Musings on the PPP, and SOG Warranty

[sLaughterMed]

So I recently aquired an old Pocket Power Plier, and other than having a dull blade, chipped pliers jaws, and dull and scratched handles, its perfect. I love it! I think this may replace my Rebar in my EDC. I dont use my MT blades  often (only as backups), and I really like the file/flathead combo, and the awl is stupid sharp.plus its thinner than my Rebar, and more fun to play with!

I pocket carry everything, so to make it work, I took a lanyard ring from the plierless BO powerlock the PPP came with, and dangle it from the pocket with the "loose" arm riding against the pocket seam, gears down (for now). It is very comfortable, but only time will tell if they shred my pockets or not.

In other news, SOGs warranty department. Wow. Just wow. Its fantastic. I emailed them about purchasing a plier head for the powerlock I hadnt yet received, and they sent me one free, no hesitation! Holy cow! Then I called, as the PPP I recieved had a broken plier head, and they went ahead and sent me one too, and some handle covers for the Powerlock! Holy Guacamole! I knew that SOGs warranty service was good, but thays the best service ive ever heard of! Im truly blown away, and if the PPP plays nice with my pants I may have to come over to the Dark Side from Leatherman just because of the warranty service...

So tell me. Why do you like SOG?

[gregpost]

The pocket plier I have has one of the worst files I've ever seen on a multitool. I'm wondering if it's possibly a bad file from the factory because the teeth on the file are very superficial, basically smooth to the touch.
 
 I like some things about SOG pliers but the inside tools feel like an afterthought.

[kirk13]

I'm a big fan of the Paratool and the PPP. The Powerlock is good,but too big for my hands.

[Marcellus]

Yeah the file is pretty weak, but the Pliers and wire cutting ability is outstanding
The PPP is nice and light/compact as well

[ducttapetech]

Why do I like SOG, well they have some of the best customer support, best wire cutters, great folders and there tools and blades just look bad ass. And they tend be considered as one of the under dogs in the multi tool world, which makes me like them that much more.

[Demel]

First off to sog for giving you a story to tell. I am still "investigating" their tools. I have the new switchplier and powerduo. I love them both (even tho the powerduo gets a lot of flak) The only two tools I want from sog is the powerlock and crosscut. The crosscut will be an easy buy. But the powerlock I have trouble pulling the trigger on (mostly because of all inside tools) The main thing I like about sog is being able to swap tools without voiding warranty and the compound leverage really does work wonders. Maybe one day I'll invest in the ppp as well.

[sLaughterMed]

Ive got to agree, the file is not as good as say, my Rebar's, but it's far from bad, it's just not as aggressive as many other companies offer.

I really feel like I'm not going to like the powerlock as much, mostly because I cant get the darn thing to lockup!

The compound leverage has already come in handy, and the PPP handled bolts none of my other pliers, dedicated or otherwise, could handle. SOG really needs a blunt nose plier option

[shibafu]

There seems to be a bit of variation in SOG's files.  The one on my Switchplier 2 is poor, but not completely useless; whereas the one on my Pocket Power Plier was rubbish.  Just too lightly cut to be any use at all.

[WoodsDuck]

Even though I missed the West Marine Sale, I'm still considering the PPP. Would you guys say it's still a good value at ~$35?

[sLaughterMed]

Even though I missed the West Marine Sale, I'm still considering the PPP. Would you guys say it's still a good value at ~$35?

New, its not bad, ive certainly seen them go for much more. If you can swallow getting one used, there are better deals out there. I got mine in useable condition on ebay for about $20, and it came with most of a Powerlock (no pliers, or handlecovers).

If you choose to go the ebay route, search for "sog multi tool" and look for a PPP without the name of the tool in the listing. These tools always go for much less than ones labeled correctly. Listings with only one or two grainy pictures go for even less. Best identifiers for the PPP are the exposed gears, and no locks. Try not to confuse it with its big brother, the Power Plier which looks very similar, but has a larger bolt gripping area, and the tool blades appear "short" conpared to the rest of the tool.


This method actually applies to most of the multitools ive seen, except the original PST,as it is usually stamped "Leatherman Tool" and SAKs as there are too many SAK collectors I think. It just takes learning how to identify a tool from others that look similar, and learning and avoiding counterfeits/fakes.

Man, that post really took on a life of its own

[WoodsDuck]

Even though I missed the West Marine Sale, I'm still considering the PPP. Would you guys say it's still a good value at ~$35?

New, its not bad, ive certainly seen them go for much more. If you can swallow getting one used, there are better deals out there. I got mine in useable condition on ebay for about $20, and it came with most of a Powerlock (no pliers, or handlecovers).

If you choose to go the ebay route, search for "sog multi tool" and look for a PPP without the name of the tool in the listing. These tools always go for much less than ones labeled correctly. Listings with only one or two grainy pictures go for even less. Best identifiers for the PPP are the exposed gears, and no locks. Try not to confuse it with its big brother, the Power Plier which looks very similar, but has a larger bolt gripping area, and the tool blades appear "short" conpared to the rest of the tool.


This method actually applies to most of the multitools ive seen, except the original PST,as it is usually stamped "Leatherman Tool" and SAKs as there are too many SAK collectors I think. It just takes learning how to identify a tool from others that look similar, and learning and avoiding counterfeits/fakes.

Man, that post really took on a life of its own

The info dump is much appreciated.

I'm not opposed to buying used; I probably have at least as many used MTs in my scant collection as ones I got new. But I'm also the kind of person who requires a very good price on used tools. The second another customer opened the packaging and touched the item, its value went down a lot more to me than ebay sellers seem to want to offload them for most of the time. And if there's any noticeable wear, I'm not likely to pay over 50% of retail. Unless it's a discontinued tool you can't buy new first hand anymore, then I factor that in.
It wouldn't kill me to pay $35 for a new PPP, but I just haven't handled one and don't know much about it. My only SOG MT is a Crossgrip which is great quality (aside from the horrendous phillips driver), so I guess what I'm asking is what's the quality like compared to other $35 tools like the LM Wingman and such?

[ducttapetech]

They are just as good.

Sent from my Z796C using Tapatalk

[sLaughterMed]

Well in that case, IMO...
Is it better than a Rev?
Yes.
Is it better than a Wingman?
Yep.
Is it better than a Sidekick?
Yep
Is it better than a Rebar?
not really, but they are usually much more expensive, and the PPP is slimmer
Is it better than an MP400?
Probably. Never had one, but if is truly just a smaller MP600 with a slightly smaller tool loadout, then this is a definite yes.
Is it better than a PST?
Only handled one, but PPP is more comfortable, and has better pliers, but is wider, and inside tools are not as good
Is it better than a Paratool?
Yep.

That was kind of fun. I need to make more lists   

[WoodsDuck]

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll probably have to bite on a PPP come 2016, it sounds good 

[Kampfer]

I really dig the polish level of SOG multi, very smooth, not a single sharp edge of corner(Leatherman!) , very shiny but doesn't leave finger prints. (Victorinox!). Gerber MT is fully bead lasted, which I can not stand.

[Kampfer]

I been using my P³ for two weeks, I have nothing to complain about, powerful for its weight, slim, custom load out, fun to play with.

But watch out for gear of madness.

[gregozedobe]

I been using my P³ for two weeks, I have nothing to complain about, powerful for its weight, slim, custom load out, fun to play with.

But watch out for gear of madness.

That's why some prefer the Paladin PT-510 chassis (a SOG PPP with gear covers, something SOG never sold under their own brand).

[AimlessWanderer]

Well in that case, IMO...
Is it better than a Rev?
Yes.
Is it better than a Wingman?
Yep.
Is it better than a Sidekick?
Yep
Is it better than a Rebar?
not really, but they are usually much more expensive, and the PPP is slimmer
Is it better than an MP400?
Probably. Never had one, but if is truly just a smaller MP600 with a slightly smaller tool loadout, then this is a definite yes.
Is it better than a PST?
Only handled one, but PPP is more comfortable, and has better pliers, but is wider, and inside tools are not as good
Is it better than a Paratool?
Yep.

That was kind of fun. I need to make more lists   

Interesting comparisons 

I'd agree on the Wingman and Sidekick (never held a Rev, but on paper I would agree)

Rebar: PPP wins on pliers and knives, Rebar wins on drivers. As to ergonomics, chosing between a PPP and a Rebar is like chosing whether you want a stone in your left shoe or your right shoe....

MP400: I consider the MP400 and MP450 better tools in nearly every respect. The PPP only wins out if you need the compound leverage and can accommodate the handle splay.

PST & PST II is more comfortable in driver mode, and compatibility with the tool adaptor is a strong point. Pliers comfort is on a par depending what you are gripping/cutting. It mainly comes down to compound leverage and handle splay

[Kampfer]

I been using my P³ for two weeks, I have nothing to complain about, powerful for its weight, slim, custom load out, fun to play with.

But watch out for gear of madness.

That's why some prefer the Paladin PT-510 chassis (a SOG PPP with gear covers, something SOG never sold under their own brand).

They are hard to track down. 
For now, to overcome gear of madness, I use it with handles open at 90*, pliers head pointing outward.

[sLaughterMed]

I been using my P³ for two weeks, I have nothing to complain about, powerful for its weight, slim, custom load out, fun to play with.

But watch out for gear of madness.

That's why some prefer the Paladin PT-510 chassis (a SOG PPP with gear covers, something SOG never sold under their own brand).

They are hard to track down. 
For now, to overcome gear of madness, I use it with handles open at 90*, pliers head pointing outward.
(Image removed from quote.)

That's a great idea kampfer! I'm going to try that the next time I use my PPP

[gregpost]

 I don't think it's better than a Wingman.

[titohendrata]

once I ever have a MiniTool, MP400, Wave, SideClip, and Wingman. I sold that all, only keep my Pocket Power Plier ... not only for functional reason, but because Pocket Power Plier looks cool and brave to me