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Tuesday, 14 March 2006 12:59

SOG ParaTool Review

The first tool that SOG came out with before their gear driven wonders the power series; SOG had created a tool just as unique and the ones they make today. What SOG came up with is the world's first multitool with a multi-angle plier head. In other words the plier head could be used in any position between fully locked open and closed. Enabling you to get into some hard to reach areas that you cannot get into with other tools.

SOG ParaTool

SOG ParaTool

The tool doesn't even open up in the same manner as normal tools, the plier head flips into position via a kind of thumb lever that you use your thumb on and while holding the tool your thumb flips the head into position. For any of you who own a Case Russlock, the maneuvering is similar in nature. The two drawbacks to this method of plier head attachment and opening are that they head should have multiple posi-stop spots for the head to lock into like it snaps closed when you open it. This would really reduce play in the plier handles and stop the sloppy wobbly you get when trying to use them in any angle position but fully open. When the tools is closed there is a half moon dent and tab, one on either handle that are suppose to keep play from being in the handles when using the screwdrivers and such. But the real way it works is the tools inside press against each other to prevent movement. When you use the medium screwdriver or the knife blade there is serious movement in the handles making usage of these tools difficult. What would have been better is incorporating a Leatherman Micra style locking system for the handles; you know the little tabs that keep there from being too much play while torquing a screw. I would gladly sacrifice a dew tools to make that possible.

SOG ParaTool

SOG ParaTool

As far as the tools themselves are concerned they are all top-notch quality and durability that you see in SOG's line of tools these days. All the heads are precision ground and are pretty well corrosion resistant. And unlike Swisstools they are not polished and you get better surface grip on the screw head. The file really could have used a hacksaw edge to it but it's all right, it does fine without it. They did a better job giving us a real double beveled knife blade instead of their traditional chisel ground blades and they as put in a handy serrated sheep's foot blade that cuts anything you can put up against it.

SOG ParaTool

SOG ParaTool

Overall SOG has a tool that in it's own right is a good competiton to the Leatherman PST and PST II ; and provides great design and ingenuity that is synonymous with the designers at SOG. If you are one for leading edge development in tool design and don't mind some of the minor nit picks I have made than pick the Paratool. For as the handle says, "to be prepared", and with this tool you are sure to be.

 

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