Powerlock Questions

[downunder]

I have just received a new but older version Powerlock. I was so impressed by it that I have bought a second one that has not yet arrived. They are amazingly cheap for such quality tools. Both mine were forty odd dollars US on ebay brand new. The new one that is yet to arrive is a newer version with the cover over the gears. The one I have in my possession at the moment is the one where the gear wheels are exposed and has the non-piano key locking style where all the tools tend to clump. I'm probably strange because I don't mind clumping tools, they always seem easy to get out. My old original leatherman always did it and it never bothered me. I have quite a few non-clumping multitools and some drive me crazy when my fingernails aren't long enough or strong enough to pull out the individual tools that I want to use. I have to admit though that I don't like the exposed gear wheels on the older model Powerlock I have at the moment. They tend to dig into my hand when using some tools (I am looking forward to the new one arriving where the gears are covered). But the opening and closing of the pliers on this older version Powerlock is oh oh so buttery, buttery smooth. No other multitool I own comes anywhere near this. I must be crazy because presently I find myself just sitting opening and closing the pliers - just love it. Those wing things over the tools on the Powerlock seem to cause irritation to many people but they don't bother me. I have a Leatherman kick, fuse and blast which I also think are great tools in their own way but I don't find them significantly faster to use when pulling out the individual tools than operating the Powerlock with the wing handles.

But anyhow, my questions - (1.) I have bought a full complement of tools for the Powerlock and intend swapping and modifying the complement of tools - playing. On one side of my present tool there is a large plastic spacer. Can this be replaced by a tool or is there a special reason it is there? (2.) I know that you can normally only fit four long tools in a Powerlock and that they must be on the outside positions on each arm, but I am sure that I have read you can place a knife blade and a V-cutter side by side and still manage to close the Powerplier (ie. giving five long tools). Is that true? And (3.) Are there any significant differences between replacing tools in the new version and the old version of Powerpliers?

[cliosguy]

1.- the plastic spacer is just that, a spacer....you can put small tool you want

2.- not sure about that one, ive heard is possible but i havent tried that myself but you can and then tell us with some pics

3.- you ment powerlocks? if so then there is no problem but if you mean putting powerplier implements in a powerlock i think they wont lock (somebody correct me if wrong)

[downunder]

Thanks for your reply cliosguy. You were correct, I meant powerlocks not powerpliers - sorry about that.

[J-sews]

I've never tried putting 5 long tools in before. Seems like it would be quick to try and see if it would work though.