The local Canadian Tire has this model which I do not have as of yet...but I won't spend 170 bucks for it!
Speaking to the strength of the driver, I have used mine on very tight/over torqued screws. These were tight to the point of me putting a good deal of force on and no issues. However as stated it is more of a long run kind of deal.
Thanks to Kev (again) I've been able to examine a Centre Drive close up. I did a follow up post on the SOG PowerAccess and Syncs after I got to examine those close up, and now I can do the same with the Centre Drive.Firstly the pliers. Kev said that he didn't think they looked very strong, but a side-by-side comparison with the Diesel showed that the construction looked solid enough for general use. I still think that the hollow spring opening construction and indexable inserts are a bad idea. These ruin what could have been a versatile and durable plier design for the reasons highlighted before. Also, the way the Centre Drive is put together, the plier heads cannot be readilly swapped with the far superior ones of the Diesel or MP600.Secondly, the driver itself. This looks weak. I think if people start using these on heavier duty jobs such as rusted screws, we are going to be seeing broken drivers. Kev and I both agreed where the fracture point was likely to be on this. It is also LESS central (when considering both axes) than the Balance.Cast pry tool - I still struggle to comprehend that professional tool makers would design such a thing. It's ugly, bulky, and I have no confidence in its durability. Something make from rolled plate would be stronger and thinner, leaving space for another function.Overall, a heavier duty version of the Balance with full 1/4" hex capability would have made for a better tool. The Centre Drive is a nice looking tool, but genuinely strikes me as being less dependable for hard use than the MP600 and Diesel.Kev, sorry to slate another of your tools buddy, and I hope it serves you better than I am anticipating. Gerber still maintains a place in my tool array with the Balance, MP400, 600, and Diesel, but the Center Drive will not be on my shopping list at any point.
I'm in. Couldn't pass up a good deal. Tool feels solid, even more so than the MP600. I really wish it had or could accept scissors, but the weird lock-tab/lanyard loop thing prevents it (I've already tried Diesel scissors). The blade is MASSIVE. The centered driver is cool and a joy to use, so far. I like the springy pliers but the shape of the jaws will take getting used to.Who's next?
Used mine today at work for unscrewing a metal strap that was hanging from the ceiling. I've also had a chance to use the catspaw on drywall screws, for moderate jobs, it does great!
I have found that almost without exception, factory edges do not stay sharp as long as they do after a couple of hand re-sharpenings. I believe it has to do with the edge having been overheated during the factory machine sharpening process. This is why I always chuckle when I read people complaining about out of the box sharpness.