I'm really liking SOG lately.

[ChopperCharles]

I have recently acquired both a PowerAccess and a PowerPlay, and have been using both regularly. I've been EDCing the PowerAccess for a while now, and absolutely loving it. The PowerPlay was purchased on a whim, because I liked the PowerAccess so much.  I've been using the PowerPlay in the garage quite a bit, and it's really a great tool as well. It has shortcomings (poorly formed phillips driver cams out easily and file that doesn't file), but overall it's a great tool. The blades are easily accessed and super sharp, it's comfortable and robust, and the compound leverage is nice. Both of these tools are around $30 on eBay right now, brand new with a ton of accessories.

The phillips driver thing isn't a huge big deal, it's just not as well-formed as the one on the PowerAccess. It's still usable, it just does tend to chew up a screw a bit more.

Charles.

[JarOfFlies]

I agree the poweraccess is superior. I would like the powerplay if the locks weren't ridiculously hard to disengage, it hurts my fingers and I play guitar! Does anyone else have a problem with this?

[Sam Lim]

I agree the poweraccess is superior. I would like the powerplay if the locks weren't ridiculously hard to disengage, it hurts my fingers and I play guitar! Does anyone else have a problem with this?

it is really the flaw in the design of the powerplay that is causing the difficulty in disengaging the lock. To disengage the lock, the lock tab have to be lifted but the opposite handle is in the way. Usually our palm be gripping the tool when doing this action so it is just countering itself. Power access doesn't have this issue as there is a gap to allow the lock to be lifted without any obstruction from the opposite handle.

[Nix]

I'm glad you guys are happy. My last SOG's were well below my acceptable quality standards. I've given up on SOG now.

I have a mid-80's Paratool that shows what SOG used to be capable of.

(yes, another 'oh the good old days' comment, sorry.)

[ChopperCharles]

I mean, the file in the powerplay sucks, but otherwise it’s a great tool. But the PowerAccess is surprisingly much better. The file is great, the pliers are built beefier, and the bit holder is more robust and slips FAR less than the powerplay, needing very little force to hold it closed and grip the bit tightly, comparatively.

I’ve got a switchplier on the way next.

The SOG I’ve not been too thrilled about is the sync II. It’s a great tool, but the fact the big drivers don’t lock but the scissors and micro drivers do is really offputting. Also the traveler design fixed the constantly unbuckling buckle, but they didn’t incorporate that change into the regular version.

So it turns out the Sync I ends up being a better tool, because none of the tools lock yet the backsprings are far stronger.

Charles.

[zmnedaniel]

Hello!

If you are using the powerplay with a bit in the magnetic bit holder, then slip the whole tool into the molded sheath. That way you don't have to squeeze it and the sheath makes a confortable screwdriver grip.

Cheers!
Daniel

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'm glad you guys are happy. My last SOG's were well below my acceptable quality standards. I've given up on SOG now.

I have a mid-80's Paratool that shows what SOG used to be capable of.

(yes, another 'oh the good old days' comment, sorry.)

I also miss the good old days of SOG. 

Years ago everyone had a Leatherman, the ex military guys had the Gerbers they were issued and the really hardcore military guys (EOD guys, armor, special forces etc) all had PowerLocks because they could just replace the parts they broke and keep going.  There was a lot of respect for SOG as a brand in those days, and to be honest, I'd put a PowerLock, PowerPlier, ToolClip or ParaTool up against any modern tool.

Some of the newer stuff isn't bad, but yeah, they do have some serious quality issues to address, and I am hoping they do so with the new ownership.  I have been begging them for years to return to the US made models.  They still produce the PowerLock, so that is good, but they really need to bring the rest back in house.

Def

[pfrsantos]

Hello!

If you are using the powerplay with a bit in the magnetic bit holder, then slip the whole tool into the molded sheath. That way you don't have to squeeze it and the sheath makes a confortable screwdriver grip.

Cheers!
Daniel

Great tip, thanks for sharing!