SOG POWERPINT and GERBER DUAL-FORCE - My Multitool Combo

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 Besides knives I have developed the related interest in multitools.  SAK (Swiss Army Knives) provides one of the best, although they lack a good, robust set of pliers.  My SAK Champ does have pliers, but they are small.  I have now settled on two multitools - one a smaller EDC, and one more robust, especially for work at the fire department and on calls.  The first is the SOG Powerpint, the second is the GERBER Dual Force.  One thing I have learned, however, in reading reviews of multitools, is that everyone has an opinion and they vary widely from high praise to disapproving mockery.  If I went with some reviews I would not only have passed on these two good tools, but I would never have learned firsthand their value.  

 Amazon.com: SOG PowerPint Mini Compact Stainless Steel Multi-Tool |18 Lightweight Specialty Tools & SOG Multitool Pliers Pocket Knife, Stone Wash

I have also learned that you need different multitools for different settings.  My Powerpint is perfect for EDC where I might need smaller tools for limited uses.  The Dual Force has a set of robust, slip-joint pliers that places it into a class all by itself.  It is a heavy-duty tool intended for hard work.  It proved itself just yesterday in trying to move the master switch on our tanker at the fire station.  My Powerpint would not have been equipped for that, and chances are might have broken it.

Both have a variety of tools, but the Powerpint has the most.  It also has a pocket clip which seems rare for such tools.  There is no perfect multitool, for we all have different expectations and needs, but you eventually find something that comes close.  I own two SAKs, in part, because they offer different selections that might serve me well in different settings.   

I also learned a few things by reviewing discussion boards and watching videos, especially in terms of adding what folks online call "mods" or modifications.  I was a little disappointed that this tool (Powerpint) had only a small 'jeweler's' flat-head screwdriver (in addition to a Phillips).  Very small.  Often utility knives or multitools will combine a larger one with the can opener, as my military utility knife does.  So, with file in hand, I modified it into a workable flat-head screwdriver.  Also, on the can opener there is a flange, of sorts, that is normally sharper.  I have no intention of using this tool as a can opener, but I like the flange portion as a scraper tool.  So, again, with file in hand I simply sharpened it.  Pictures of my 'mods' are below.  If you look carefully in the picture at the top you can see the original form of these tools where they have a kind of 'tab' of sorts for lifting them out of the overall tool.  I filed those off. 

Overall, I am extremely pleased with both multitools and believe I've found a usable 'combo'.  

BTW, I purchased both on clearance, as I do with most of my collection.  And as I have noted, Walmart is a great place for clearance items.  I check their glass case collection regularly, and purchased both of these on clearance.  The Dual Force, I believe, I got for a bit over $50, which can retail now for over $100, and the Powerpint for around $26.50, which retails for $49.95 on the SOG website.   Amazon has one discounted at present for $35, but I still got mine for almost $9 less!

I would heartily recommend both!

 Gerber Dual Force Multi-Tool          

Update: Although the Powerpint comes equipped with a belt clip, I decided to add a paracord lanyard utilizing a 'snake knot' and then carry it in a small nylon belt pouch.  The Powerpint only provides a tab with a small hole, so I took a key ring and then tied the lanyard to that.  Now I have two options for EDC: clip or pouch. 

     

  

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