Opinions on the SOG Pocket Powerplier

ducktapehero · **on:** November 24, 2009, 07:53:28 PM

OK, I've been flirting with getting one of these for months now. I almost got one for my Bday last month but the impulse buying demon struck and I ended up with a LM Blast. Now I'm wishing I would have bought the Powerplier, but I just want to make sure that it's really what I want.

So those of you who actually own one, speak up and let me know what you think. If I get it I will replace the serrated blade and the file with a standard blade and a saw. Is this a good tool or will I be underwhelmed and just go back to carrying my Spirit? Is it comfortable to use the pliers or is it like the original PST?

Thanks guys.

prime77 · **Reply #1 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:03:07 PM

Quote from: ducktapehero on November 24, 2009, 07:53:28 PM

OK, I've been flirting with getting one of these for months now. I almost got one for my Bday last month but the impulse buying demon struck and I ended up with a LM Blast. Now I'm wishing I would have bought the Powerplier, but I just want to make sure that it's really what I want.

So those of you who actually own one, speak up and let me know what you think. If I get it I will replace the serrated blade and the file with a standard blade and a saw. Is this a good tool or will I be underwhelmed and just go back to carrying my Spirit? Is it comfortable to use the pliers or is it like the original PST?

Thanks guys.

Honestly I think you will be underwhelmed with it and go back the Spirit. It's not a bad tool mind you. And the ability to swap implements is a big plus in it's favor. But compared to other tools it's not as good. The pliers are on the small side and the handles have some flex in them when using the drivers. Just my opinion.

PyroJames · **Reply #2 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:35:45 PM

SOG multitools are fantastic. The ability to swap components and compound leverage is what made me make the PowerLock the first MT I ever bought. I spent close to a month debating what MT I should get and I ultimately decided on SOG because of the compound leverage and swappable components. My brother has a Power Plier and I like playing with it but I prefer the Powerlock because it's more comfortable to use with the handle covers. (Fellow MT.O member NutznBoltz did solve this problem by adding handle covers to his PP. Here's his mod.)

The Powerlock also has locking components which is why I like it more than the PP. However, if I ever find a TiNi PP, I'll definitely get it.

ducktapehero · **Reply #3 on:** November 24, 2009, 09:08:04 PM

Actually, I had a Powerlock and I never warmed up to it. That is one thing that is making me shy about buying another SOG. But the ability to easily customize the tool is one thing that is making me look at them. Instead of carrying a MT that either has extra implements I don't want or missing ones I do want I can just make it the way I want it. THAT sounds so cool.

Sean · **Reply #4 on:** November 24, 2009, 10:29:36 PM

I have one and I like it. It is somewhat like the pst in that you can feel the edges when squeezing the pliers.
I swapped out the file and added a saw, ground down a tool and made a mini screwdriver. It's very easy
to flick open one handed and with the leverage system cuts small wire very well. I don't even mind the
combo blade it came with. I put mine in a very small cordura sheath and hardly know it's even there
strapped to the belt.
Try one and add it to your collection if your so inclined. It's a good tool.

Sean

Crouton · **Reply #5 on:** November 24, 2009, 11:56:56 PM

I owned a PocketPowerPlier once and although it was very well made I cranked down hard on it with my grip and snapped one side of the plier head off. I was using it in a proper way removing a nut from a bolt.

SOG replaced it without hassle and I gifted it to a less demanding user.

I feel like it's a great tool, despite my limited experience with it, but it's not a heavy duty tool by any means and it lacks locking blades which, for me, is a deal breaker, for others it's a plus.

DaveK · **Reply #6 on:** November 25, 2009, 12:15:02 AM

Quote from: prime77 on November 24, 2009, 08:03:07 PM

Quote from: ducktapehero on November 24, 2009, 07:53:28 PM
OK, I've been flirting with getting one of these for months now. I almost got one for my Bday last month but the impulse buying demon struck and I ended up with a LM Blast. Now I'm wishing I would have bought the Powerplier, but I just want to make sure that it's really what I want.

So those of you who actually own one, speak up and let me know what you think. If I get it I will replace the serrated blade and the file with a standard blade and a saw. Is this a good tool or will I be underwhelmed and just go back to carrying my Spirit? Is it comfortable to use the pliers or is it like the original PST?

Thanks guys.
Honestly I think you will be underwhelmed with it and go back the Spirit. It's not a bad tool mind you. And the ability to swap implements is a big plus in it's favor. But compared to other tools it's not as good. The pliers are on the small side and the handles have some flex in them when using the drivers. Just my opinion.

Like he said, and.....

The blades are thin and don't inspire confidence, and the exposed gears make it quite uncomfortable to use many of the tools. It has the compound leverage which might be important to you, but other than that I'd rather have a PST II which is more compact too.

ducktapehero · **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2009, 01:10:07 AM

Thanks guys, from the responses I think I'm gonna pass on getting one.

Fishnuts2 · **Reply #8 on:** November 25, 2009, 01:29:17 AM

You might try to find a Power Plier model. It is slightly larger than the Pocket version, with much stronger pliers, and is just as easy to use. I have EDC'd one for about 6 months now. I could not carry my Power Lock or the Pocket model for more than a few days in comparison. I was lucky enough to find one on e-bay and it's taken a real beating in 6 months and is ready for more. My opinion.

ducktapehero · **Reply #9 on:** November 25, 2009, 01:37:41 AM

The thing is, if I'm gonna carry a multi-tool that's slightly bigger I'll just carry my Spirit.

parnass · **Reply #10 on:** December 26, 2009, 05:12:32 PM

Quote from: ducktapehero on November 24, 2009, 07:53:28 PM

...
So those of you who actually own one, speak up and let me know what you think..... Is this a good tool or will I be underwhelmed and just go back to carrying my Spirit? Is it comfortable to use the pliers or is it like the original PST?

I own and have used both the SOG PPP and SwissTool Spirit. They are in a completely different league with the Spirit being a lot better.

I replaced some of the PPP implements with new ones from SOG better suited to my needs. But, there is no blade lock and so the blades have folded in unexpectedly while in use. This can plague any non locking tool, but it happened to me more on the PPP than on the original Leatherman tool, for example. The geared pliers work silky smooth, but the exposed gear teeth have been rough on my hands and the gears require that one exercise above average care when handling the PPP.

BTW, the Spirit works so well for me that I carry it way more often than my SOGs, Leatherman, ToolzAll, and other multitools. Blade and tool deployment on the Spirit is much faster than the PPP, although the PPP's pliers are easier to open.

The light weight of the PPP makes it easier to carry, but almost everything else about the PPP makes it more difficult to actually use than the Spirit.