Since its introduction the Sog PowerPlier has been one of my favorite multi-tools, compound leverage, swappable components and a robust plier head makes it a winner in my book. It has been one of my constant edc's for more than a decade at both work and play. The only drawbacks to this excellent tool are the non-locking tools and uncomfortable handles which were common not only to the PowerPlier but other multi's of its day.
At first I didn't mind the uncomfortable handles, when needed, I would use a rag or gloves but as newer more ergonomic multi's became available I knew my PowerPlier needed a serious update if it was to continue as my number 1 tool. Upgrading components to suit my needs was easy and I've probably swapped out and re-arranged them more than a dozen times already. Non locking components have never been an issue for me, as with any tool you learn to adapt to, and accept it's limitations. If I really need locking blades there are other multi's I can reach for, the one issue I seriously wanted to address was the handles. My prayers were answered when Sog introduced handle covers for the PowerLock series. Though there is a love/hate relationship with these covers, I for one love them. The added comfort imo more than makes up for the inconvienence of the additional 2 seconds it takes to open and close them. A handle covers mod for the PowerPlier was now in sight.
After half a day in the basement shop and some patience and persistence with a dremel and drill press.... here are the glorious results....
These are standard PowerLock handle covers which I dremelled to open up the slot to accomodate the wider flat nose of the PowerPlier.
As the handle material on the PowerLock's are a little thicker than the older PowerPlier's, the cover does not fit snugly. I had to add a small magnet to the inside of the cover to prevent them from flopping around during one handed opening and closing of the multi-tool.
The covers were then finished off with some 1500 wet/dry paper to give them a more polished look to match the PowerPlier.
This mod was completed a couple of weeks ago, this PowerPlier has since accompanied me on a camping trip to Algonquin Park Canada as well as perform multiple tasks at home and I'm glad to report that other than having to replace one of the magnets which fell off, the tool has performed wonderfully.
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