Page 5 of 5 - SOG Poweraccess Reviews

Love the power access delux. My only complaint is the almost useless file and the fact there isn't a pocket clip. You would think that a delux would have a pocket clip being a delux but it doesn't. Took one star for the bad file. It may as well be only used for filing finger nails cause there is absolutely no bite to the teeth. Only thing I would add to it is a dedicated wire stripper, a corsage cutter, and a better sheath.

I own three SOG multi-tools. I own the Half Pint, the Poweraccess and the Poweraccess Deluxe. Being somewhat of a knife freak, they are not the only multi-tools I own, so I have a measure of comparison to draw upon. I own five Leatherman tools. I own the original Wave, the 2nd generation wave, the Sidekick, the Blast and the Titanium Charge. The thing that attracted me to the Poweraccess and Poweraccess Deluxe was the way it looked. Being a Mech Engr things that look mechanically unique, attract me. The plier multiplier was interesting, but the kinematics of the mechanism require that for the gain in power at the plier jaws, requires the opening of the jaws to be halved in angular displacement with respect to the handle angle. In other words, if the jaw is opened 5 degrees, the handle must be opened 10 degrees, thus, to get a grip on a 3/8 nut for example, the handle must be opened quite wide, almost to the extent that a good grip on the handle cannot be made. Next, the saw blade is too wide, the thinner a saw blade, the less material will have to be removed when cutting an object. Conclusion is that the saw is twice as wide as it needs to be. Next, the tools can be loose if the grip of the tool pin is not tight. On my Poweraccess Deluxe, the tools on the file side handle are loose, that is, there is slop from side to side; not to the extent that it makes the tools unusable but annoying, nevertheless. This I believe is a result of quality control at SOG. Tightening the pivot screw alleviates the problem and I believe that the spacers/washers between tools should be of slightly larger diameter. This would increase the effectiveness of the pin screw clamping force and reduce the side slop, particularly the angular displacement. Problem here is that you cannot tighten, (or loosen), the pivot screw yourself because SOG uses permanent Loctite which is nearly impossible to break unless the pin and screw are heated to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, which you can do without harming the pin or tools since this temp is below steel transition temperature but this process with a propane torch might discolor the tool. Next, they really don't need a can opener and a bottle opener. When was the last time you needed a bottle opener, (use your teeth, just kidding)? The can opener is essentially a bottle opener. Next, the multi-tool needs scissors. I find that they are incredibly useful and worth the use of a tool slot.. Next, the knife blades are too narrow, that is from the back side of the blade to the cutting edge and they should make the blades from a higher quality steel. Stainless 420, (420HC min), does not cut it, no pun intended. Having said all this, I still like the tool and the hex drive, when closed, at the end of the tool is unique; a great idea. The tool pouch, when loaded with the tool and hex accessories is a little bulky, not for EDC but just fine for a working man multi-tool. Improvements can and should be made. If SOG is proactive they will progress

I have had my PowerAccess Deluxe for about two weeks now and it has come in handy on many occasions already. It has a nice weight to it. A good feel when using it. The variety of tools is a good match for what someone might need in the field or for home use. The blades are extremely sharp. The tools seem sturdy. And to my surprise the 12 piece bit set actually had all the pieces that help me work on my other knives as needed. BONUS!! If there was one thing that I would change about it that would be the ease of opening the tools in the center. the outer tools like the knives and files are easily opened but the center ones have a notch that you need decent length fingernails in order to deploy them. Other than this I have no other issues.

I've worn my PowerAccess Deluxe on my duty belt since I bought it. The selection of useful tools is great. The materials used feel lightweight but are strong enough for my uses.The hex bit driver in the two arms is a stroke of genius. Highly recommended!

This will be a mainstay tool for everything outdoors.