| SOG PowerLock * Best Pliers (compound leverage) Pros • Compound leverage pliers • Pliers open one-handed • User serviceable • All tools lock Cons • Typical configurations lack a plain edge blade (available as a replacement direct from SOG) • Blade edges face the middle of the tool • No one-hand opening blade • Tool clumping • Contains a large spacer instead of being completely filled with tools (S62) • Compound leverage gears dig into hand when using inside tools • Access to tools requires opening the pliers and a cover • Standard bits require adapter • Adapter fits loosely • Replacement blade options not widely available (order direct from SOG) • 2nd heaviest tool on this list Victorinox SwissTool, SwissTool X, SwissTool RS * Best Tool Selection SwissTool X - Best overall tool (tie) Pros • Excellent tool selection and design • All tools lock • All tools accessible from the outside Cons • No one-hand opening blade • Not user serviceable • Lacks scissors (SwissTool) • Lacks file (SwissTool RS) • Heaviest tool on this list Victorinox SwissTool Spirit * Lightest and cheapest Best value Pros • Good tool selection and excellent design • Ergonomic handles on pliers • All tools lock • All tools accessible from the outside • All tools deploy easily • Lightest tool on this list • Cheapest tool on this list Cons • No plain edge drop point blade (the new Spirit S has a drop point blade instead of scissors) • No ruler • No one-hand opening blade • Not user serviceable Leatherman Charge Ti, Charge XTi * One-hand opening blades Best overall tool (tie) Pros • Somewhat user serviceable • All tools lock • One-hand opening blades • Some tools accessible from the outside • 154CM plain edge blade • Diamond file • Most tools deploy easily • Titanium handle • Belt clip Cons • Plier has a smaller workable area due to location of crimper (Charge XTi) • Standard bits require adapter • Flat driver and bit driver are redundant (Charge Ti) • Redundant bit drivers (Charge XTi) • Small bit driver isn't the most useful choice of tools • Opening and closing the file scrapes the inside of the handle • Small scissor (Charge Ti) • Lacks scissor (Charge XTi) • Might be most prone to rust (based on experience with Leatherman Wave) • Most expensive tool on this list |
Top Multi-Tools |