog-1.jpg


This photo shows the relative differences in blade length and geometry.

gerber-sog2-1.jpg

left to right: SOG Pocket PowerPlier (same as PowerLock blade), PowerAssist, Gerber Tread, Gerber Flik, Gerber 600, Victorinox SwissTool, Leatherman Wave (25th anniversary)
 
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To tell you the truth, I like the Vic's better, because the SOG is so large, but for 49.00 I'll think I'm gonna get if they have any left.
 
supratentorial said:
De4thStr1ke, The PowerLock has a 1/4" drive included for use with an optional 1/4" socket adapter (one from the local hardware store should work fine) and standard hex bits. The Gerber Suspension is more of a light duty multi-tool. It's a bit boxy and the quality of the manufacturing is not on par with SOG (or Victorinox or Leatherman) in my opinion. I couldn't find mine (it doesn't get used and it's in a box somewhere) but here's a comparison photo of the PowerAssist and the Gerber Tread and Gerber Flik. Those two Gerbers don't get used much either but there's already some rust forming on the Tread's blade. :( These examples are made overseas, unlike the 600 series (classics in my opinion).

gerber-sog-1.jpg


This photo shows the relative differences in blade length and geometry.

gerber-sog2-1.jpg

left to right: SOG Pocket PowerPlier (same as PowerLock blade), PowerAssist, Gerber Tread, Gerber Flik, Gerber 600, Victorinox SwissTool, Leatherman Wave (25th anniversary)
Click to expand...

Ok, so I'll still be able to use the bits like I do now then? Well.....in that case.... guess I'll have to check one of these out, as I do like the heavy duty look of them. Thanks! :D
 
The SOG bit driver set up works OK but it's not the best. SOG's adapter (and several hardware store adapters that I've tried) fit somewhat loosely on the 1/4 drive...wobble, wobble, wobble...while you work. ;) But the PowerLock has a lot of merits and is deservedly one of my favorites. For me, the pliers/cutter and replaceable tools are its main selling points.

You might also have a look at the adapters from Leatherman and Victorinox. Leatherman makes an adapter for some of their tools that's somewhat similar to the one for the Suspension (fits over the Phillips driver). The ones from Victorinox can be purchased with or without the SwissTool or Spirit - infact they don't require a multi-tool at all.

Some examples:
a couple Leatherman adapters
Spirit with ratchet
Spirit with bit wrench


Once you get your hands on a Victorinox or SOG multi-tool you will definitely see the difference in the quality of construction. That said, Gerber does have some interesting stuff coming up in 2010, including a locking plier multi-plier.
 
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