Powerlock disappointment

[Beerplumber]

Well I had high hopes and expectations for the powerlock. I was one happy guy walking out of a local refrigeration supply store with my NIB SOG Powerlock. That feeling did not last long for me. I made a mistake for starters, believing all recent powerlocks come with handle covers, gear guards and individual component locks or "piano locks". My particular specimen is equiped with traditional rocker locks which cover all the inside tools at once. I'm not going to complain about old school design but I discovered most of the tools will easily beat the locks. I could deal with that too except the Phillips driver is the worst offender. Theres also the issue of tools getting pushed in too far and keeping the lock in the open position. Lastly the infamous handle covers are useless, falling off using pliers or components. At least they are removable so it's not such a deal breaker. The powerlocks redemption for me is the pliers. They are awesom. Super tough and well built. These are in my opinion one of the best pliers design in the industry. I want to like the powerlock I really do. I really want to find a piano lock model to see if that would turn things around for me and the powerlock. 


Stay multi my friends

[Lynn LeFey]

I've posted before that I got my Powerlock for work as an electrician's assistant. I have spent entire days doing runs of Romex, and repetitive cutting of 12-3 will KILL my hands. For this, I think the Powerlock will OWN. All the testing I've done with it says they are easily up to the task. For that alone, I think they're worth it (to me).

My version also has the single locking bar, and my bottle opener tends to wander in so deep it prevents other tools from locking on that side. However, once locked, the tools, at least on mine, are solidly locked. Rock solid, as far as I can tell.

Sorry for your frustrations, and I hope you find one of the models with the piano locks. I think that'll solve a bit of your frustration.

Just, also... watch out for the little metal clip on the socket driver. I've heard tales that they are easy to lose.

[Syph007]

The later version is better for sure.  I sold my one with no gear covers and got the later one with gear cover and individual locks.

[radiotecha1234]

Since the tools in the handles are adjustable and replaceable you may want to LOOSEN the locking screws in the handles a bit. I had the same issue you had when I got my EOD Powerlock last week. I was ready to return it. But, I was frustrated at first by the clumping AND the tendency for the lock to fail. While loosening the screw slightly did not help my clumping issue, it did allow the tools to line up better for the lock. I have come to like the clumping since it allows me to get a small tool by pulling out a large tool and saving my rather weak nails.
Along with the amazing cut a penny in half pliers this has. It has a crimper between the handles that beats even some of my dedicated crimpers (non ratchet type of course). As far as the handle covers are concerned I just learned to deal with it. But, most of the time they haven't given me an issue and seem to be less of a problem the more I use the tool. I did the hack saw blade mod on mine as soon as I saw it and now I am ready for anything. I like that Sog encourages customization of their tools.

Just so happens that a couple of years ago I bought a Paladin PT-540 and returned it for some of the reasons you listed. Now, I would not be without my powerlock at work for anything. Now, for play that thing is a beast to carry around and I will stick with either my Wave or Spirit. Good luck.

[Mike 208]

As I understand it, all versions of the PowerLock now come with the "older" bar locks.  The PowerAssist will be the only MT keeping the "piano" locks.

[dks]

As I understand it, all versions of the PowerLock now come with the "older" bar locks.  The PowerAssist will be the only MT keeping the "piano" locks.

That is my understanding too.
The piano locks were unpopular.

[sawman]

I for one prefer the older original style lock.  I dislike the piano locks not only for their functionality, but because you then had to remember to add spacers between certain tools to make everything line up.

[Syph007]

I for one prefer the older original style lock.  I dislike the piano locks not only for their functionality, but because you then had to remember to add spacers between certain tools to make everything line up.

Oh right that's a good point I forgot about.  The upgrade to covered gears is still an important one for usage though, i cant seem them going backwards on that.  they could probably even improve that more.

[Mr. Whippy]

I've posted before that I got my Powerlock for work as an electrician's assistant. I have spent entire days doing runs of Romex, and repetitive cutting of 12-3 will KILL my hands. For this, I think the Powerlock will OWN. All the testing I've done with it says they are easily up to the task. For that alone, I think they're worth it (to me).

My version also has the single locking bar, and my bottle opener tends to wander in so deep it prevents other tools from locking on that side. However, once locked, the tools, at least on mine, are solidly locked. Rock solid, as far as I can tell.

Sorry for your frustrations, and I hope you find one of the models with the piano locks. I think that'll solve a bit of your frustration.

Just, also... watch out for the little metal clip on the socket driver. I've heard tales that they are easy to lose.

True.  I don't know if the clip is covered under warranty either.  I had to plead my case to SOG when mine went walkabout.  They sent me one.   Mine is retired now.  I like the pliers, but that's about it. 

[jzmtl]

Mine was missing when I got it, called them and they immediately offered to send me one.

But yeah that's powerlock alright, things barely line up and fit together, yet the components are well made and the overall package is tough. I still like mine and it's what I carry for ski trips.

[Chako]

Yeah, not a big fan of the piano locking mechanism. I found it too fiddly to use consistently.

I have one that exhibits the same locking issues as yours. My others do not. Is it possible for you to return it and try another one Beerplumber?

[Beerplumber]

I don't believe returning it to the store is much of an option. It was the only one they had so an exchange won't work. If I can't trade for another powerlock I feel like I want to send it to SOG to see if they would fix me up. I would think they would be all over it if I pleaded my case. I spoke to Grant about this and he offered to trade me for a piano lock but I don't want someone else stuck with a faulty unit. Not many recommendations for piano locks anyways so I'm not sure what the solution to my problem is anymore. 


Stay multi my friends

[Biru]

I have an older Powerlock with the exposed gears, and I have to say that if your tool covers fall off, there must be something up. My covers must be forced off. From what I've read on kinfe forums as well as this forum, SOG would probably make it right.

Good Luck

[Jors]

Why don't you contact SOG? They will most probably help you. They want the customer to be satisfied. The Gunny will not let you down!

[Beerplumber]

Update: I emailed SOG Thursday and got an immediate reply. I super positive response in fact. Basically they will send me a new Phillips driver or I can send the tool them to look over. I think I will do the latter. I really want to like the powerlock, the pliers are that good Im going to see this through before I trade or make an overall opinion. I can't imagine a better more positive first response from the manufacturer. A personal email telling me they'll make it right, I think that's awesome.


Stay multi my friends

[Carthas]

I too have recently got a powerlock, and was surprised that the piano locks (plural) had turned into the piano lock (singular) in the manual. It does have the gear covers though, and one thing I've noticed is that the tool covers are a little bit shorter than they were on some older versions, to allow for the 1/4 inch socket driver to lock at the 90 degree position.

[Beerplumber]

I too have recently got a powerlock, and was surprised that the piano locks (plural) had turned into the piano lock (singular) in the manual. It does have the gear covers though, and one thing I've noticed is that the tool covers are a little bit shorter than they were on some older versions, to allow for the 1/4 inch socket driver to lock at the 90 degree position.

Yeah I think it's for the best. The nail nicks are not thought out enough for non clumping usage. Quite honestly the clumping 'feature' is not executed very well either as other tools can be pushed too far into the handle and prevent the rest from locking without fiddling with it. I like the tool I just think SOG could easily improve it.


Stay multi my friends

[Gryffin]

I like the tool I just think SOG could easily improve it.

That's what frustrates me about the PowerLock: lots of good ideas, poor execution, and glacial pace of improvement.

The problems with the design have been well-know and documented for YEARS, yet they're still there for the most part. It took HOW long to put covers on the gears? The lock design is disastrous; the only locking multitools that ever failed on me in use are my two PowerLocks; the Piano Lock was a slight improvement, but still not secure enough for hard use. The handles/covers have never fit right; a small change in the pivot geometry would allow the covers to fit AND the handles to close properly, but they apparently have no intention of making that change.

Like Lynn, I break mine out once in a while, specifically for plier-intensive tasks, but that's about it. 

[16VGTIDave]

Like Lynn, I break mine out once in a while, specifically for plier-intensive tasks, but that's about it. 

I believe that Lynn got frustrated enough with the generally poor performance. To the point of selling it to me at a great price. Due to the great deal Lynn gave me, I've been somewhat more satisfied.

I've not hesitated to modify it either. The knife blade has been removed with the file being put in its place. The empty space left has been filled with the optional wire strippers. The can opener has been sharpened so that it now cuts cans rather than stretching the metal. And the scissors were sharpened and tightened so that they would cut thin paper cleanly - until I dropped it onto a concrete floor with the scissors open and broke a blade. a new pair of scissors have been ordered.

Over all, I still like my 2005 vintage Surge better...

Dave


Sent from my iPhone4

[Lynn LeFey]

Like Lynn, I break mine out once in a while, specifically for plier-intensive tasks, but that's about it. 

Sad to say, I sold mine off.

I replaced it with a pair of dedicated compound leverage pliers. The benefit being they've got insulated handles... something that might be important if I hand them off to a coworker while doing electrical stuff. The pliers also only cost $15. So, less of a heart ache if they're lost or broken. I tested their cutting power, and they weren't quiet as good as the Powerlock (they took 13 pounds as opposed to 10 to cut 12 gauge wire), but I can put up with that. I can still cut an entire 12-2 Romex with one hand pretty easily, and the handles are much more ergonomic.

I like the wire cutting on the Powerlock. No, I LOVE it, but that's the only thing about the tool I really loved. And I hated the scissors, can opener, blade, and wasn't overly impressed with the saw, file, or awl. All together in a bigger package than I care to carry on a regular basis.

I think the tool has its place, but it's just not for me.

[Gryffin]

Makes sense. I've always considered a multitool as a tool of convenience, the tool you use because it's the tool you have at the time. Regular, dedicated work really deserves a regular, dedicated tool.

[AimlessWanderer]

My Powerlock is now in bits - frankly, it's become a donor. Love the pliers and wire cutters, very happy there. Flappy handle covers were tedious, but bearable.

The SOG implements I'm happy with on my Paladin PT-510, but drop the same stuff into a Powerlock frame, and frankly they seem a lot more disappointing 

[SAKplumber]

 I recently got an old style one too.  Bought the last one a local guy had.  It wasn't what I came for and it was slightly higher priced than his website let on, but I figured I'd help a local guy out.  I didn't like it, gave it to my sone on the stipulation that he use it...and he never did.  I've been bugging him about it so he finally gave it back...now,, what to do with it.  It IS BO, and thats whay I wanted it, but I carry the VIC Spirit and never need the SOG.

I was considering seling it.  My research led me here:)