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I've been a fan of SOG tools for almost twenty years. When I buy something like this I like to do a lot of research and have also owned Leatherman tools, Gerber tools, a Kershaw multitool, as well as some other lesser known brands and have to say that the SOG Powerlock is the best of the bunch in my opinion. The first stand-out feature of the SOG is the compound leverage. The handles of the tool are connected to the plier head via gears. This means that not only do you have increased gripping, cutting and crimping power for less effort and more comfort on the handles, but also you can use the plier head for stretching O-rings, hoses and the like, also spreading circlips, spring clips and other fasteners. Very useful for a mechanic, and no other multi-tool can do this! Although the gearing sounds complex, it is actually a very simple but effective system with next to nothing to go wrong. Other mutlitools such as Leatherman and some Gerbers use nothing more than spring tension to open the plier heads, so cannot be used for spreading, stretching or levering-apart tasks like this. The spring on my Gerber tool broke The way that the tool opens with the gearing means that the tool can be held in a variety of ways where space is lacking, or more torque is required when using the various driver tools. For instance the handles can be held in an L shape, or even a sort of Y shape which is comfortable to hold but allows greater torque to the applied than most other multi-tools. The pliers can also be used with the handles of the tool only open an inch or two which can be very useful when trying to grip a nut, fastener or stud in a confined space. These additional options lift the SOG Powerlock head and shoulders above every other multitool out there in my opinion. Other features that I like: The SOG tools are user maintainable and customisable by the owner as they are built with standard fasteners. You can buy spare files, knife blades, scissors or any other part from SOG. In the UK we are not supposed to carry locking knife blades, but if you're worried about getting pulled by the police when carrying your SOG every day, you can take the knife blade out of the tool altogether if you wish, or remove it, grind the locking tab off the blade and replace it so it doesn't lock if you wish. You can also strip the tool for cleaning and adjust the tension of the fasteners yourself. The 1/4 square drive is great too. Via a commonly available adaptor, you can fit any 1/4" hexagon screwdriver bit to the tool. You are not limited to SOG's own brand screwdriver bits as the tool fits anyone else's standard bits and attachments. It's nice that SOG aren't greedy and give SOG tool owners the option of buying any screwdriver bits or 1/4" square drive sockets or accessories they wish, rather than forcing owners to buy into their own accessories. The Powerlock can easily be deployed with just one hand. Some might view the fact that the tool has to be opened to access commonly-used tools such as the knife as a serious disadvantage but in practice it isn't as the tool is quick and easy to open, and the other advantages these tools have far outweigh the little bit of convenience of being able to deploy the knife a little more easily. The quality, fit and finish of the tool are all excellent, and despite being more flexible and offering more options, the tool is barely larger than a Leatherman Wave when folded, though it is plenty large enough and strong enough for most tasks, more capable than the vast majority of multitools and as capable as the rest. The scissors are also excellent, a good large size for multitool scissors and have a nice feature whereby the spring is not under any tension when the tool is closed, better than some tools where the spring is under tension all the time, causing it to weaken eventually. I am extremely pleased with the SOG Powerlock, so much so that I have bought several for family members as gifts. The only thing that does concern me a little is that they no longer explicitly state "MADE IN USA" like they used to. The quality is still superb, and SOG tools still have a lifetime guarantee but I like to support UK/USA//European manufacturing where I can, I would be disappointed to find that SOG tools were no longer USA made like they used to be. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Second SOG multi toll I own. Mostly I'm a Leatherman guy, but the EOD model from Leatherman is at least double price. In SOG powerlock EOD I like the hand guards that allow you to actually use some strength at the pliers, and of course the crimper under the pliers which actually protects it. I'll have to wait to find out how the black oxide will do. Nice sheath, but not suitable for molle.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is my fourth set of SOG multi tool in twenty years I cannot do with out them. The only thing I would like is my original pair were flat nose not pointy and I would like to have another pair like that but I no complain many thanks 👍
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I wore out my previous SOG powerlock after many years of every day use and needed to buy a replacement. I looked at all the multi tools on the market today and liked several. Although the SOG powerlock is a bare bones basic tool, compared to some of the others, it handled every task I needed it to since I owned it. I'm 62 years old and have used many multi tools in my lifetime and by far the SOG powerlock has been the best. The new SOG powerlock that I received has exceeded my expectations, the knife is super sharp! I would recommend this multi tool to anyone... without hesitation!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
What happens if there is a malfunction. Are there spare parts. Thank you very much. Nissim zvia, Israel,
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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