Access to Power -SOG 30-day Challenge! Starting June 1st! Access & Access Deluxe

[ReamerPunch]

Here are some pics of the file from my PAD
Well a bit of scratched metal
you can’t call it a file 

That looks like a movie prop. Not a real file, but it could fool viewers.

[Wspeed]

Here are some pics of the file from my PAD
Well a bit of scratched metal
you can’t call it a file 

That looks like a movie prop. Not a real file, but it could fool viewers.

It’s absolutely unacceptable 

[jaya_man]

Good luck with the challenge again guys... how are you liking your SOGs so far?

D_T, for some reason, Tapatalk is smurfing all the pics uploaded... I’m having the same problem too... might want to re-upload via your mobile browser...

[Wspeed]

Thanks jaya

The SOG PAD is doing ok so far
It’s just the file, it’s a bit of a joke 
I won’t say it’s a good or bad tool
Until the challenge is finished
As there are a lot more tasks to complete 

[Dutch_Tooler]

Not easy to find on my phone after the resizing, but here's my missing Day 7 picture.

[jaya_man]

Awesome... I can see it now...

[Wspeed]

Not easy to find on my phone after the resizing, but here's my missing Day 7 picture.

Good you got it sorted D_T
Weird that the pic disappeared
I saw the pic this morning 
It happened to some other members as well 

[gerleatherberman]

Thank you, jaya_man!

I am enjoying mine. It performs similarly to most SOGs I have used, aside from the file issue, and the implements being outside accessible. I was weary of the whispy blades to begin with, but the blades have not broken yet while using them as I would any other MT blade. My final judgement on the PAD will be reserved for the end of the challenge though.

[Whoey]

I think I see the issue.

I use chrome, as I assume many others do, and the tapatalk image is on https link, but chrome says it's an unsafe domain, so when I open the image link in a new tab ie:

Code: [Select]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180607/8c25b2419aaaa540b308afd4ca79383b.jpgsays insecure and I see no photo

Code: [Select]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180607/8c25b2419aaaa540b308afd4ca79383b.jpghowever loads the image. Next month Chrome will start reporting all regular http links as insecure so I hope crapolatalk get whatever certificate they need sorted done.

[gerleatherberman]

Day 7:
Tried out the 1/4" socket driver/hex bit adapter today. The 1/4" part fits a bit loosely, but that might be helpful if you need to drive a screw where you cannot be straight-on with the handles.
Anyway. It works as advertised and I like is a lot more than the bit grabber in the plier casting.

[Dutch_Tooler]

I think I see the issue.

I use chrome, as I assume many others do, and the tapatalk image is on https link, but chrome says it's an unsafe domain, so when I open the image link in a new tab ie:

Code: [Select]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180607/8c25b2419aaaa540b308afd4ca79383b.jpgsays insecure and I see no photo

Code: [Select]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180607/8c25b2419aaaa540b308afd4ca79383b.jpghowever loads the image. Next month Chrome will start reporting all regular http links as insecure so I hope crapolatalk get whatever certificate they need sorted done.

Thanks for looking Whoey

Just one thing: I wasn't using Chrome, instead it happened in Firefox. Same problem probably...

Anyway, found where my pic resizer stores its output so I'll happily avoid using Tapatalk from now on

[Nix]

Day 02:

I like having some scissors handy, so this will likely be my usual carry for the challenge:




I was outside doing some yard work today, already the Classic's scissors proved to be useful in clipping a couple of damaged flowers and some string. But on to the PAD.......

Used the main blade to open some bags of mulch and a bag of birdseed. Also used the knife to cut some twine used to lash a couple of supports together. For these tasks the knife was sharp and effective. 




I was refilling the bird-feeder and noticed that there was residual dirt and seed stuck to the bottom of the feeder. I decided to use the file as a scraper to clean out this mess (after all, there was a reduced chance of scraping the metal housing by using the file.). The file worked well in this application, and the lock kept the file from folding up when engaged in vigorous scraping/cleaning.




All in all, a good day for the PAD.

[Wspeed]

Day 8

Today I used the integral bit holder and flathead screw bit
To undo the shower plug hole cover for cleaning
I really like the integral bit holder especially the magnet
That holds the bits and I didn’t need to grip it hard
All works as you would expect no problems 

[Dutch_Tooler]

Day 8

Needed a piece of an old belt (material is analogous to that of a seat belt). Serrated blade made short work (pardon the pun )...

[Nix]

Nice shots and uses today, guys! 

Day 03:

Used the X-small driver to tighten up my reading glasses. Worked well.

[powernoodle]

Powernoodle Day  . . .  uh, never mind.

After turning into Mr. Grumpy because of the PAD's "file" and general cheapy feel (IMO) - and then joyfully returning it to Amazon - I looked at MT alternatives in the PAD's general price range. Just for giggles. On eBay you can get a new Swisstool for $86.16 shipped, which is $16.21 more than the PAD on Amazon Prime.  Well worth the extra cost.  The PAD gives you the bit drivers (eh), 1/4" driver and compound leverage pivot not found on the Swisstool, but the Swisstool is in virtually all other respects much the superior MT.  Again, IMO.  The PAD and Swisstool are pretty much at the opposite end of the spectrum when looking at quality, precision, etc.  Or if you want to stick with SOG, the PowerLock can be had on Amazon Prime for $47.77 shipped, which is $22.18 less than the PAD.  The venerable PowerLock gives you the same (and awesome) compound leverage and 1/4" driver of the PAD, albeit with inside opening tools.  It does have those goofy wings that slow deployment of the tools, but the PowerLock is a legit competitor at $47.  Someone, maybe Nix, noted that the PAD's sheath just does not work well with the driver set, which competes for space against the MT.  Another inelegant design element.

So whether competing internally with the PowerLock, or going up against the class leaders like the Swisstool, one is hard-pressed in my view to advocate the PAD.  This is especially true when embracing the sad reality that SOG obviously does not care if all of the tools on the PAD function as advertised.  So Mr. Grumpy here is more saddened by SOG the company than the PAD itself.  Its not the poor PAD's fault that it cannot keep up with the other kids.

[Nix]

So Mr. Grumpy here is more saddened by SOG the company than the PAD itself.

I share those sentiments. I want to love SOG, but they make it hard. I've had girlfriends like that......but not for long.

And, yes, I'm bummed out by the poorly designed sheath. Another sign of poor project development and oversight. I think somebody needs to be fired.

Today the naked PAD is riding in the back pocket of my jeans. This is actually my new favorite carry method for the PAD.....which is a bit sad in it's own right...... Maybe I'll try to make a leather sheath for it.

Hmmmm......

[gerleatherberman]

Day 8:
Getting used to the quirkiness of the PAD. Now that is has been performing every task I have used it for, without issue, I cannot say it feels cheap anymore("not as nicely/well made as others" would be more applicable).
A few positive note:
The half-ground drivers of the PAD perform slightly better than the high-polished drivers on some other MTs. The tools are easy to deploy(not requiring fingernails) and the cutter section on the pliers is superb(size and design). The plier head itself has proven to be as good as some older SOG plier heads.
The sheath isn't great, but it has worked as advertised. For me it has anyway.

If the SOG had included a proper file on the PAD, I believe overall opinion would differ to some large degree.

[Nix]

If the SOG had included a proper file on the PAD, I believe overall opinion would differ to some large degree.

Agreed. That file.......  

Otherwise, doing nicely so far.

Although the sheath does need a re-design in my opinion. Not even much of redesign. 5 minutes, maybe 10 minutes with a designer, and the sheath is easily improved. A few simple tweaks and it's a really nice sheath. Part of what kills me here is that SOG is sooooo close to making a good, perhaps great, multitool. 30 minutes with the design team, a little shouting, one kick in the a$$, and I think I can get the PAD is ready for the majors.

But, right now? I wish this were the Super Tool 300 challenge.........

[gerleatherberman]

Agreed, Nix.

But, a point nobody is bringing up. The PAD is a bit over 1oz lighter than the SwissTool. Making it much lighter than the ST300.

The PAD is 8.733oz(247.8g). Impressively light weight for the function and pliers you get. 

[Nix]

Hey, fair point.

It does carry fairly well in a back pocket or the sheath.

No complaints there. 

[Dutch_Tooler]

Hey, fair point.

It does carry fairly well in a back pocket or the sheath.

No complaints there. 

+1

Back to the sheath - my opinion so far:
Pros:
+ room for the PAD and the bit kit in the main pocket (if a bit tightly) leaving the side loop free
+ Molle attachment allows flexible carry options

Cons:
- bulk - quite a bulge on the hip if carrying PAD and bit kit in the main pocket
- if not, PAD very loose in main pocket, plus awkward fit of bit kit in side loop
- velcro is of abysmal quality, only barely holds shut on Day 9. Usable quality would have added maybe 5 cents to production costs
- sloppy stitching in places downgrades overall perception of quality
- a second side loop or pocket would have been nice and again only added 5 cents to production costs...

[Wspeed]

I don’t like pouches they are always in the way
Especially when sitting down or driving a car
The pouch could of been a lot better if they put a
Decent quality popper on the front like the one on the back
I really like the popper on the back for the belt
So you don’t have to undo your belt to fit / remove the pouch
I am wearing the pouch every day for the challenge
So I might get used to the pouch 

[Nix]

Day 04:




Day four getting started here. Just checking in with the challenge team. I know we've identified some strong negative points, no surprises there, that doesn't take an MTo'er very long. At this point, I'm interested in seeing what the capabilities of the PAD are, and trying to get a sense for how effective some of the tools are. And durability is also a point of interest.

I'm going to slide from this challenge into an all summer-long challenge. I know some of you can't do that, but I want to give this tool a really good look. There is a lot to like here, and I'm curious to see if, with extended use, I'll become more attached to the PAD.

[Wspeed]

Day 9

I have just finished changing the handbrake cable
On my friends LandRover Defender TD5
This was a 4 hour job as you have to remove the prop shaft
Before you can get to the handbrake drum on the gearbox
I used the PAD pliers to remove springs of the pads
And to hook the new cable over the brake arm
Unfortunately my hands were covered in grease to take pics
So as the last job was to fit the cable to the handbrake
And fit a split pin my hands were clean enough to get a couple
Of pictures fitting the split pin to the handbrake cable

The PAD performed as it should no problems 

[Nix]

 

[Wspeed]

 

[gerleatherberman]

Now we're cooking!
Already used the kit to drive a new screw in the scale bracket at work.

[Dutch_Tooler]

Day 9

Lounge chair repairs with the bolt grip portion of the pliers. Not in pic, other hand holding locknut with a wrench/spanner, since I happen to have only two hands

[gerleatherberman]

Nice pic, DT!
It does show one of the downsides to the compound leverage system though. Handle splaaaaayyyyyy.

PAD hanging out on an old wagon wheel hub.