SOG Multi-Tool Pliers- PowerAssist Multi-Tool Pocket Knife and Utility Tool Set with 16 Lightweight Specialty Tools and EDC Sheath (B66N-CP) , Black

I've been in and around construction/maintenance for over 20 years and just recently realized the value of a good multi-tool at your side. The ones I usually see are cheaply made or were more trouble to use to be of any benefit. Then I picked up a beat-up SOG Powerlock at a garage sale for 10 bucks.Not realizing what I had it sat for months unused until I did some research on SOG products. I ordered a sheath for it from SOG and it became indispensable. You really do use it more than you think you would. Then I saw the Power Assist! Basically the same as the Powerlock but with the 2 assisted opening blades which are truly awesome and fun to work with. It's truly a one-handed tool as far as the blades and the pliers are concerned. And let's face it the pliers are what most people will use the most. A lot has been said about the compound leverage gears and it's all true. I played with a Leathermen SURGE at a retailer alongside a power Assist before I bought mine. The Surge was VERY heavy and took a lot just to open up the pliers. it was very stiff. Perhaps it needed a little breaking in. The Power Assist by comparison opens buttery smooth. You can flip it open one-handed. Imagine a Hummer doing Tai-Chi! This tool is a "machine" in my opinion. It has gears, it has a precision build to it you have to feel to appreciate. I had already preordered a wood saw to replace the V-cut tool it comes with as this would be more useful to me. (I put the V-cut tool on my key ring to have as an emergency seat-belt cutter where I could actually get to it) Yes, the other tools take a little effort to pull out, but are hardly a reason to pass on such a great product. If you don't care about the assisted blades a regular Power lock will give you a few more tools and options, better yet get them both!August 2012 update: Still going strong! I've been using this five days a week since Nov 2010. Being in maintenance I use this at least four times a day. Nothing has broken on me yet. The power-assist blades still pop out like on the first day of use. I've read quite a few negative reviews about pliers breaking and philips heads snapping. Perhaps SOG got a bad batch of steel, I don't know. Mine has performed flawlessly day in and out. I don't baby it, and actually take pride in the little scratches and wear it gets. The black oxide coating has held up beautifully. It's almost like it's actually black steel, and not a coating. It has worn off a little on the rounded rivets and some edges, more character! I was looking for a lighter weight multi-tool for non-work EDC, and was leaning toward the Leatherman REBAR. They make great products, but for FIVE dollars more I ordered another Powerassist satin finish, a gorgeous looking tool. When you've used the smooth opening pliers, it's hard to go back to the traditional clunky opening ones. Even the extra weight doesn't bother me, it's actually comforting, feeling it on your belt. No other multi-tool is truly as one-handed as this with regards to the pliers and blades, and in an emergency when you may only have one hand I don't trust anything else. One last thing, Leatherman offers a 25 year warranty, SOG tools have a LIFETIME warranty, and if you break the implements you can ORDER new ones and install them yourself! A no-brainer guys (and gals).October 2013 update: Added the 1/4" driver a while back and bought the bit kit from SOG. now I can use any 1/4" bits. Still can't seem to break this thing. Don't baby it at all.

I bought this pocket tool almost 10 years ago and it’s still holding up amazingly.First how I have used this:I was a corporate trainer for a large restaurant company, and I would travel to open brand new restaurants (with lots of new equipment and problems). This was my every tool (including being used as a doorstop to hold open countless walk-in coolers). I’m also a sport angler, and I use this as my hip pliers (removing hooks regularly and leaving up the cord cutter for cutting fishing line, both mono and braided).In addition, I do work on small two-stroke engines, and many times have reached for this tool rather than my other sets of pliers. And finally, I recently constructed a Tiny Home from the floor up with my trusty SOG at my side. My particular tool has been used and abused!!Other than regular cleaning, tightening (which is made easy to do for the blades, player heads and all flip out accessories) and the occasional sharpening I’ve had to do nothing to maintain this tool.The knives both spring quickly out and keep tight for a good amount of time. The biggest selling point for this tool for me was the ability to open the knife with one hand. Works perfectly for this.I love the pliers because they very slightly taper down right at the end, leaving them strong but also petite enough to fit into a lot of hard places (was very helpful when doing small engine work). They are stronger than expected, and the wire cutters have just begun to dull and chip (you can see from the pictures the condition after 10 years)For fishing, I found that locking the cord cutter in the up position and putting it back in the holster kept it safely out of the way but easily accessible when changing lures often for that selective fish. The black oxide coating has held up very well, along with the genera construction of the tool (and I have for sure treated it roughly over the years).My only complaint is the safety lock for the spring loaded knives is loose and regularly slips to the “on” positions. Meaning when I remove it with one hand and flick open the knife I must pause, turn off the safety, and then flick open again. Annoying and time consuming, but still doable with one hand and only happens every so often.In conclusion, this is easily the best tool investment I’ve made in my life. I have used this tool in more applications, for more years, and with less maintenance or problems than any tool or spent money on. Get this tool if you don’t want 100 useless accessories but need an quick access blade and durable, versatile set of pliers. I find myself making a review because it’s finally time for another set (only because I am gifting my old pair to the GF, who has taken up fishing)PROS:DurableEasy access knivesStrong and versatile pliersGood accessories, no extra fluffCONS:Safety for knives