Thinking about getting a SOG PARATOOL

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Spydiefan04

Joined
Jan 8, 2005
Messages
819
Hi all,

I've had a leatherman supertool for years and I'm thinking about getting a SOG Paratool also. I like the looks of the Powerlock but I'm wanting to get something smaller and lighter rather than bigger and heavier than my current Leatherman. I have a couple of questions about the paratool.

1) Does the plier head lock into the open position (otherwise I would think they would not work as well under heavy use as Leatherman design)?

2) Do the blades/tools lock or can the handles be squeezed together well enough to prevent any slippage of the blades?

Finally I'd appreciate any reviews or comments regarding the paratool or anything in its size and price range you think my be a better choice and why? BTW I'm wanting the following blades/tools in whatever I get: Plain edge knife, Serrated knife, large med and small screwdrivers, phillips driver, can opener. I'm trying to find the most tool with a not so large size I'd get the Swisstool Spirit if it only had a knife blade with a tip, and I think the Swisstool, Leatherman Core, and SOG Powerlock are too big for what I want.
 
I have an older Gerber multitool, a Leatherman Charge Ti, A SOG Powerlock and a SOG Paratool. The Paratool is by far the smallest and lightest of the bunch. The pliers don't lock open like a lock back knife or anything but the way it is made once you open them they won't close until you want them too.Your not putting any pressure on them in the direction they close.
Another good thing about the Paratool as well as the Powerlock is that you can change out the tools very easily and they are available from SOG. I ordered a saw blade for mine (abou $6-7) and it was a breeze to put in.
The tools don't lock and sometimes they will fold when you use them but I havent found it to be too much of a problem.
Of the tools I have the Paratool is probably my favorite.
 
I am still planning on getting a fullsize Powerlock eventually anyway. Also I thought the paratool would be "cool" since it has a different opening mechanism is the main reason I wasn't really looking at the pocket powerplier. How much bigger/heavier is the pocket powerpleir than the paratool? I'm trying to get as small/light as possible but still have a tough and functional tool.

Also another question Does then Nylon sheath that comes with the paratool allow for horizontal carry? Not a deal breaker but it would be nice.

Also, I've not had a SOG multitool before how are the blades in regard to thickness/toughness in the paratool or any other SOG compared to a Leatherman Core or Swisstool.

Thanks for the input so far I really only want to have to buy one smaller/medium sized plier tool because I usually like playing with the bigger ones they're just not as easy to carry.
 
Well the SOG Paratool is nothing like anything else they make. The plier head does not lock, athough it does stop in place by friction...similar to the older leathermans. The plain edge and serrated blades are a great pair instead of combo, and it has all the tools you need in a small package. The sheath is good too, it rides horizontal on your belt :) The only downfall of this tool is the fact that it's a hand pincher if you don't watch, there is not alot of clearence between the handles.

David
 
I've had a paratool since the first year it came out. It was my first multi-tool (other than my SAKs).
It is easier to service/dismantle than most multi-tools. The tilt head pliers can allow you to access places regular pliers cannot. The plain edge and the serrated blade are both excellent. the file is average as is the saw. the awl is good but is too tilty so be careful.

Remember none of its tools lock, as someone mentioned above the paratool can be a handpincher.
Sog may still sell the little wrenches for dismantling the Paratool.
A buddy of mine always carries his Paratool with him when he works. He removed one of the foldout tools and replaced it with a copy of his house key as he is prone to forget his house key.lol.

Personally i don't carry the Paratool anymore as i have an (old) Wave which has a better selection of tools. And actually lately i prefer my Swisschamp over any multitool. However i may pick up a Leatherman xe6 soon.

Victorinox, SOG and Leatherman all make good multitools so you certainly have a lot of alternatives to choose from. But if you can live without scissors, lockable tools and one-handed opening then the Paratool is certainly a decent choice.
 
Personally, I've always found scissors and one-handopening to be useless on a multitool. BUT I love having all locking blades and the biggest tool around which is why I've always preferred the Leatherman SuperTool and SwissTool. But if the paratool is a great enough all around package (and I'm going for the best small and light) I can live with non-locking blades, it's not like I don't already have a LM SuperTool and enough Spyderco's that have locking blades.;)
 
I have heard good things about the Leatherman XE6. Its only minutely heavier than the Paratool (XE6 is 6.63 ounces Paratool is 6.34) The XE6 is shorter but is also thicker than the paratool.
Good info here in case you haven't seen it-
http://multitool.org/
 
Thanks for all the input. I Just ordered a paratool. Once it arrives and I've had the chance to use it for awhile I'll let you know what I think.
 
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