If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.
SOG is one of just a few tool brands that offer unique multi-tool designs. I bought a SOG PowerLock more than 10 years ago, and while it’s never my go-to, it has some compelling attributes.
The biggest selling point of SOG multi-tools are their pliers, which open quickly and easily, and deliver compound leverage.
According to SOG, the compound leverage pliers design “makes cutting and tightening twice as easy.”
The standard SOG PowerLock multi-tool has common tools and features, such as combination jaws, wire cutting blades, a combination knife blade, scissors, wood-cutting saw, bottle and can openers, and several screwdriver sizes.
It also has a 1/4″ driver that pairs with a square-to-hex socket adapter for use with 1/4″ hex screwdrivers and accessories. Mine came with such a socket, and the sheath had a dedicated spot for storing it.
SOG PowerLock multi-tools, even those described as being suited for daily professional use, also have an EOD crimper for military users.
I tend to prefer other brands’ multi-tools over SOG’s, such as Leatherman, Victorinox, and Gerber – in that order – but the PowerLock pliers have kept me from passing mine along to anyone else.
The pliers open quickly, via a geared mechanism. But, tread carefully, as you can smash your knuckles when opening the pliers with a wrist-flick motion.
I all but swore off SOG tools nearly 13 years ago, right after I received my purchase and asked them a question about the tool’s country of origin labeling. SOG customer service never responded to my two email inquiries, and I felt that their phone agent wasn’t any more helpful.
But, the pliers continue to offer distinct benefits.
Gerber and Leatherman have developed good one-hand-opening multi-tools as well, but nothing quite mirrors SOG’s compound leverage design and benefits.
The rest of my PowerLock tool is decent too, with easy-accessible tools. In addition to all of the non-pliers tools and functions requiring the pliers to be flipped open first, they’re also all secured behind a hinged cover.
A pro in some regards, and con in others, the PowerLock pliers are longer than other multi-tools. It also has a larger sheath, which fits the 1/4″ square to hex socket adapter at the bottom. Its size isn’t a concern when carried or stored in a pouch, bag, or tool box.
The latest models have a different nylon belt pouch, and it’s unclear as to whether SOG stills gives you the square to hex socket adapter. This is an inexpensive accessory you can always purchase separately.
Key Specs
- 7″ overall length
- 4.6″ closed length
- Weighs 9.6 oz
- 420 stainless steel construction
Price: ~$58
Would I recommend the SOG PowerLock multi-tool?
Personally, I prefer more compact tools for EDC (everyday carry) and travel.
SOG advertises the PowerLock as having an “electrician wire cutter.” The wire cutting blades don’t have user-replaceable inserts, which I consider a must-have for modern tools aimed at professional use.
Aside from the pliers, the rest of the SOG multi-tool is average. However, the tools and functions feel strong, reliable, and as mentioned are easy to fold out and access. While not as good as the action on Leatherman’s Free series multi-tools, the SOG cost less than half the price.
The price is a strong selling point. You can get a basic but reliable Gerber for less, but there’s no similarly-featured Leatherman or Victorinox multi-tool at anywhere close to the PowerLock’s under-$40 price point.
The SOG PowerLock seemed worth revisiting for those 3 reasons – it’s decent enough I haven’t given mine away yet, it remains affordably priced, and its pliers are as of yet unmatched in their ease of opening and compound leverage.
All that said, I would recommend it, but not unconditionally. This is one of the most highly-functional multi-tools for the money.
The next step up would be the Leatherman Rebar multi-tool, which I reviewed here. At the time of this posting, the Rebar is $80 at Amazon, which is more than 35% higher-priced.
