SOG Specialty Knives & Tools B61-N EOD PowerLock, Black Oxide Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is one of six Multi-tools that I have had regular hands-on experience with. The others I own (or have owned) are the Gerber Multi-Plier Sport 400, an (original) L-Man Wave, an L-Man Charge TTi, a Victorinox Swisstool X and Gerber's Nautilus (ugh).

The SOG is probably at least as robust and sturdy as any of these others and in some respects (see below) it is better. I don't expect to be breaking mine any time soon. But there are trade-offs too and I just don't like it as well as I would like to like it. This tool is too solid and well built to rate it as a 3 but it falls short of a 5 star rating, IMO, which is too bad.

First the good news:

These are the most robust pliers I have ever seen on a multi-tool. I have a hard time imagining that a multitool could have better pliers. The jaws are sturdy, the compound gearing really works and the handle covers make these pliers comfortable to use. When you have to, you can really put the pressure on.If pliers are your top priority and you have big hands (this tool isn't tiny) the Powerlock might just be your best choice in a multi-tool.

The other area where the SOG excels is in smoothness... When you fold this baby open it feels GOOD. My Leatherman Charge TTi feels almost clunky by comparison.

In addition to these strengths are some additional niceties. The V-Cutter seems like it should be useful. I also like the 1/4" driver, which unlike some others, takes standard sockets. There are also a variety of crimpers on this tool that seem well designed though I haven't had occasion to use them yet.

Last of all - and this deserves special mention - the tool can be customized by the user. If you would like to replace the file with an extra knife blade, for example, you can get the components from the SOG Web Site and do your thing. I would expect some users to consider the PowerLock in a class by itself because of this feature.

But as I said there are also some disappointments, some in function others in form:

Functionally, it is a disappointment to find just one knife blade and a 1/2 serrated, chisel ground job, at that. I find that serrated blades are great for cutting rope but that a straight edged blade is far more versatile and more easily maintained. The SOG's file and saw seem pretty decent except for the fact that they could be larger considering this is a big tool - 10 oz. The knife blade is actually rather small too, barely larger than the one on the Gerber Sport 400, which weighs about 6.5 oz.

There are also some disappointments in the "form" of the tool. One disappointment has to do with accessibility of the inside tools, which another reviewer has described fairly well. Also, the locks on these inside tools don't feel quite right. They do lock solidly but you have to fiddle with them a bit more than seems necessary. Once you are used to handling the tool, it isn't really a problem but a learning curve shouldn't be necessary here.

Conclusion: The SOG Powerlock mates a superb pair of pliers with a fairly ordinary set of accessory tools that are just a little harder to access than normal. All seems to be solidly built for rugged use, though. If the accessory tools were of higher quality I would consider rating this tool at 5 stars.As it is, 4 stars is the best rating I can offer.

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Product Description:
GSA-approved, the B61-N EOD PowerLock multi-tool with black oxide finish showcases SOG's quality construction and military-grade performance. An ideal tool for crimping blasting caps and demolition cord without a lot of hand pressure, the B61-N comes with many EOD-specific features, including a crimper device within the handle that allows for uninterrupted use of the plying surface.

The SOG B61-N OED PowerAssist
Multi-Tool Includes:

Pliers/gripper
Hard wire cutter
Crimper
Double-toothed wood saw
half-serrated blade
Three-sided file
Large flat-head screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Awl
Can opener/small flat-head screwdriver
Bottle opener/medium flat-head screwdriver
Spring-loaded scissors
Rulers
Fuse well spike
1/4-inch driver
Lanyard ring
Nylon carrying pouch

Compound Leverage offers improved plier and wire cutter performance. View larger.

The B61 weighs just 9.6 ounces. View larger.

Durable components deliver job-specific performance. View larger.
Compound Leverage Technology and Explosive Ordnance Features Provide Easy, Safe Use
Driven by an exclusive interlocking gear system, SOG's patented Compound Leverage technology is a legend in folding tools. With the proprietary technology's increased leverage, SOG pliers generate twice the power of their conventional counterparts, minimizing the amount of hand pressure that is required to get the most torque out of the tool.
SOG is the only company to apply Compound Leverage technology to EOD-specific (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) multi-tools. This technology makes the B61-N an ideal tool for crimping blasting caps and demolition cord with minimal hand pressure. The position of the crimper device within the handle is an EOD-specific feature unique to SOG. This design serves to minimize collateral damage to the crimper and allows you to have uninterrupted use of the plying surface (unlike other brands' tools). Additionally, the crimper produces non-flaring, high pull-out strength crimps that meet government fuse well specifications.
The B61-N is GSA approved.
Heavy-Duty Components Meet Military-Grade Needs
With over a dozen components, from pliers to a saw, and industrial-grade, quality design, the B61-N includes everything a professional soldier or weekend warrior needs, including the first foldable 1/4-inch drive that can turn sockets and hex screwdriver tips (with the use of a standard adapter sold separately). Additionally, this multi-tool features patent-pending foldable spring-loaded scissors that have spring tension in the open position only, providing extra safety.
Smart, Durable Design Ensures Years of Effortless Use
Like all the multi-tools in the PowerLock Series, the B61-N EOD PowerLock multi-tool can be opened and closed with just a flick of the wrist. Additionally, all of the tool's components lock open with the patent-pending Piano-Locks, which allow you to close components with a simple press.
The B61-N's stainless steel handles have a tactical black oxide coating for low reflectivity, and they are ergonomically designed to provide comfort on even the toughest jobs. Additionally, the handles have pivoting covers that improve hand comfort and allow you to exert added pressure on difficult jobs.
And with durable construction that features gear covers and hex bolts, the B61-N is surprisingly light, weighing just 9.6 ounces. Manageable enough to take anywhere, this multi-tool comes with a nylon pouch with belt loop for convenient portability.
This multi-tool is backed by a lifetime warranty that protects against defects in manufacturing and materials.
About SOG: Strong, Innovative Specialty Tools
SOG originally stood for Studies and Observation Group, an elite joint services military group designed to handle covert operations during the Vietnam War. SOG Specialty Knives & Tools was founded in the spirit of this elite group and became the first knife manufacturer to offer an expanded line that included fixed blades, folding knives, and multipurpose tools.
Each SOG product is created by company Founder and Chief Engineer, Spencer Frazer. Known for their uncompromising style and performance, these knives and tools showcase innovation, dependability, and a unique, futuristic style that has garnered awards and recognition worldwide. SOG products have also won favor among law enforcement, military, and industrial customers that rely on their tools to perform flawlessly in the toughest, most adverse conditions.
What's in the Box
B61-N PowerLock multi-tool with black oxide finish and nylon carrying pouch.

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Gerber 22-01545 Black Diesel Multi-Plier with Sheath Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had been searching for a replacement for my Schrade Tough Tool, which while giving me many years of reliable service before being stolen from a jobsite I was on, was a little heavy and clunky for my purposes.

Gerber multi-pliers always seemed very 'handy', but seemed a little lightweight for my purposes. But I asked around among my trusted friends and associates and I decided the Gerber Diesel had the strength and the features I was after. And after testing this bad boy in the field, I can truly say it performed without flaw.

My main concern was the strength of the pliers themselves (the Schrade was extremely strong and stable). I put this to the test immediately upon getting to work. I'm not sure what the reviewer who claimed the pliers had a design flaw was cranking on, but I cranked hex bolts/nuts, wing-nuts and all kinds of other fasteners with NO PROBLEMS! The needle-nose pliers were perfect for tight spots and sensitive moves with electronics, and I snipped everything from fishing-line to heavy-gauge wire and metal banding like butter with the snips.

The other issue I was concerned with was the 'one-handed' plier operation. This is really the key feature with any Gerber multi-tool, and I had NO problems at all getting the pliers to engage by flicking my wrist while holding one side of the two handles as instructed. It was a little stiff at first, but after a dozen or so flicks, the action was perfect.

Lastly, I was worried about all the reviews of the black coating coming off on the user's hands. And right out of the box there was a small amount of black residue left on my hands after handling the tool for the first time. But I've had this problem with ANY black coated tool I've ever owned (try handling impact-driver sockets). I simply pulled out all the tools and wiped them off with a cloth and I haven't had any of the residue on my hands at all since. My thoughts on this are if you are afraid of getting a little dirty, then maybe you better take up another hobby and let someone else handle the tools.

If you actually USE your tools, and don't just buy them because they look cool, you will love having this on your hip. It is a fine looking unit, but it ain't just a pretty face, it'll tear up any job you use a multi-tool for.

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Product Description:
With its industrial strength, easy handling, and super versatility, the Gerber 22-01545 Diesel Black Needlenose Multi-Plier offers everything you need to tackle tough tasks and tricky problems. The Diesel Black has all of the features of the original, plus it sports a non-reflective black finish. It showcases a robust design with 12 stainless steel tools that are larger and more durable than average, along with Gerber's patented Saf.T.Plus component locking system and the convenience of quick, wrist-flick deployment.

The Gerber 22-01545 Diesel Black Needlenose Multi-Plier includes:

Needlenose pliers
Wire cutter
Partially-serrated knife blade
Cross point screwdriver
Small, medium, and large flat blade screwdrivers
Can opener
Bottle opener
File
Saw
Scissors

The Diesel folds up for easy transport and deploys at the flick of a wrist.
Bigger, Stronger, Job-Specific Tools
Whether you're at work, in the middle of an epic road trip, or taking some time off to get reacquainted with the natural world, you'll find that the strength and durability of the Diesel often come to your rescue. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, the Diesel offers a thicker-than-average blade with a versatile, half-serrated edge. And when the task at hand calls for more than a knife alone can handle, you'll appreciate the way the Diesel's 11 other tools give you a real leg up.
Job-specific tools make any task safer and easier to accomplish quickly. That's why this tool also includes a cross-point screwdriver, small, medium, and large flat-blade screwdrivers, a can opener, a bottle opener, a file, a saw, and scissors, as well as a dedicated wire cutter/stripper.
Unlike the bulky squared-off pliers on many multi-tools, the needle-nose pliers at the center of this tool are designed to fit in tight spots. Plus they can be opened quickly using one flick of the wrist, which makes working with them easy, intuitive, and one-handed.
Safe, User-Friendly Design for Peace of Mind
If you've ever had a folding knife close on your hand in the middle of making a tough cut, you'll have a special appreciation for Gerber's patented Saf.T.Plus system, which locks each component securely in place for worry-free use.


A nylon ballistic-cloth sheath keeps the tool protected when not in use.View Larger.The refined lock and sliding buttons associated with this system are easy to use, and they're intuitively placed on the tool's handle for easy access.
Despite its broad range of features, this tool weighs just 8.6 ounces. It measures 6.61 inches overall and 4.92 inches closed. The handle is well-balanced for comfortable use and showcases an elegant bead blast finish.
This Gerber Multi-Tool also comes with a nylon ballistic-cloth sheath so that you can keep it protected when it's not in use.
Gerber's History of Ingenuity
Savvy. Moxie. Craftsmanship. Attention to detail. These are just a few of the company traits that contributed to Gerber's emergence as a world leader in outdoor gear. Joseph Gerber started Portland, Oregon's Gerber Advertising back in 1910, and one Christmas, he hired a local knife-maker to craft 25 sets of kitchen cutlery as client gifts. The knives were so popular, Mr. Gerber ultimately left his agency to launch Gerber Legendary Blades in 1939.
For more than half a century, Gerber Legendary Blades has been helping people fend for themselves. Gerber designs popular, dependable tools and knives along with other outdoor gear that helps users accomplish whatever tasks they may be faced with, promoting the lost art of self-reliance.
What's in the Box
Gerber 22-01545 Diesel Black Needlenose Multi-Plier, nylon sheath.

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