Posted: 1/23/2010 2:53:14 PM EDT
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i need a multi tool for 4wheeling, i'm torn between 3 models, SOG power assist, the SOG power lock EOD with the cutting hook, or the Leatherman Charge ALX, the only thing that's pushing me from the SOG power assist is the lack of there being a saw, but i cant decide between the 3, the SOG's look like they're built alot stronger, size/weight isn't really a huge factor
advise? |
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The parts on my SOG power assist are interchangeable. I think the power lock tools are to.
Mine came with the hook cutter but I bought a saw and switched it out. the only bad thing is that the saw alone was like $10 but i think it was worth it. I cant see myself using that cutter much. |
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Will a larger model work? For wood cutting when clearing stuff that has fallen across trails I find a small folding wood saw to be more useful than the wood saw found on a swiss army knife or multi tool. If talking hacksaw type blade I am currently planning to pick up a tool that lets you insert a sawz all blade on it and use it by hand. I think I saw one at lowes and now that I am using my sawz all more and have more blades around I think being able to just use em by hand would be something worthwhile. My thinking on a quad is to have some larger stuff available. The saw on a swiss army knife or multi tool only gets used when I am walking without a pack of some sort, basically when dealing with what I have in my pockets and on my belt. |
| ok thanks for the input, i didn't know you could buy blades seperatly, i have thought about just picking up a small folding saw to throw in my pack, the only real downsides to the SOG for me was A. no saw and B. 3 (i think) flat blade screw drivers and ONE phillips, if i do get the SOG i'll be taking one of the flatblades out and probably the cutting hook in exchange for the saw and a next size up phillips bit, where can i buy the saw and another screw driver bit separatly? i just wanna make sure i buy the right one as i'll expect many years of abuse out of it |
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Quoted:
Will a larger model work?
For wood cutting when clearing stuff that has fallen across trails I find a small folding wood saw to be more useful than the wood saw found on a swiss army knife or multi tool. If talking hacksaw type blade I am currently planning to pick up a tool that lets you insert a sawz all blade on it and use it by hand. I think I saw one at lowes and now that I am using my sawz all more and have more blades around I think being able to just use em by hand would be something worthwhile. My thinking on a quad is to have some larger stuff available. The saw on a swiss army knife or multi tool only gets used when I am walking without a pack of some sort, basically when dealing with what I have in my pockets and on my belt. http://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Tools-RT00021-Warrior-Multi-Use/dp/B002BWQ4DC |
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ok thanks for the input, i didn't know you could buy blades seperatly, i have thought about just picking up a small folding saw to throw in my pack, the only real downsides to the SOG for me was A. no saw and B. 3 (i think) flat blade screw drivers and ONE phillips, if i do get the SOG i'll be taking one of the flatblades out and probably the cutting hook in exchange for the saw and a next size up phillips bit, where can i buy the saw and another screw driver bit separatly? i just wanna make sure i buy the right one as i'll expect many years of abuse out of it I got mine from the SOG website. http://sogknives.com/store/components.html when I was looking that was the only place I saw them with the exception of one or two on Amazon. |
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i need a multi tool for 4wheeling, Hi Shawn: by 4wheeling, do you mean trucks? or one of those ATV's? that's important to know. if you mean trucks, you will want to carry tools in the full size range. now for an ATV, should have a small tool kit on the unit anyway. real wrenches and screwdrivers. a MT is not a replacement for tools. You must think of it as an emergency tool. or something that you'll have on you at most times. Nobody carries a MT to replace dedicated tools. MT's were designed to be convenient and handy. I have both a Surge and a Kick, 90% of the time the little Kick is on my side, the Surge is for "going to the daughters and finding stuff to fix" days. rethink the tasks you want to accomplish and pick the best tool to do it. Mike |
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I found my multi tool nirvana in a Swisstool Spirit.
IMO its the perfect compromise between weight/size and usability for a carry tool. The ergonomic handles are shaped nice and allow me to squeeze down on the pliers harder than any other multi tool Ive had. The rounded edges and the chrome? finish also help with feel and grip. Its also the highest quality MT Ive had with tolerances feeling tight and smooth. I opted for the S version to get the regular knife blade. I also like that thick serrated blade on the Spirit. For the price you can find them at they are a steal. |
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Quoted: My Lowes had SOGs marked down on clearance last week $ 49 and change .... Same here, but it was about two months ago. I go into Lowes for a box of deck screws and come out with a new SOG  . I just could not pass up the clearance sale. Great tool, love it. Although, I also love me Leatherman too.
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Having owned and used examples from most major mfrs––and a lot of cheapos–– I'd say that the best bang-for-the-buck is with one of the SOG models that is user-configurable. If some other mfr's unit floats your boat higher, then go for it by all means. The only two things that matter are how well the tool serves YOUR needs, and the warranty. When I find something I really like, I try to buy two. One for use, and the other as back-up. If the first is damaged, the second is put into daily use while the first is sent away for warranty work.
We can't afford to do this with a lot of things, but we can do so with most MTs. That said, Walmart sells Gerber MTs for very near wholesale prices, and perhaps one of these might suit you. There is also something to be said about the value of having two decent MTs instead of one very good one. The old adage of "Two is one, and one is none" comes to mind. TJ remarked in another thread about taking only decent cheapos out on the water, and that is good advice. Home Depot sold some cheapo "Husky" brand MTs (large, small, and folding blade knife) for $14 during Christmas last, and even though they are Chicom mfr, seem to be very decent. Needless to say, when I went back for my second set, "SOLD OUT". I will not buy a new Leatherman, for political reasons. Please don't allow this to de-rail the thread. |
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The best multitool I have ever had the pleasure of owning has been my Swisstool by Victorinox. My Swiss tool has a fit and finish unlike any other multitool I have ever handled. Every tool locks out firmly and the whole thing just feels indestructible. I took mine through Ranger School last year and it held up far better then most of the other multitools. For being in a field environment for 62 days, completely submerged at times(Florida phase) there are only two minuscule spots of rust on one blade. If that doesn't stand as a testament to the quality of the finish I don't know what will.
In my eyes there is only one multitool worth buying, Swisstool. RLTW! |
| it's gonna be on me everytime i go 4wheeling, it's NOT gonna be used just for 4wheeling, i probably will crimp/strip alot of wires with it doing other things, heck who knows mabye i'll have a wire come apart 4wheelin and need to crimp someithing, it def. wont hurt anything by being on the tool |
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Some of the multi tools come with a nut driver that fits on a flat blade screw and then you can use whatever screw driver bit or other bit fits in the nut driver. My gerber diesel came with one and I currently have the nut driver with a small leather man. In today's world I find I want more than just some flathead and phillips screw drivers so I look more for the nut driver adapter and plan to just pick up some extras if I can buy them by themselves. Lately torx and tamper proof torx are what I seem to see a lot of lately. |
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Some of the multi tools come with a nut driver that fits on a flat blade screw and then you can use whatever screw driver bit or other bit fits in the nut driver. My gerber diesel came with one and I currently have the nut driver with a small leather man. In today's world I find I want more than just some flathead and phillips screw drivers so I look more for the nut driver adapter and plan to just pick up some extras if I can buy them by themselves. Lately torx and tamper proof torx are what I seem to see a lot of lately. My only problem with this is that it involves lots of little pieces that are easy to lose... I'm not saying a tool like that isn't useful, but in the situations where I am forced to rely on my multitool I sure as hell don't want to worry where a bunch of bits might be. I understand that it's a matter of personal choice, however.... |
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it's gonna be on me everytime i go 4wheeling, it's NOT gonna be used just for 4wheeling, i probably will crimp/strip alot of wires with it doing other things, heck who knows mabye i'll have a wire come apart 4wheelin and need to crimp someithing, it def. wont hurt anything by being on the tool Those crimps are much different than standard wire crimpers. they would only work on larger guage wires. they are designed for crimping blasting caps to time fuze. i dont think they close smaller than 3/16" just tryi to save you from speding extra $ on a feature you dont really need. my leatherman will crimp wires just fine using the back part of the cutter. but YMMV eta i just went and looked on the sog site, the crimp definitely doesnt look like it would crimp any wires under 1/4 inch. |
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http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Sog.html
wait for a sale or sign-up for email flyer for discount coupon |
| well i ended up picking up a SOG S62, my lowes had them for $49, cant beat that, it's got almost everything i want, i'll be getting on SOG's website and buying a few odds and ends for it, first impressions? this thing is built like a tank and it is as smooth as butter right out of the box, and this model has standard and large wire crimpers |
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well i ended up picking up a SOG S62, my lowes had them for $49, cant beat that, it's got almost everything i want, i'll be getting on SOG's website and buying a few odds and ends for it, first impressions? this thing is built like a tank and it is as smooth as butter right out of the box, and this model has standard and large wire crimpers Congrats and enjoy! |
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I've gotten good use from my Gerber, which I got for less than $40 as a slight blem item, but I really want a swisstool, after all the positive reviews I read here on arf.
And, as posted above, I don't think you can have enough multitools, I need one on my belt, on my pack, in my car, and probably an extra one in my desk just in case. |