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Tool Talk => SOG Tool Forum => Topic started by: gerleatherberman on September 21, 2018, 03:36:37 AM

Title: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 21, 2018, 03:36:37 AM
Alright y'all. I haven't done any photo comparisons or overviews in a while. Mainly because I didn't feel up to it, but I was asked to do this one after I received the PowerLitre. As always, please feel free to ask any questions, request pictures with other MTs(I have most well known tools), request more accurate measurements, etc, etc.

The PowerLitre has a few things about it that are notably different than its' sibling, the PowerPint. The PowerLitre, of course, has a corkscrew and pull-out assist. The Litre loses the serrated blade for the assist and loses the file for the corkscrew. The PowerLitre has something unique as well, which is a metal toothed "finger"(for lack of a better word) that folds out and over to catch a slot on the other handle to lock the handles together. This is a welcomed feature to the small-medium type of multi tool. In the photos, it looks plastic, but it is actually metal. The corkscrew is well-formed and seemingly strong. I could not bend mine with my fingers. I have pictured it with a Gerber MP400 CorkScrew, Leatherman Flair, and Leatherman Juice XE6. I don't have any corked beverages to demonstrate the corkscrew and assist, but I pictured a ruler where the cork would be, to show the function.
The Litre is notably thicker(because of corkscrew) and heavier than the Pint. My measurements include the thickness with the pocket clip and without the pocket clip.

Now, the nitty-gritty of it, and then photos.

Weight:
PowerPint = 121g(4.27oz).
PowerLitre = 129.5g(4.57oz).

Measurements:
PowerPint:
Length Closed = 83mm(3.25")
Length Open = 127.7mm(5.02")
Thickness w/Pocket Clip = 19.3mm(0.75")
Thickness w/o Pocket Clip = 17.5mm(0.68")
Width = 26.8mm(1.05")

PowerLitre:
Length Closed = 83.5mm(3.28") - *Reason is the little handle lock.
Length Open = 127.7mm(5.02")
Thickness w/Pocket Clip = 22.3mm(0.87")
Thickness w/o Pocket Clip = 20.5mm(0.81")
Width = 30.8mm(1.21")

My example of the PowerLitre has a bit better QC than the two PowerPints I have. The tool tangs have less tooling marks and the tools stay in the handles better than on the PowerPint. I like the PowerLitre upon first impressions and know the platform is fairly good, because I have used a PowerPint quite extensively. The pliers on the Litre and Pint are fantastic, and I would go out on a limb and say they are the best pliers in the small-medium multi tool realm. Handles are not the most comfortable, but the compound leverage makes exerting force much easier on the hands.

Now for what you came here for.  :D

(https://i.imgur.com/THakKnA.jpg)
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(https://i.imgur.com/YDvAJJj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YYGVqTU.jpg)
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(https://i.imgur.com/1eR332B.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NoMv15s.jpg)
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on September 21, 2018, 07:37:12 AM
 :like:

Nice comparison and pics GLBM! Would it be fair to say the general exterior design of both is very similar to the PAD's? What about the general look and feel?
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: Sam Lim on September 21, 2018, 01:16:26 PM
 :twak: what's taking u so long GLBM.  :like:

Thanks for spending the the time for the pics and write ups. To be honest, haven used my powerpint an awful lot.. But I still like the tool. Probably its so small that it keeps evading my daily radar.. One thing I do not like in the powerpint. Once the pliers joints are loosen up, the pocket clip will be totally useless as the tool will open up in the pocket. So the addition of the handle lock is a really nice addition.  :like:
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 21, 2018, 03:30:23 PM
:like:

Nice comparison and pics GLBM! Would it be fair to say the general exterior design of both is very similar to the PAD's? What about the general look and feel?
Thank you, D_T! :cheers:
The overall look and feel is similar to the PAD, indeed. It feels well constructed and, at least with my example, has no 'straight from factory' QC issues. My only complaint is the tools on the pocket clip handle were a bit too tight. I loosened the pivot and it is fine. I had the same issue with the Pint. :ahhh

As usual, the file is mediocre and the scissors aren't great, but they both function as advertised on my Litre. SOG needs to soften the scissor spring a bit as well. Hand fatigue sets in quickly with the Pint and Litre scissors.

Those pliers though. Wow. SOG has cornered the small-medium sized MT realm with the Litre/Pint plier head. IMO of course. :)

:twak: what's taking u so long GLBM.  :like:

Thanks for spending the the time for the pics and write ups. To be honest, haven used my powerpint an awful lot.. But I still like the tool. Probably its so small that it keeps evading my daily radar.. One thing I do not like in the powerpint. Once the pliers joints are loosen up, the pocket clip will be totally useless as the tool will open up in the pocket. So the addition of the handle lock is a really nice addition.  :like:
:rofl: and  :cheers: Sam.

I will be carrying the Litre after the Wave challenge and will report on the practicality of the latch at some point, but so far I feel as you do, that it was a good addition from SOG.

The Litre feels like a step into the right direction for SOG. They are going to have some good market ground soon, as LM is phasing out some Juice models. The fit and finish on my Litre example are better than my PA and PAD. The tool lockup is very good, but my only minor complaint is having to slightly open the handles to use the unlock levers. If you like, the tools can work like an OG Supertools, where you pull one tool out to disengage the locking lever. I just use my thumbnail to catch the edge of the lock and disengage it, without opening the handles, but that takes a little practice.

I hope I covered that well enough. My mind has been a bit scattered recently. I keep forgetting to write down stuff about what I am thinking about. :ahhh
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: ThePeacent on September 21, 2018, 04:04:05 PM
thanks for the pics and thoughts GLBM!  :cheers:
 This in my mind is (wa) one of the tools that could save SOG's reputation and their first step into being welcome back to the "Quality Knife/MT brands" list after their last decade of stagnation and less than stellar products  :ahhh :twak:

This seems very carriable and decently functional for the size (packing a big "punch" in a  small "package" so to speak), I especially like the Wharncliffe blade  :o (arguably the best shape for small blades to increase cutting edge end give max performance for the length  8)) and the hook cutter.

I'm obsessed with hook/belt/V cutters as of late  :D, how well does this one work?  :think: Have you tested it yet?  :popcorn:

thanks for everything and keep up the good work! You're filling the internet with useful info, comparisons and great pics of almost every tool out there  :hatsoff: :multi:
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: ReamerPunch on September 21, 2018, 05:12:43 PM
Thanks for taking the time to do this. :like:
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 21, 2018, 09:06:41 PM
thanks for the pics and thoughts GLBM!  :cheers:
 This in my mind is (wa) one of the tools that could save SOG's reputation and their first step into being welcome back to the "Quality Knife/MT brands" list after their last decade of stagnation and less than stellar products  :ahhh :twak:

This seems very carriable and decently functional for the size (packing a big "punch" in a  small "package" so to speak), I especially like the Wharncliffe blade  :o (arguably the best shape for small blades to increase cutting edge end give max performance for the length  8)) and the hook cutter.

I'm obsessed with hook/belt/V cutters as of late  :D, how well does this one work?  :think: Have you tested it yet?  :popcorn:

thanks for everything and keep up the good work! You're filling the internet with useful info, comparisons and great pics of almost every tool out there  :hatsoff: :multi:
:hatsoff: and thank you. :cheers:

Hook cutter is fine for string and soft straps, but could benefit from a good sharpening. Ideally, re-edging it with a grind on both sides would make it awesome. I may do that with a round file on the Pint at some point. I think it would have a hard time with quality paracord with the factory edge. :ahhh
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 21, 2018, 09:06:58 PM
Thanks for taking the time to do this. :like:
:hatsoff:
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: CeHo on September 21, 2018, 09:54:04 PM
Thanks
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: Wspeed on September 21, 2018, 10:36:53 PM
Thanks GLBM excellent work  :like: :tu:
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: AimlessWanderer on September 22, 2018, 06:01:21 AM
Thanks for the review and pictures, particularly the comparisons with other tools  :salute:

This does seem to be a bit of a step in the right direction for SOG conceptually, but I'm still not ready to trust them again in terms of quality or function again yet.
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 22, 2018, 12:59:12 PM
Thanks
:hatsoff:

Thanks GLBM excellent work  :like: :tu:
:hatsoff: and thank you, W! :cheers:

Thanks for the review and pictures, particularly the comparisons with other tools  :salute:

This does seem to be a bit of a step in the right direction for SOG conceptually, but I'm still not ready to trust them again in terms of quality or function again yet.
:hatsoff: and thank you, 50ft! :cheers:

I completely agree. SOG released a laudry list of poorly designed and/or constructed MTs in recent years. ToolClip 2.0, PowerDuo, PowerPlay, PowerGrab, PowerAccess, and PowerAccess Deluxe. None of them were garbage, and each a bit better than typical import MTs; however, the excessive pricing really turned MT enthusiasts off. :rant:

The PowerGrab, PowerAccess, and PA Deluxe seemed like genuine attempts to move forward in what they needed to do after the PowerPlay debacle. Lackluster QC and cost saving on important areas set them back with those.
Now, with that said, the Sync I, Sync II, and Baton Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4 were quite good and the most innovative MTs produced by anyone in 20 years. The Sync and Baton series are also of very good quality. But, the excessive pricing of those models, was a big blow to SOG.

I really liie SOG's newer designs, but wish they would consider "going the whole nine yards" with design and QC. SOG has been listening to what customers want with their new designs, but fell short on execution of the designs and QC. :(

The PowerPint and PowerLitre, as you said, are a step forward in what they need to do. We can only hope that SOG will keep up the good work. The handle latch for pocket clip carry was a brilliant improvement over the PowerPint. The tool lock systems on the Pint and Litre are the best SOG has used on a small MT. IMO course.
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: AimlessWanderer on September 22, 2018, 04:28:09 PM

 :hatsoff: and thank you, 50ft! :cheers:

I completely agree. SOG released a laudry list of poorly designed and/or constructed MTs in recent years. ToolClip 2.0, PowerDuo, PowerPlay, PowerGrab, PowerAccess, and PowerAccess Deluxe. None of them were garbage, and each a bit better than typical import MTs; however, the excessive pricing really turned MT enthusiasts off. :rant:

The PowerGrab, PowerAccess, and PA Deluxe seemed like genuine attempts to move forward in what they needed to do after the PowerPlay debacle. Lackluster QC and cost saving on important areas set them back with those.
Now, with that said, the Sync I, Sync II, and Baton Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4 were quite good and the most innovative MTs produced by anyone in 20 years. The Sync and Baton series are also of very good quality. But, the excessive pricing of those models, was a big blow to SOG.

I really liie SOG's newer designs, but wish they would consider "going the whole nine yards" with design and QC. SOG has been listening to what customers want with their new designs, but fell short on execution of the designs and QC. :(

The PowerPint and PowerLitre, as you said, are a step forward in what they need to do. We can only hope that SOG will keep up the good work. The handle latch for pocket clip carry was a brilliant improvement over the PowerPint. The tool lock systems on the Pint and Litre are the best SOG has used on a small MT. IMO course.

All very valid points. I think I've only had two SOG items which really  but don't have either of them anymore. One was sold, and the other stolen.

The one I sold was the original Toolclip. That thing was a tank of a tool construction wise, and was surprisingly comfortable in use, but the loadout was limited, and fell short of my "pliers tool must have a Phillips, so I don't need one on my knife" rule. From a quality and solidity perspective, this is what they need to be aiming for again.

The one that was stolen, was a Palladin 510 with a load out which included the scissors and diamond file from a PST II. I loved that tool, the plier head was excellent for me, but the hole that was left from that tool has long since closed, mainly due to a LM Sideclip, which I have more confidence in than anything SOG has released for many years.

You're quite right about the price too. They either need to reduce their prices by about 60%, or get the quality and duty levels up from "dad gifts" to proper pocket tool levels. For the latter, I think they need to bring manufacturing back in house. They're committing to outsourced contracts, and keep expecting customers to keep buying the "oops that didn't work, but we'll know better next time" tools. They need to get the tools good enough BEFORE they sell them. I can forgive them one bad tool, but it's now just tool after tool after tool which is eyewateringly priced for Ganzo quality or lower, and abysmal ergonomics. Sadly this means I would consider buying anymore of their products until a couple of years or more, after they've had a successful run of proper tools that stand a few years use without falling apart.

So what's that? 5 years at the earliest before I buy another SOG? That's how much they have reinforced their poor reputation with me.  :-\
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 23, 2018, 03:59:42 AM
Well said, 50ft! :cheers:

If I were not a collector of MTs and were looking for an MT to use everyday, I don't think I would choose a SOG. So much poorly reviewed and received junk being pumped out the last few years. I am a little more forgiving of companies(I would go two or three years if I weren't a collector), but completely agree that SOG has smurfed themselves and people should be weary of any of their new designs. Five years is a very reasonable time for a consumer to wait to see if SOG straightens themselves out. :cheers:
I do still recommend the PowerLock and PowerAssist as fair options for an MT to use, because those two are practically the same as they were in the beginning. :)

Indeed, that is a good way to put it, the newer designs are worth about 40% of their asking price. SOG must know one of the biggest problems with the new designs is that the same money can get you some outstanding MTs. :think:
Mediocre tools should have mediocre prices. :)

I do like the PowerAccess Deluxe, but would only recommend it if it were $29 or so(maybe a little more...maybe). And if LM can make the Wingman/Sidekick, in the U.S.A, for $30/$40, then SOG has no excuses for charging  $69 for the PAD. :ahhh
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: ReamerPunch on September 23, 2018, 09:14:28 AM
the PowerPlay debacle.

Could you please elaborate?
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 23, 2018, 01:58:04 PM
the PowerPlay debacle.

Could you please elaborate?
Indeed I will, a bit later todau. :cheers:
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: ReamerPunch on September 23, 2018, 02:38:40 PM
the PowerPlay debacle.

Could you please elaborate?
Indeed I will, a bit later todau. :cheers:

 :popcorn:
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 23, 2018, 04:37:50 PM
O.K.
SOG PowerPlay issues from my observations and have EDC'd one for a while:

1. Weak rivets in the leverage system for the pliers. Two of mine popped out from squeezing too hard and I had to send the tool back after a few weeks of carry.
2. Terrible locking system for the toools. The pins stick out and kill the ergonomics, the spring retention for the locks is super stiff(on all three PowerPlays I had/have - Still have two; one NIB for the collection and one beater [replacement from SOG])
3. Bit holder in plier back slips, because the handles have to be squeezed really hard to keep it in there. They fixed this on the PA by having the handles wider when a bit is inserted.
4. Too bulky for its' size class. The thickness of the handles is absurd, considering that it is a little thicker than the HD class PowerGrab (which is awesome, except for major QC issues).
5. The first new design from SOG to have a poorly cut file. The file isn't as bad as the PA/PAD file, but it is well below par.
6. Cost...... I paid $69 ea for the two I have. They seem to feel, work and operate like tools that should cost $29-$35.

Hope that clears up my dismay regarding the PowerPlay.
Note to future readers: these issues are not issues I have with the PowerLitre (thread subject) and PowerPint.
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: Wspeed on September 23, 2018, 05:22:24 PM
That’s quite a list of problems GLBM
It’s such a shame as the idea sounds good
But again Q/C and quality issues seems to be SOGs way ???
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: gerleatherberman on September 23, 2018, 05:41:11 PM
On a positive note; the PowerLitre and PowerPint are pretty good MTs. A bit too expensive, but I have no regrets with the Litre and Pint so far. :cheers:
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: ReamerPunch on September 23, 2018, 05:49:45 PM
Thanks!  :cheers:
That's quite a list, but it looks like they're listening.
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: Sam Lim on September 24, 2018, 06:54:55 AM
My main disappointment with the powergrab and powerplay are their locking system for their outside opening tools. Which are suppose to be one hand operable at least for the 2 main blades. During opening, they clump. Bringing other tools along with them. During closing, the unlocking system is a major fail in my opinion. To unlock, u will have to pull back the tab/stud, the lock tab are flushed with the other side of the handle. Meaning the tab have to push open the handle slightly to raise and disengage the blades but naturally, u will be firmly holding the handles. So it's super counter productive. That's why the locks are so difficult to disengage. Same when u are opening the tools. There's self created pressure working on the lock tabs preventing it to lift. Sorry I am being very harsh.. But it's a really dumba#* design...

Power access is a step in the right direction. Cos u have to lift the tab at the very top. There no countering force working against u here.

I am not sure if what I says makes sense... Place a small shim in between the handles and give them a gap of appx 2mm at the lock tabs area to the opposite handle. Try to operate the outside tools and u know what I mean.
Title: Re: SOG PowerLitre Cork Screw Multi Tool Overview and Large Photo Comparison Review
Post by: ChopperCharles on July 14, 2020, 12:03:31 AM
The PowerPlay was a debacle? In what way? I like mine well enough. The file is no good, which wasn't that unexpected... but the big letdown was the phillips driver. The head is just not formed well, it cams out easily and chews up screws. If not for that, I'd really love the tool.

charles.