If you’re searching for a multitool that perfectly balances compact size with serious capability, your search ends here. For years, I’ve looked for that perfect everyday carry (EDC) tool that doesn’t feel like a brick in my pocket but can still tackle real jobs.
The SOG PowerPint is that tool. It’s a miniature powerhouse that has consistently surprised me with its strength and versatility.
If you value clever design, robust functionality, and a tool that’s always there when you need it without weighing you down, I honestly believe you should get yourself a PowerPint.
My Experience With SOG PowerPint
My journey with the SOG PowerPint started with a healthy dose of skepticism. I’d been a loyal user of larger, heavier multitools for years, convinced that size was directly proportional to usefulness.
The PowerPint, when I first unboxed it, felt almost toy-like in comparison. It was shockingly small and lightweight, easily disappearing into the fifth pocket of my jeans—a space previously reserved for nothing more than a stray coin or a folded-up receipt.
I clipped it to my keychain for a week, half-expecting it to fail at the first real task I threw its way.
The first test came unexpectedly during a weekend camping trip. A friend’s tent pole connector snapped. It was a clean break, but the metal was sharp and needed to be filed down before we could attempt a field repair with duct tape.
Everyone else started rummaging through their oversized packs for their full-sized tools. I, on the other hand, simply unclipped the PowerPint from my keys. The file tool, though small, was surprisingly aggressive.
In a few minutes, I had smoothed the sharp edges, and the pole was safely repaired. The pliers, using SOG’s signature Compound Leverage system, provided a secure grip on the stubborn metal fragment that needed removing first. It was in that moment that my skepticism began to melt away. This little guy had bite.
Back in the city, the PowerPint continued to prove its worth in countless mundane yet crucial moments. I used the Phillips screwdriver to tighten a loose screw on my office chair, the blade to open stubborn clamshell packaging (the bane of modern existence), and the bottle opener during a Friday afternoon get-together.
The magnetic hex bit driver became one of my most-used features. I paired it with a small set of bits I kept in my bag, effectively turning the PowerPint into a miniature, highly adaptable screwdriver for electronics and other small repairs. It tightened the loose arm on my glasses and helped me swap out a battery in a child’s toy.
Each time I used it, I was reminded of its brilliant design. The tools are all accessible from the outside, meaning you don’t have to fully open the handles to get to the screwdrivers or the blade.
This small detail makes a massive difference in usability, especially when you need to perform a quick, one-handed task. It’s no longer just a tool; it’s an extension of my preparedness, a constant companion that has earned its permanent place in my daily carry.
Also Read: Comparison of Festool Midi And CT26.
The Upsides: Why I’m Sold on the PowerPint
One of the most significant advantages of the PowerPint is its unbeatable size-to-utility ratio. At just 5 inches long when open and weighing a mere 4.2 ounces, it’s one of the most compact yet fully-featured multitools you can find.
This isn’t just about it being small; it’s about how that compact form factor integrates into your life. You can drop it in your pocket, attach it to a keychain, or stash it in a small pouch in your backpack, and you will genuinely forget it’s there until you need it.
For me, the best tool is the one you have with you, and the PowerPint’s portability ensures it’s always with me. Unlike its larger brethren that often get left behind in a car or on a workbench due to their bulk, this tool becomes a natural part of your everyday carry ensemble.
This incredible portability means you’re prepared for small emergencies and quick fixes without the penalty of carrying a heavy, cumbersome tool. It’s the epitome of being prepared without being burdened.
The second major pro is SOG’s proprietary Compound Leverage mechanism. This is not just a marketing gimmick; it’s a genuine feat of engineering that you can feel the moment you squeeze the pliers.
Essentially, the system uses multiple pivot points to double the gripping power compared to conventional plier designs. When you’re trying to grip a stripped nut or bend a stubborn piece of wire, that extra force is a game-changer.
I’ve used the PowerPint’s needle-nose pliers to tackle jobs I would have thought required a much larger tool. The force amplification makes tasks less strenuous and gives you a level of confidence in the tool that belies its small size.
You can feel the gears engaging, providing a smooth yet powerful closing action. This technology allows the PowerPint to punch well above its weight class, delivering performance you’d expect from a tool twice its size. It’s this feature, more than any other, that elevates the PowerPint from a simple pocket gadget to a serious, capable tool.
Finally, the thoughtful tool selection and accessibility are simply brilliant. With 18 tools packed into its small frame, the PowerPint is surprisingly well-equipped. You get the essentials: pliers, wire cutters, a plain-edge blade, a serrated blade, and multiple screwdrivers.
But it also includes useful extras like scissors, a file, a can opener, a bottle opener, and even an awl. What truly sets it apart, however, is that almost all the tools are accessible from the outside of the handles.
You don’t need to open the pliers to deploy the knife or the screwdriver. This makes one-handed operation for quick tasks incredibly fluid and efficient. Furthermore, the inclusion of a centered, magnetic 1/4” hex bit driver is a masterstroke.
It dramatically expands the tool’s functionality, allowing you to use any standard hex bit. This transforms the PowerPint from having just a couple of screwdrivers to having the potential to be a complete driver set, limited only by the bits you choose to carry with it.
The Downsides of SOG PowerPint
While I’ve come to rely on the PowerPint, it’s not without its flaws. No tool is perfect, and it’s important to acknowledge where this one falls a bit short.
- Ergonomics Can Be Pinchy The compact design, while a huge advantage for carry, can be a disadvantage during heavy use. The handles are small and can feel a bit cramped in larger hands. When you’re really bearing down and applying a lot of force with the pliers, the edges of the handles can dig into your palms. I’ve definitely felt a few “hot spots” develop during prolonged tasks. It’s not a deal-breaker for quick fixes, but if you’re planning on using the pliers for an extended period, you’ll wish for the more rounded, substantial handles of a larger multitool.
- The Pocket Clip Is Awkward I appreciate the inclusion of a pocket clip, but its placement and design feel like an afterthought. It’s positioned in a way that creates a bit of a snag point, and the tool doesn’t sit as deeply or securely in the pocket as I’d like. I found myself worrying it might fall out, which is why I often opt to carry it loose in my pocket or on a keychain instead. For a tool designed around portability, a more refined and secure pocket clip would have been a significant improvement.
- Some Tools Feel Undersized This is an inherent trade-off with a tool of this size, but it’s worth mentioning. The knife blades are quite small, suitable for opening packages or cutting cord, but not for more demanding tasks. The scissors are functional for snipping a thread or cutting paper, but they struggle with anything more substantial like thick zip ties or fabric. You have to remember that you’re carrying a miniature toolkit. While the pliers perform like a larger tool thanks to Compound Leverage, the other implements are very much scaled down to fit the frame.
Also Read: Alternatives To Festool MFT.
Maintenance and Tips: Keeping Your PowerPint in Top Shape
Your SOG PowerPint is a robust tool, but like any piece of quality equipment, a little bit of care will ensure it serves you reliably for years to come. Neglecting it can lead to rust, stiff pivots, and dull blades—all things that are easily avoidable.
Think of it less as a chore and more as a way of getting to know your tool on a deeper level. Regular maintenance is key to its longevity and peak performance. I’ve found that a simple routine keeps my PowerPint functioning as smoothly as the day I got it.
It only takes a few minutes every month or so, or more frequently if you’ve exposed it to harsh conditions like saltwater or heavy grime.
- The Cleaning Ritual
The first and most fundamental step is keeping it clean. Dirt, grit, and moisture are the enemies of any multitool. After a day of use, especially if it’s been exposed to dirt or debris, take a moment to wipe it down. For a more thorough cleaning, you’ll want to get into the nooks and crannies.
I use an old toothbrush and some warm, soapy water to gently scrub out any embedded grime from the joints and tool channels. Compressed air is also your best friend here; a quick blast can dislodge particles from hard-to-reach areas.
Make sure you rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. The most critical step after washing is to dry it completely. Water left in the pivots is a recipe for rust. I usually let it air dry in an open position for a few hours, but you can speed up the process with a hairdryer on a low setting or by using more compressed air to blow the water out. Don’t ever put it away wet.
- Lubrication is Life
Once your PowerPint is clean and bone-dry, it’s time for lubrication. This is what keeps the action smooth and prevents the joints from seizing up. You don’t need to go crazy here; a little goes a long way.
I recommend using a high-quality lubricant designed for knives or firearms. A light machine oil or even mineral oil can work in a pinch. Apply a single, small drop of oil to each pivot point—where the tools fold into the handle and where the plier jaws connect.
Open and close each tool and the main plier handles several times to work the lubricant deep into the joint. This will distribute the oil evenly and help push out any lingering moisture or microscopic debris.
Afterwards, take a clean, dry cloth and wipe off any excess oil from the surface of the tool. Excess oil will only attract more dirt and dust, which is counterproductive.
- Sharpening and Adjustments
Out of the box, the blades on the PowerPint are serviceably sharp, but with use, they will dull. Learning to sharpen them is a valuable skill. Because the blades are small, a large sharpening stone can be awkward.
I find that a small, fine-grit ceramic rod or a compact diamond sharpener works best. Maintain the factory angle as best you can and use light, consistent strokes. A few passes on each side is often all it takes to restore a keen edge.
As for the other tools, check the screws and pivots periodically. The PowerPint is held together by small Torx screws. Over time and with heavy use, these can sometimes loosen slightly. A small set of Torx drivers will allow you to gently tighten them as needed, keeping the tool feeling solid and preventing excessive play in the implements.
Just be careful not to overtighten them, as this can make the tools difficult to deploy.
How It Stacks Up: PowerPint Vs. The Competition
When you’re looking at compact multitools, a few key players always enter the conversation. The PowerPint doesn’t exist in a vacuum, so let’s see how it compares to some of the other giants in the pocket-sized category.
- SOG PowerPint Vs. Leatherman Squirt PS4
This is perhaps the most common comparison, as both are titans of the keychain-sized multitool world. The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is incredibly popular and for good reason. It’s even smaller and lighter than the PowerPint, making it the undisputed champion of minimalist carry.
However, that smaller size comes with a significant trade-off. The Squirt’s pliers are spring-loaded, which is a nice touch, but they lack the raw gripping power of the PowerPint’s Compound Leverage. When I need to actually turn a stubborn nut, I have far more confidence in the SOG.
Furthermore, the PowerPint offers a more robust toolset, including the incredibly useful magnetic hex bit driver, a feature the Squirt completely lacks. The Squirt is an amazing keychain companion for very light tasks, but the PowerPint feels like a scaled-down version of a full-sized tool, ready for more serious work.
- SOG PowerPint Vs. Leatherman Wingman
Moving up a step in size, we have the Leatherman Wingman.
The Wingman is a budget-friendly, medium-duty multitool.
It’s noticeably larger and heavier than the PowerPint, placing it in a different carry category.
The Wingman features larger, more substantial pliers and a much bigger primary knife blade, which are also accessible from the outside.
Its main advantage is its spring-loaded pliers and the full-sized scissors, which are far superior to the PowerPint’s smaller ones.
However, the PowerPint still holds its own with the Compound Leverage system, which helps its smaller pliers compete in gripping strength. The PowerPint is for the person who prioritizes pocket space above all else, while the Wingman is for someone who is willing to accommodate a bit more bulk for larger, more ergonomic primary tools.
- SOG PowerPint Vs. Gerber Dime
The Gerber Dime is another direct competitor in the micro-multitool space.
Like the Leatherman Squirt, the Dime is tiny, colorful, and very keychain-friendly.
Its unique feature is a dedicated retail package opener, which is surprisingly handy.
It’s also generally the most affordable of the bunch.
However, when you handle the Dime and the PowerPint side-by-side, the difference in build quality is immediately apparent. The PowerPint feels more solid and precisely engineered.
The tools on the Dime can feel a bit flimsy in comparison, and its small pliers don’t offer anywhere near the gripping force of the PowerPint.
The Dime is a fantastic value proposition for a “just-in-case” tool to throw in a bag, but if you anticipate needing to use your small multitool for more than the absolute lightest of tasks, the PowerPint is a significant step up in capability and durability.
Also Read: Comparison of Stihl Kombi Homeowner And Professional Multi-Task Tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The comparison depends heavily on the model. Against smaller Leatherman tools like the Squirt PS4, the PowerPint offers superior gripping strength with its Compound Leverage pliers and a more versatile toolset, including a bit driver, at the cost of being slightly larger. Compared to larger Leatherman tools like the Wave+ or Wingman, the PowerPint is significantly more compact and portable but has smaller, less robust individual tools (like the knife blades and scissors). SOG’s design philosophy often emphasizes mechanical advantage in their pliers, while Leatherman is renowned for its overall build quality and refined ergonomics.
While SOG (Studies and Observations Group) is a U.S.-based company headquartered in Washington, the PowerPint model, like many of their multitools and knives, is manufactured in China. This is a common practice in the industry to keep the product at an accessible price point.
Yes, SOG multitools are generally considered to be very good. They are known for their innovative features, particularly the Compound Leverage technology which provides users with enhanced plier strength. They offer a wide range of models to suit different needs and budgets and are praised for their durable construction and thoughtful designs. While individual preferences vary, SOG is a reputable and respected brand in the multitool community.
Yes, the SOG PowerPint is covered by SOG’s limited lifetime warranty. This warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials for the original owner. If the tool fails due to a manufacturing defect, SOG will repair or replace it. It’s important to note that the warranty does not cover damage due to misuse, abuse, or normal wear and tear like rust or dulling of the blades.
Wrapping Up
After countless situations where it has saved the day, the SOG PowerPint has earned its place as my essential everyday carry. It strikes an incredible balance, offering the capability of a much larger tool in a package you’ll barely notice you’re carrying. It’s a testament to smart design and a force multiplier in your pocket.
If you’re looking for a compact multitool that doesn’t compromise on power and is ready for whatever your day throws at you, I can’t recommend the SOG PowerPint enough. It’s a small investment for a massive amount of preparedness.