SPECS:
Closed: 4.6"
Open: 7"
Weight: 9.6 oz.
SOG has a lot of variants on their PowerLock series so it is a little hard to narrow down this model, but I believe it is the PowerLock w/V-Cutter S62. I haven't tried a lot of multitools so thought I would mix things up with this guy. First impressions are that it is heavy duty and made from good materials. Kinda has a steampunk look to it. Unfolding from the closed to open / plier position is unexpectedly smooth. It takes some getting used to, but with some practice one can whip the SOG with one hand from closed to open position. The "gear driven compound leverage system" the plier functionality is built on works fantastic. The pliers have the usual wire cutting features, yet also have crimpers good for civie and MIL uses.
Moving down to the mutltitool aspect built into the handles, there is quite a list of tools including: double toothed wood saw, 1/2 serrated blade, 3-sided file, large screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" drive, awl, can opener/small screwdriver, bottle opener/medium screwdriver, V-cutter, rulers, and lanyard ring. The 1/4" drive doesn't make any sense at first till you read that it is made to attach to an optional tool kit. The EOD SOG variant is slightly different including a fuse well spike.
To deploy the handle tools the user needs to lift a cover plate and then unfold out the appropriate tool. Unfortunately usually if you move one tool, the rest will come along for the ride as well. Thus one needs to fully extend the tool they want then make sure all the other tools are folder back into the handle. The Power Lock is a spring loaded metal bar that will lock your tool into place making it ready for use. Now put the handle cover back down and put the SOG into the full folded position if desired. As you may see, this is quite a list of what you need to do to deploy the right tool. To speed things up the handle covers can be removed, but then the grip isn't a comfy. I made sure to lubricate the hinge points, but have not been able to prevent multiple tools coming out together. The screwdriver / awl area doesn't even have staggered thumb grab points so looks like by design SOG just didn't mind the tools move together. It should be noted the PowerLock won't fully lock until all tools and on handle are fully folded or unfolded. To unlock the PowerLock system the user presses down on the back part of the push bar, which is close to the middle of the handle. Now the tools can be moved as desired. Another "meh" aspect to the PowerLock is that it is quite a loose lock. Tools are locked safe, but still have a considerable amount of wiggle in them. For the final oddity the included case is leather, but the instructions say not to store in leather. Additionally the case is too tall so the SOG shakes a lot in there during heavy movement. I guess the not included nylon pouch is the fix for that.
Clearly the SOG PowerLock isn't perfect, so who would still want one? Well, if you mostly do plier work this thing has the meanest pair of pliers on a multitool for sure. Also if you plan delivering a lot of abuse, it is made to survive the task. However do keep in mind if you plan on using the smaller tools a lot and frequently switching between which ones are engaged, you may go bat shit crazy with all the steps required.
Recommended place of purchase:
<www.afmo.com>
