SOG PowerLock Multi-Tool- Compound Leverage Technology with EOD Crimper Device, 420 Stainless Steel Body, 18 Lightweight Specialty Tools (B61N-CP) , Black

There are so many multi-tools out there that it's difficult to get a decent overview of what's available and pick the best one for your needs. But if you do some research, you'll be able to narrow down your choices and select one that meets enough of your requirements that you shouldn't regret your choice later on.Such is the case for the SOG S60-N PowerLock. There are three main reasons I chose this one. I am not saying these features aren't available elsewhere, just that SOG put them together in a package that appealed to me. They are 1) Ability to easily replace or exchange the individual components 2) Socket drive that greatly expands the range of this tool, and 3) Lifetime warranty.SOG uses a hex-head screw and socket assembly to hold all the tool components in each handle. This lets you replace and reconfigure them, which is a major advantage because it means that if you accidentally break a component, you can order a new one (most components run in the $7 to $10 range) and replace it yourself. This feature alone changed my opinion of the practicality of a multi tool. Previously, I never bothered with one because I didn't like the thought of trashing one or more tools, then being stuck with a "disabled" tool. That's not a worry anymore. You can also reconfigure the tool (within limits) to meet your precise needs by swapping components.Since I carry a knife, I really didn't need the partially-serrated knife blade that comes with the tool, even though it is really nice and razor sharp. I ordered the wire stripper component, along with two accessory socket adapters (one is a spare) directly from SOG. Total cost was around $25. The different sizes and shapes of the components limit where you can fit them within the handles, so you have to preplan a bit. The SOG Web site has guidelines for how to do this. For example, the wire stripper must be located on the left side of either handle, so you must remove whatever component is there to install it. I ended up swapping the locations for the file and scissors, but it all worked out, and the new wire strippers make it easier to do electrical work.The accessory socket adapter fits onto the ¼" drive and lets you use any ¼" socket wrench, screwdriver, or other driver commonly available at any hardware store. This adds tremendous flexibility. There may be other multi tools that also offer this, but I like SOG's implementation of it.The lifetime warranty says a lot about how SOG backs their quality. The other tools I looked at from the "leaders" in the multi tool business do not offer a similar warranty. What does that say about them?The PowerLock was more substantial and impressive than I imagined from the pictures. Each component is finely finished and very high quality. The pliers close precisely, and the compound leverage really adds power to the jaws. The saw teeth are almost viscous in their sharpness and configuration (you need to handle the saw carefully; I've been fortunate not to find that out the hard way), and the scissors are clever and work well. All the other tools are pretty much what you'd expect and are well designed. The fold down covers on the handles make the tool easier to hold, yet they are easily popped off should you desire to do that.The piano lock feature securely holds each component open. You do have to make sure the unused tools are retracted into the handle for the lock to secure the tool you have open, and I did notice that I had to pull the file out slightly for the lock to secure the wire stripper, but this is a very minor issue. The carrying sheath is nice.Overall, this is a very high quality and satisfying tool at a good price. If the configuration suits your needs, then I would highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed and it should serve you well for a long time.

The media could not be loaded. When I buy something, I always spend a considerable amount of time researching all the options, pros and cons, etc, before pulling the trigger on a specific product.So when it came to buying a multi-tool, I ended up reading on endless forums and reviews about how great Leathermans are in general, and how great the Leatherman Wave is in particular. So, feeling pretty confident about my choice, I went online and ordered a Leatherman Wave.Turns out that Leatherman products are not what people make them to be! I was very disappointed with my Wave for a multitude of reasons, which I explained in detail in my review. The interesting thing is that I got a bunch of "not helpful" votes, which is quite funny, considering that a "not helpful" review is a review that is either too short, doesn't provide any real information, or is blatantly biased. Which was clearly not the case with mine. So I can only think that there is a good number of Leatherman fanboys who just don't like to see their favorite product criticized and react by childishly clicking "not helpful".The reason why I'm telling you this is that when it comes to choosing a product for which there is a certain very popular brand, it might be hard to go against the current. But if you see how much of a difference there is between the two multi-tools, you might realize that sometimes it really pays off to go against the current.Pretty much all the issues I had with the Leatherman are not issues with the SOG. The opening action is butter-smooth, and the pliers don't grind against the handle when closing the multi-tool. The tools in the handles come out VERY easily without having to do any "break-in" nonsense, or loosening the screws. The handles have smooth edges that make it very comfortable to use.Additionally the SOG has a gear system for the pliers that multiplies your strength two fold. This can either allow people who doesn't have a lot of hand strength to use the pliers very effectively, or people who already have a lot of hand strength to use the cutters to cut almost anything that fits in them.Overall I'm extremely satisfied with this SOG, I have been using it for so many things, for working on my car to little repairs in the house. Even removing the butt-cap from a marker so that I could pour a little bit of rubbing alcohol in it and allow my wife to keep using it after it was spent.Also did I mentioned that the SOG is actually cheaper than the Letherman Wave?You really can't go wrong with this multi-tool. Sure it's a bit heavy, but that's the trade off to pay if you want to have a real multi-tool. If you want something lighter I would personally suggest looking into Suisse Army Knives instead. The great thing about a multi-tool is that you have a good set of pliers (needle-nose and regular) in your pocket.If you have any question, let me know, I'm happy to help! And if you found this review useful, please consider clicking yes below.I have noticed that several reviews I have written on items purchased through Amazon have had the "Verified Purchase" removed incorrectly and as a result are no longer visible, which is likely happening to other people as well. When you read reviews, be sure to sort by 'All reviews' since there is obviously a bug in the system and many helpful and detailed reviews are now hidden.