Rank: Member
Joined: 6/24/2010(UTC)
Posts: 15
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I used to carry a well known name brand multitool until I found THREE superior options ( my decision was based on 40+ years as a fire fighter, police officer and bomb disposal technician ( EOD ). I have owned a number of multitools over the years and abused them all ( that's why the good ones have a lifetime warranty ). The three best for the money in my opinion are the 1. SOG Powerlock , 2. Victorinox SwissTool and 3. SOG Pocket PowerPlier - don't waste your money on anything else - no other multitool can come close to a SOG or Victorinox in performance, functionality and warranty. I do own other brand multitools and have a desk drawer full of them and they are used solely for opening envelopes and packages. When I need a multitool at work I want a real multitool that I can depend on to do the job at hand - the following 3 are my choices, depending on the assignment.
The first multi-tool worth your money is a SOG Powerlock ( various models are now available to suit your needs - " including the assisted opening "). I prefer the S66 because of the tool / implement selection. This folding tool isn't new, a fact that speaks to its highly regarded Compound Leverage mechanism that generates twice the pressure and gripping power of lesser tools. To wit: this thing is the Jaws of multitools. Beyond strength, you'll love the pivoting handle covers that really do improve comfort and dexterity. All the essential tools are intricately positioned for deployment and for you showoffs out there. The PowerLock features removable, pivoting handle covers that improve the comfort profile for your hand. More pressure can now be exerted on those tough jobs! Like the rest of the family in the series. The PowerLock's ability to open with a quick flick of the wrist is undeniably cool…. this is a basic requirement as so often one is holding wires or standing on a ladder and does not have both hands free. All tool components are easy to access and lock in the open position. The Phillips even locks in two open positions. With one of the simplest and safest locking devices ever engineered, just press the back of the lock and close the component into the handle. Included components may include ( tool selection will vary depending on the model # ) a plier/gripper, 3" straight blade, 3" serrated blade,3 sided file,large screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, small screwdriver, medium screwdriver, can opener, bottle opener, "V" cutter, wire crimper, blasting cap crimper, compound leverage, comfort grips, rulers and lanyard ring. The PowerLock also comes with a heavy-duty, dark leather pouch. A standard design issue with any SOG multipurpose tool is the advantage of it's hex bolt construction. This essential design element gives you the greatest versatility to clean and change tool components ( additional tool components are directly available from SOG for a modest charge) - with hex bolt construction holding the SOG's together - replacing tools is a snap. The SOG features all stainless steel construction ( also available in a black oxide finish “B” series ) and comes with a heavy duty leather or nylon pouch, a Lifetime Guarantee and they are MADE IN THE USA. Street price is around $55.00.
The second multitool in the lineup is a Victorinox SwissTool “RS” which comes equipped with both a plain edge AND a serrated blade / seat belt cutter which can be life saving in a auto accident. Victorinox Swisstools are quality unsurpassed , as are ALL of the lineup of Swiss Army Knives. The implements on the SwissTool are well thought out, each tool is individually accessible and locks securely in place. The knife blades are scary sharp and probably the sharpest of any production line knife made today, plus they are stainless steel. The heftyness of the tool speaks of it’s quality, ruggedness and ability to do the job. I have broken the plier head jaws on several other manufacturers multitools , never on a Swisstool, including the smaller Swisstool Spirit, they are made to last a lifetime. Made in Switzerland with a lifetime warranty. Street price around $50.00.
My most recent addition to the "Best of the Best multitools ", the third, in my arsenal of multitools and I find it adequate to do 99% of the jobs handled by the two mentioned above. Lighter and more compact than the SOG PowerLock, its smaller brother, the Pocket PowerPlier is very easy to carry and use. SOG's Pocket PowerPlier is packed with essential tools that include pliers/grippers, wire cutters, partially serrated blade, Phillips screwdriver, three-sided file, can opener with a small screwdriver, bottle opener with medium screwdriver, an awl, rulers, lanyard and heavy duty leather pouch. Again the PPP’s advantage of hex bolt construction leaves all the other multitools running for cover as this essential design element gives you the greatest versatility to clean and change tool components ( additional tool components are directly available from SOG for a modest charge) not offered by other multitool manufacturers. With the interchangability you can replace the partially serrated blade with a 3" plain edge blade and I also removed the 3 sided file and replaced it with a serrated line cutter. I find carrying the PPP a benefit because of less weight hanging on my belt ( 5.5 ounces vs 9.6 ounces for the PowerLock) . Also noted is SOG's Deluxe Pocket PowerPlier ( Model S45) which adds a large screwdriver, 1/4 socket drive however it loses the awl as a tool and weighs in at 5.5 ounces - same as he S44 model. Backed by a Lifetime Guarantee and they are MADE IN THE USA. Street price around $45.00
revised = 06/2010NOTE: Saturday June 26,2010 @ 19:49 PM - I purchased a SOG B69 Powerlock on line from www.woot.com for $39.99 last weekend. GREAT price, I should have purchased 6 of them [/size]  |
