SOG Powerlock vs Leatherman Super Tool (info request)

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Cliff Stamp

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I have a Leatherman Supertool and have used it for a number of years, It was replaced once promptly when the jaws broke. It is a solid tool, very strong and sturdy with clean functional tools. However it has a number of problems :

1) the handles have thin sidewalls and these create high pressure points which means it is very uncomfortable to use high pressure

2) the tools clump badly, draw one they all come out

3) the locking mechanism while sturdy, is clumsy

4) sissors would be nice

5) carbide wire cutter

The SOG powerlock looks to slove most of these problems, plus has the leverage bonus. Does anyone have one and care to comment? Or know of another multi-tool that solves the above?

-Cliff
 
I had a LM Pulse, with the same locking mechanisim as the ST200. I too found more difficult than the lock mechanisim found on both the PowerLock and SwitchPlier. I prefer the lock lever on the SOG as it is very easy to use compared to the LMs, even with gloves on. The singluar exeption I have found is the LM Crunch. It has a similar lock design, but with a more substantial lock lever.

The PowerLock comes with detachable covers over the area where the blades fold into. This provides a flat surface for your hands to work against, but added an extra step in getting to the blades. They snap on and off easily.

The SOG tools are held together with screws, rather than rivets, allowing dissassembly for cleaning and lubrication, as well as adjustment for tightness. This may allow the user to correct some clumping issues. On my SwitchPliers, I was able to lube and adjust to minimize the clumping, making getting at an individual blade easier than any of the LMs I own.

In the end, I sold off all of my LMs except for the Crunch (which stays in the car as a emergency roadside fix-it tool), and the Mini (just plain cute, and with more comfortable handles when fully open). For general carry, I prefer the SOG tools.
 
Cliff,
I own and prefer the Swiss Tool. I sold my original model which had a standard knife and a serrated knife and later bought the model with a standard knife and a pair scissors. I feel its the best on the market. You should consider it. I love it. Cures all your complaints, minus the carbide cutter.

I believe Gerber has some nitrided cutters. Or were they carbide? But I hate Gerber multipliers.
 
Cliff,

I evaluated a number of different multipliers for a field project and advised the client to supply a dozen guys with the Gerber . Should my SOG Power Lock break I may end up replacing it with the Gerber, but for now I advise folks to get the Gerber.
 
I think the Gerber 700 Legend would solve your problems.
All of the tools lock, and the lock is very simply to operate.
The tools do not clump together.
You can access the tools without opening the pliers.
The pliers are held open by spring tension.
And the Fiskars sissors are very nice.

However...it's rather heavy and it is really bulky. I bought one at Target and returned it in two hours. It was just too big for me to use comfortably.
But if you have really large hands, you'll probably love it.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Originally posted by Cliff Stamp
The SOG powerlock looks to slove most of these problems, plus has the leverage bonus. Does anyone have one and care to comment?
Click to expand...

1) The flip-covers make the pliers quite comfortable to use even when applying strong presure.
2) The tools also clump somewhat, but adjustment and lubrication reduce the problem.
3) The locking levers are easy to release and very strong.
4) The scissors are stout but too narrow for comfort under heavy use.
5) The cutters have a hard-wire notch, but they are not carbide.

I switched from the Gerber Legend to the SOG PowerLock, but I have to agree with the previous posts that the Legend seems to be a perfect match for your criteria. It specifically solves the five problems you mentioned.

--Bob Q
 
I have and use SOG PowerLock, Leatherman Super Tool 200, GERBER 700 and Spyderench. Which one I could consider the best and for what kind of use? Honestly – I don’t know! Spyderench certainly is the best if someone frequently deals with screws, nuts and bolts. However it is so different from other sets that I don’t dare to put it into the same evaluation scale with others.
Giving will to fantasy I could imagine the multi-tool what would have:
  • powerful and easy to use pliers like SOG
  • decent one hand opening knife blade like SPYDERCO
  • decent scissors what are big like SOG and easy to use like Gerber ones
  • solid and relatively easy to operate locking device like Leatherman
  • solid and versatile additional tool adapter like SOG
  • saw with interchangeable blades like Gerber
  • pouch with separate pocket to accommodate additional tools and saw blades, like Gerber
  • decent can opener like Leatherman
  • equally decent file like Leatherman
  • adjustable wrench like SPYDERCO
  • small drill what no one reviewed tool is equipped with
  • possibility to take a set apart into two functional parts and use them separately like SPYDERCO
  • decent and not obstructing lanyard adapter like Leatherman
  • didn’t I forgot something accidentally?
  • oh, yes, let it be lightweight (titanium?), compact, comfortable to carry and not obstructing in daily life
  • and affordably priced
Wow, such multi-tool would be just right for me! At least I always would like to rather rich but healthy than poor although sick…
Returning from the sky to the ground – it is really hard task to choose one of existing multi-tools assuming that you do not know what kind of needs could meet you today. Most frequently I carry my SOG PowerLock, however it is caused mostly by personal preferences and the pliers I like the best (again pretty subjectively). The other tools are nor any better neither any worse looking onto such things possibly objectively.
And no one is ideal, sorry…
 
I THINK YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THE OLD STYLE SUPERTOOL, TRY THE NEW 200 MODEL. THE 200 IS SUPER STRONG AND LEATHERMAN MADE ALOT OF IMPROVEMENTS OVER THE ORIGINAL SUPERTOOL.
 
I've tried almost every tool on the market in the last 8 years, and I've decided to stick with Leathermans. The Supertool 200, the original PST, and the Sideclip are my choices. Service and quality at Leatherman is far above the rest in my experience.

Regards,
Clay

For best prices on Leatherman and others, www.midsouthshooters.com
 
The Powerlock does "clump" and the tool covers can seem to be in the way, but I love the thing.

We use ours on the farm(dairy/apples/blueberries/spinach seed/musrard seed) on a daily basis and can't seem to kill them.

My father in law is hard on tools and absolutely loves his Powerlock.
When a real life working farmer uses a tool, you know it's gotta work.
 
Cliff,

FWIW*, I have been doing some research on these. One thing I did notice was that although ALL brands have their champions and their detractors, the far-and-away most common (and there were very few) complaint about the Swisstool was its size. If it's not too big, it may be the one you want.
I'm considering the SOG T60 myself - right now it's my top choice.

The biggest problem in comparing these things is finding a place where they have a selection you can compare side-by-side. :grumpy:

*Like I said: research. This is not a hands-on opinion, just passing on what I've read.
 
I have and have used the Gerber Legend, the Swisstool X, the Powerlock and the Leatherman 200. IMO the toughest ones of the bunch are the Leatherman 200 and the Powerlock. I like the tools on the Powerlock and the compound pliers, but the Leatherman seems to have a better file, saw blade and regular blades. The Swisstool X is nicely finished, maybe too polished on some of the screwdrivers, it has the best knife blades, good scissors, saw blades and the easiest access to the tools. The Gerber has easy access to the tools and seems to be tough but the lack of a can opener and its size makes it a non-starter for me. Overall, if you intend to use it mostly for the screwdrivers and pliers I'd go with the Powerlock. If you use the blades and the tools equally I'd go with the Leatherman 200, if you need good scissors and a good blade and saw as well as decent tools, and don't mind the polished screwdrivers I'd go with the Swisstool X. Hope this helps.......
 
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