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SOG Switch Plier 2.0

us Offline Kampfer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #30 on: March 27, 2015, 07:43:56 PM
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


us Offline J-sews

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #31 on: April 09, 2015, 06:25:05 AM
Got mine today, direct from Academy Sports. I haven't had a chance to fully put it through the wringer yet, but so far I'm pleasantly surprised at how nice it is. The construction and build quality seems to be first rate. For those of you that have had a play with the SOG Blacktip or Powerplay electrician's tools, or even the latest SOG PowerLocks, you'll know what I'm talking about. Like those tools, this new Switchplier 2.0 is made in Taiwan, and in my opinion it is better in several ways than the original Switchplier.

Here are some side-by-side thoughts:

New Switchplier 2.0 has a pocket clip. Old Switchplier came with a belt pouch.





Closed up, the new Switchplier is only slightly longer than the old one.





Same basic lines though.





Open, you will notice that the plier head on the new model is larger. Also the "body" of the tool is made from heavy gauge sheet metal, instead of a cast "pot metal" like the old one was. Finish on the new one appears to be black DLC, which is a nice touch.





Now let's face it, the whole "switch-blade / plier" concept is a gimmick, but it's a fun gimmick! It definitely appeals to the gadget head in me. But the trade-off, or so I felt years ago when I got my first Switchplier, was lack of strength. The complex spring-loaded-pin-actuated-plier-pivot mechanism was relatively weak, and it didn't take a very strong man to make the handle start to "give" a little when you squeezed it closed. Consequently, Switchplier 1.0 was a play tool, or at most a light-duty-only tool.





But that doesn't seem to be the case with Switchplier 2.0. I've already disassembled it (destruction photos to follow in a bit) and the old weak link cast pin that was shown in the other thread has been replaced by a larger pin of solid steel. This, along with the stronger steel frame, definitely results in a more robust tool. I can squeeze down with full strength and there is no feeling of "give" in the handles.





The only thing I'm not super impressed with is the SOG "piano locks" used on the folding blades. I believe they were an attempt to provide individual tension to each blade and prevent "clumping", much like the backsprings on the Victorinox Swisstool and Spirit do. The piano fingers sort of work, but not really. Each finger lines up with its corresponding blade okay....





...But the problem is, all the piano fingers are in turn kept in tension by a single flat backspring. So when you select one blade, it depresses a piano finger, which in turn flexes the flat backspring, which takes the tension off the piano finger alongside the first one, which in turn allows the blade alongside the one you selected to come along for the ride too. And so on and so forth.



It's kind of lengthy to explain, but easy to see in practice. Suffice to say, the bladed tools "clump" when you select them. Just like they did on the old Switchplier, and just like they do on many other multitools. No big deal.


Speaking of bladed tools, the new 2.0 has a nice array of them. And again, the quality of the implements IMO is better than that of the old ones. I saw the comment about how SOG should have made the blades outside-opening, which seemed like a good suggestion to me too. But with the tool in hand now, I don't think it would have been possible. The stamped sheet metal handle could not have been folded into the proper shape if the blade access were on the other side.




I'm going to carry this guy around for the next week or so and see if any serious problems arise. If first impressions hold true than I doubt any will. Other than that disastrous Micro Toolclip reboot from a few years ago, which was made in China and totally crap, SOG really seems to have upped its game.

« Last Edit: April 09, 2015, 06:26:32 AM by J-sews »
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ch Offline Etherealicer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #32 on: April 09, 2015, 10:09:41 AM
Thanks for the review and insight :salute:

 :drool: want one :drool:
It wouldn't be the internet without people complaining.


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #33 on: April 09, 2015, 10:11:58 AM
Thanks for the first impression review, I look forward to hear more.
I want one so bad.
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #34 on: April 09, 2015, 10:46:44 AM
Great comparison Bob, and great to hear from you buddy. :cheers:
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


us Offline ducttapetech

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #35 on: April 09, 2015, 11:13:20 AM
Thanks for the info Bob. Nice to see you again.
Now I REALLY want one.

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es Offline alexTOOL

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #36 on: April 09, 2015, 09:40:33 PM
Many thanks!!!  :tu:


fi Offline AlephZero

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #37 on: April 10, 2015, 09:24:23 AM
Now, how to get one in Europe... not a smurfin' chance  :rant:

Every damn webstore I found it on ships only to US  :(


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gr Offline kkokkolis

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #38 on: April 10, 2015, 11:19:54 AM
I don't  know how  it works but it is  more appealing to  me than other SOGs. I might try one.


ca Offline Syph007

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #39 on: April 10, 2015, 03:42:37 PM
Ya if anyone finds a place who ships international let use know.  Im ready to buy.
PM me or email sakmodder [at] gmail . com if you are looking for custom SAK work.

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gb Offline Cupboard

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #40 on: April 11, 2015, 10:25:02 AM
Is it possible to put non SOG tools in a SOG? I like the look of this but have always been really disappointed in their screwdrivers.


es Offline alexTOOL

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #41 on: April 11, 2015, 04:11:59 PM
I have tried with LEATHERMAN and GERBER components and NO WAY (without modification)  :oops:

I would love a SOG tool like this with LEATHERMAN  components   :gimme:
« Last Edit: April 11, 2015, 04:19:21 PM by alexTOOL »


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #42 on: April 15, 2015, 09:10:49 PM
Got one 15 mins ago, what a fun MT to play with!
It is steady and well made and good looking too, I like it very much.

Few things I noticed after playing with it for few mins:
Accessing internal tools is starting to feel like ... a lot of steps. Fire the pliers, pull out the tool, close handle, close pliers head.

Internal tools clump and clamp in together, difficult to pull them out.

When using the internal tools (especially the knife), if i squeeze the handle hard, i would accidentally press on the trigger and "half fire" the pliers head.

Overall, it is a well made, good looking tool, easy to carry and comfortable to use for the most part.
 
 
« Last Edit: April 15, 2015, 09:12:39 PM by Kampfer »
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #43 on: April 15, 2015, 09:18:05 PM
I like how its pliers head isn't pointy like other SOG tools.
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EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #44 on: April 15, 2015, 09:19:00 PM
Knife mode, you can see it "misfired" after I squeezed it.
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« Last Edit: April 15, 2015, 09:27:07 PM by Kampfer »
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


us Offline Obi1shinobee

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #45 on: April 15, 2015, 09:26:38 PM
Knife mode, you can see it "Miss-fire" after I squeezed it.

Good Job Kam  :drool:


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #46 on: April 19, 2015, 05:19:52 AM
My son loves to play with it.
image.jpg
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EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


us Offline ducttapetech

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #47 on: May 20, 2015, 02:00:13 PM
Kam, have you been using the Switchplier any or just put it up in the collection? Kinda curious, I am thinking about getting one.

Nate
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us Offline buck

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #48 on: May 20, 2015, 02:26:51 PM
Knife mode, you can see it "misfired" after I squeezed it.

It was just a li'l too excited.
PM me if you want one of my kidneys for your SOG TiNi multitool.

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us Offline Kampfer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #49 on: May 20, 2015, 06:56:30 PM
Kam, have you been using the Switchplier any or just put it up in the collection? Kinda curious, I am thinking about getting one.

Nate
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I haven't been using it, but I plan to.
Meanwhile, it is a fun tool to play with.
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #50 on: May 20, 2015, 06:56:44 PM
Knife mode, you can see it "misfired" after I squeezed it.

It was just a li'l too excited.
:rofl:
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


gb Offline AimlessWanderer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #51 on: May 21, 2015, 01:01:25 AM
This is the only new multitool that I have found tempting for quite a while. One of the reasons is how good the original Switchplier was in terms of ergonomics aside from the pliers. Probably the best of all the pliers based multitools in screwdriver mode.

I still have my reservations though, because it's made by a company who have been churning out some real crap over the last couple of years. Their website is still showing this tool as having their patented compound leverage pliers. Are these guys not familiar with their own products? To me it's another warning sign of them not being on the ball with their products.

Selfishly, very selfishly, I intend to sit back on this one until a number of real life working reviews have come forward. The idea is nice, it's good to hear they have made some improvement to the pliers mechanism - but is it enough? Unfortunately they have some work to do in restoring their reputation, and despite the alleged improvements, I don't have confidence to open my wallet for a SOG product just yet.


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00 Offline cool123

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #52 on: May 21, 2015, 07:28:57 AM
Pretty nice multi tool perfect for outdoors.
If I need to pick some good EDC tools.
Then I would take my love leatherman multi tool wave and a flash light. Other are just a waste !!!


ca Offline Syph007

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #53 on: May 21, 2015, 02:22:27 PM
Im still on the fence, but I'll probably grab one sooner or later.  I see them on ebay now so I could get one....   :think:
PM me or email sakmodder [at] gmail . com if you are looking for custom SAK work.

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us Offline Kampfer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #54 on: May 22, 2015, 09:42:05 PM
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


gb Offline AimlessWanderer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #55 on: May 23, 2015, 01:03:15 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAIqUUziGbU

Shame he's not a regular multitool user. A review from someone who can give a comparison with known tools would have been nice.


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us Offline ducttapetech

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #56 on: May 23, 2015, 01:20:52 AM
I gonna buy one next week when I get paid.

Nate
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gb Offline AimlessWanderer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #57 on: May 23, 2015, 01:40:04 AM
I gonna buy one next week when I get paid.

Nate
That's us mobile

I look forward to your insights, Nate  :cheers:


The cantankerous but occasionally useful member, formally known as 50ft-trad


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #58 on: May 23, 2015, 02:05:06 AM
Big 5 has 10% off until June 1st.
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


us Offline ducttapetech

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Re: SOG Switch Plier 2.0
Reply #59 on: May 23, 2015, 02:20:57 AM
Cool! Thanks Kam!

Nate
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