SOG stands for "Studies and Observation Group". Thus, I've decided to name this my PowerLock SOG thread for my studies and observations into this new-to-me tool. I'm no stranger to compound leverage from SOG. I have a PocketPowerPlier and love it. I can get work "Super" size tools typically get done, all in something no bigger than a PST. Over the next several days, I'm going to see how it works out in use of all the tools. I got this one used in a lot, but to me, I can't tell it was ever used.
Given the hex-head bolts, I think this one's rather early. May even be an American-made one.
First doing some work around the barnyard BOTH handle covers popped off. NOT FUN. I was about ready to list it here for trade. But, some stuff changed my mind.
The scissors. Quite frankly they stink. One the lever handle is on the wrong side of the frame--facing inward instead of outward. Secondly, they don't cut too great. Then, throw in the flimsy spring they use that looks like it will break. Thus, this tool's gotta go. Too bad SOG is out of wire strippers and V-Cutters.
The saw. This is a pull-cut design with angled teeth, The teeth seem quite sharp. In my opinion, the pull-cut design is more effective than double-cut. Gonna have to wait until the pile of whittling sticks I have in the barnyard dries up from the rain and snow to test it.
1/4 adapter. Works good, and holds tightly. Spring, as I understand, is prone to breakage. I'll have to buy the SOG bit adapter soon. Locks half-open too. Not that it's any use--handle cover gets in the way; and kinda awkward to use with the tool open.
The crimpers. This tells me what I have is a B61 model. Retails for $90, and I got it in a lot along with a Leap, four cheapos, and a Crosscut for $52. I don't work with explosives, so the blasting cap crimper's kinda useless. At least unlike Gerber and LM, they are not in a position to really mess up the most usable part of the pliers.
Tonight, I tried the crimper on the coaxial cable on the back of the cable box. It caused the "should have been replaced a long time ago" end that was always popping off the cable to crumble. It was pot metal (brass plated zamac anyway, and was bound to have this happen.
So, I went downstairs, thinking Granddad had a box of them somewhere. None near the cable box. I remembered the Comcast tech, back when we went back to Xfinity from Dish Network had me cut the cable coming into the house from the dish to get it out of the way. Thus, I decided to see if I could salvage that end. The Dish tech had tightened it up to a splitter rather tightly. The compound leverage had no trouble busting it loose and taking it off. No need to get the ten-inch Crescent wrench out of my toolbox.
Cut the cable as well to yank the end off later; which it looks like it is crimped on too well; which means I'm likely gonna have to buy some coaxial female ends next Lowe's run. My old Protos were worn out very badly, so bad, I had to borrow the tech's Quinn (Harbor Freight) cutters when I cut the cable flush with the wall back in August. Powerlock had no issue at all and it took little resistance due to the compound leverage. Cut it like hot butter.
I'm beginning to kinda like it.