Which one would you choose?

[fscottjr]

Looking a purchasing a new Multitool ---

The 2 that I will choose from are the:

1. Victorinox SwissTool RS

2. SOG PowerLock S60

I have no exp with either maker but like the reviews on both and the tools that they come with ---- anyone have a recommendation?

Thanks!

 

[supratentorial]

SOG just recently upgraded the PowerLock, adding gear covers and an improved pliers. If you end up buying the SOG, I'd recommend getting the new one. Here's a link to my review: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=505065

Here's a quick comparison of the pros and cons for each:

SOG PowerLock
* Best Pliers (compound leverage)

Pros
• Compound leverage pliers
• Pliers open one-handed
• User serviceable and customizable (order parts direct from SOG)
• All tools lock
• 1/4" drive adapter and optional adapter fit standard hex bits

Cons
• Typical configurations lack a plain edge blade (available as a replacement direct from SOG)
• Blade edges face the middle of the tool
• No one-hand opening blade
• Tool clumping
• Access to tools requires opening the pliers and a cover
• Adapter fits loosely

Victorinox SwissTool RS
* Best Tool Selection (I actually prefer the SwissTool X over the SwissTool RS)

Pros
• Excellent tool selection and design
• All tools lock
• All tools accessible from the outside
• A bit driver is available as a package with the standard SwissTool (SwissTool Plus) and can also be purchased separately (could be used with any multi-tool)

Cons
• Not user serviceable
• Lacks file (SwissTool RS)
• Pliers a bit blunt compared to the needle nose pliers on the SOG
• Screwdrivers have rounded edges and are more prone to slipping
• Heavier than the SOG

 

[frank k]

If you are mainly interested in the pliers and wire cutting get the SOG (the latest version with the gear covers as shown in supratentorial's excellent review!)….if you are mostly interested in the tools in the handles and can live with smaller truncated pliers, go with the SwissTool over the SOG. Personally I would take the Leatherman Core over the SwissTool. If you would like one hand opening blades and could live with some extra weight and stubby screw drivers, you might want a Leatherman Surge.




Frank


PS here’s a link to a very old review that I did on the SwissTool, Power Lock (old version w/o the gear covers) and the Super Tool 200 (now discontinued):


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


The Core was not out yet when I did the review, if it was it would have been my pick over those I reviewed.

 

[mp510]

I own a Powerlock (original) , but don't own a Victorinox, so I cna't compare the two. The gear system is excellent- my Leatherman failed as a result of the plier pivot failing- I would ultimately be leery of any tool using that design (to be fair, my Leatherman was 10 years old). The only thing I didn't like about my Sog was the fact that there was a brief break-in period on the locks before the were perfect- I would rather have a slipjoint, but I'm biased against locks anyways.

One of the nice Sog features is the ability for the end user to change tools out on his own, for nominal expense.