So I've been working on a mod that involves swapping a LM bit driver into a SOG Powerlock, this is what I've found about the differences between the two designs, I'm posting it up here as a reference for other modders who might find it useful.
The SOG tools I have for reference are from a Powerlock S60 (an older model with single-peice locks, 2.0 plier head, and gear covers). All SOG tools should be identical as far as I know, because they are made to be swapped out.
The LM tools are from a brand-new Kick. I don't know for sure that all LM tools are Identical, but they look like they are, and the Kick's tools (which are non-locking) still have the notches for the Wave/Charge/Surge locks. If anyone knows for sure that they are or aren't, please correct me.
1. Shaft SizesBoth tools have almost identical sized shafts, and as such, SOG tools will fit on a LM shaft, and LM tools will fit on a SOG shaft. Howerver, the holes in the tool components are not identical, the LM holes are just a hair smaller than some of the SOG ones (namely the SOG phillips driver, other tools don't seem to have this problem). This means that the SOG tools have a bit more side-to-side and front-back play to them. The side-to-side play will be eliminated when the tool is put in a handle with other tools and/or properly-sized spacers. The front-to-back, not so much.
LM can opener and SOG large screwdriver both on a SOG shaft2. Closed Position DetentsThe tools are quite different in this regard, as the SOG design uses an actual notch in the tool (similar to the locking notch) that interfaces with the lockbar to keep the tools closed, whereas the LM design has a flattened surface that the lockbar rests against. This flattened surface is such that if the LM tool is transplanted into a SOG Powerlock, the lockbar will be able to still hold all the other tools closed via the existing detents, but the LM tool will have a significant amount of play in it when in the closed position, as the flat section does not even touch the lockbar.
3. Locking NotchesThis is where modding will become a big problem. Leatherman's notches are almost twice the size of SOG's, and whereas SOG's are situated slightly behind the pivot hole, Leatherman's are right above it. The convergence of these two differences means that when a LM tool is put into a SOG handle, it will lock in place, but will have a huge amount of play. The SOG Lockbar fills the back half of the LM locking slot, but there is far too much space in front of it. The metal behind the lock notch is also much shorter on the LM tools, which could result in a less reliable lock-up.
LM Vs. SOG locking notches4. WidthSog's tools are the same thickness as most of Leathermans, except LM's can opener and the Kick's knife, which are just barely thinner. The super-thick Kick phillips driver is just a little more than twice as thick as the other tools.
Two SOG tools Vs. LM thick phillips driver5. OtherThe Kicks handles can hold 4 SOG components (with a bit of side-to-side play, could be fixed with an extremely thin washer), however, trying to open them is hard, and the lock-up is way off.
6. The Bottom LineSOG components can be put into a LM tool with a bit of modification (enlarge the lock notch, file down the metal behind the lock notch, flatten the bottom of the tool)
LM components really can't be put into a SOG tool. I can't think of any way to modify the LM tools to fit other than to use a welder to melt a few blobs of metal into the locking notch, and the bottom to create a closed detent.
I hope someone finds this useful!
NOTE: I have a couple images detailing the lockup issues in the powerlock with LM tools, but they're on the camera, not the memory card, so I'll have to fish them off later tomorrow (well, today) and upload them.
Donations
Community Links
