Overall SOG is much nicer than Gerber, which I had a few but kept none of them.
Pocket Powerplier would be my recommendation.I owned a Powerlock and was not impressed.Corwyn is dead on about finding an older Crosscut if possible. The current 2.0 version is not as good. HOWEVER... it's still pretty good. Not as good as a Leatherman Micra, but pretty darn good, and cheaper than the Micra.I carried a Corsscut as my only EDC tool for 15 or so years, and it accomplished tons of work. It has one of the best pairs of scissors in the industry, and while slightly diminished in the 2.0, the scissors are still one of the best in the industry, particularly for heavy duty cutting tasks.Concerning the Pocket Powerplier, I had an old and new version for a while, and did a side-by-side comparison. As with the Crosscut, I prefer the older made-in-America version of the tool.Here's the comparison.http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,50111.msg841510.html#msg841510
HOW DO I CUSTOM CONFIGURE MY MULTI-TOOL COMPONENTS?SOG multi-tool components can be easily swapped out without voiding your warranty using basic mechanical knowledge. To start, remove the hex nut with a 5/16 hex wrench or 5/64 Allen wrench (depending on production date), and remove the spacer or component to be replaced. Insert new component in desired position, keeping in mind that some components can only be placed in certain positions within the multi-tool. Realign the components with the holes and push the hex nut all the way through. On the powerlock, make sure the component lock groove is in the same position as the other components. You might need to use a nail (or similar item) to help guide the pin through. Next, re-bolt the hex nut and adjust for the proper operating tension (a small drop of blue LocTite on the threads is HIGHLY recommended to prevent the bolt from falling out). If properly installed, the multi-tool should close completely, and components should easily come out yet stay in place when closed.Component arrangement tipsWhen customizing your configuration, keep in mind that there are a limited number of "slots" for multi-tool components, and certain components take up more than one slot. Also note the size of each component when selecting your arrangement- Large components MUST go on the outside edges (one per side) and large and medium components work best when seperated by a small component. Scissors and Wirecutters MUST be positioned on the far left side of any configuration, and the Phillips head screwdriver must have small components on either side. Below you'll find a chart of total slots per multi-tool, as well as a chart of component sizes.* Special positioning required (see above)† PowerLock/PowerAssist exclusive component° PowerLock exclusive componentPowerlock 2 x 6 slotsPowerAssist 6 slotsPocket PowerPlier 2 x 4 slotsParatool 2 x 5 slots1/4" DRIVE SMALL 2 SLOTS3" 1/2 SERRATED BLADE * LARGE 1 SLOT3" SERRATED BLADE * LARGE 1 SLOT3" STRAIGHT BLADE * LARGE 1 SLOTAWL MEDIUM 1 SLOTBOTTLE OPENER & MEDIUM SCREWDRIVER SMALL 1 SLOTC-4 SPIKE * † LARGE 3 SLOTSCAN OPENER & SMALL SCREWDRIVER SMALL 1 SLOTDOUBLE TOOTH SAW * † LARGE 1 SLOTFILE (3 SIDED) * LARGE 1 SLOTPHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER * MEDIUM 2 SLOTSROBERTSON DRIVE MEDIUM 1 SLOTSCISSORS * ° LARGE 2 SLOTSSCREWDRIVER (LARGE) SMALL 1 SLOTV-CUTTER * † LARGE 1 SLOTWIRE STRIPPERS * † LARGE 2 SLOTS
The compound leverage SOG pliers are excellent for firmly gripping small/thin objects, but the handles do have to open up significantly wider than conventional design pliers to grasp on larger/thicker objects, so I guess it depends on the thickness/size of the sheet & rods you want to grip (and how large your hands are).
Quote from: ducttapetech on November 04, 2015, 02:04:01 PMQuote from: zoidberg on October 27, 2015, 01:21:55 AMSounds like I need to try a SOG then.Yes you do. Best cutters in the MT world.I've considered the blacktip (big is good right), the west marine pst (marlin spike goodness) and a couple times I almost won auctions for paladin MTs.What would you recommend I start with? PowerAssist, PowerLock, other?
Quote from: zoidberg on October 27, 2015, 01:21:55 AMSounds like I need to try a SOG then.Yes you do. Best cutters in the MT world.
Sounds like I need to try a SOG then.
I'm moving this here in the hope of getting some advice.What would you recommend I start with? PowerAssist, PowerLock, other?
I know it's gotten some bad reviews, but for medium duty you might what to look at the powerduo. Wally world has the silver one for 20$.