A SOG PR rep emailed in, asking if I would be interested in taking their new SwitchPlier 2.0 quick-action multi-tool for a spin (model SWP1001-CP). Having reviewed the Gerber Flik and liking it, and absolutely loving the Leatherman OHT multi-tool, I couldn’t say YES fast enough.
I’m always eager to check out new tools and equipment, but I have a soft spot for multi-tools. It takes a lot of clever and careful engineering to make a high quality multi-tool that’s functional, user-friendly, and distinct from all the other multi-tools on the market.
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The SOG SwitchPlier 2.0 multi-tool is built around fast-opening pliers that deploy with the push of a button. It also features many of the other tools and functions normally found in multi-tools.
- One-handed access to pliers
- Combination needlenose and general purpose pliers jaws
- Individually locking components
- Wire cutters
- Partially serrated knife blade (420 stainless steel)
- 3-sided file
- Phillips screwdriver
- Slotted screwdriver
- Awl
- Combination can opener, bottle opener, small slotted screwdriver
- Ruler scales
- Pocket clip
The tool folds down into a reasonably compact package.
Here’s a quick SOG promo video:
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MSRP: $64
Street Price: $50
Week 1 First Impressions
So what do I think of it? Well… my Week 1 testing didn’t go as nicely as I had hoped. Maybe I walked into the review with high expectations, maybe I need more time to get used to the design.
The pliers open very quickly and nicely. Closing them isn’t quite as quick, but it’s effortless most of the time. Remember, spring-loaded deployment means that a little more work is involved in closing the pliers and resetting the tool. I pinched the skin on my left palm one time, but it was minor almost to the point of not mentioning it.
All of the tools, aside from the pliers, are only accessible once you open the tool by deploying the pliers. They can all be locked into place.
The tools also tend to open up into a clump. The knife blade and file are relatively easy to isolate, but the same cannot be said about the smaller tools between them. I haven’t figured out an easy way to get them out individually yet. The only way I can access any of them is by using my nail to pry forward the somewhat sharp tip of the small screwdriver at the top of the combination can and bottle opener.
And when I do get the tool clump out of the handle, the sharpened awl springs out and pokes me in the back of my finger, right behind the cuticle. It gets me at an angle just right to where it doesn’t break the skin or draw blood, but stings with a surprise. This happens almost every time I try to retrieve any of the smaller tools. Some of the smaller tools have nail nicks, but none that I can access.
Maybe the instructions have some tips about how to access the smaller internal tools. What’s that? There aren’t any instructions. The basic usage diagrams are printed on the retail box. I typically don’t have to refer to multi-tool instruction sheets, except when there’s a unique feature or hidden function I want to access.
The SwitchPlier 2.0 has some very nice features, and I think a lot of users will love how quickly the pliers can be deployed switchblade-style. The knife is easily accessible, and the file too. I might try removing the factory-applied oil lubrication and reapplying lube just at the pivot to see if that helps with the tool clumping issue.
If I had purchased this multi-tool, I would be on the fence about whether to keep or return it. On one hand, the pliers are amazing, and I’m not talking about how they open – I’m talking about the shape and quality of the jaws. On the other hand, the internal tools aren’t as user-friendly as I would like.
I remind myself that this is the SOG SwitchPlier 2.0. The pliers are the focus here, and it shows.
So the question is this – are the pliers fantastic enough to balance out the initial problems I am having with the inner tools? I think so. If you want fast one-handed-opening pliers in a very compact package, and don’t plan to use the inner tools often, you might really like this multi-tool. If you want a more balanced tool, buy a Leatherman OHT instead.
While I do prefer the pliers on my OHT, I find the SwitchPlier 2.0’s smaller footprint to be a point for SOG.
I’ll spend some more time with the SOG SwitchPlier 2.0 to see if I ease into it a little better. It’s certainly not a bad tool, and isn’t any harder to use than many other multi-tools currently on the market. I’m just having a tough time, as I normally take to a new multi-tool a lot quicker and easier. This isn’t any normal multi-tool, though, which works both for and against the tool.
What do you think? Yay or Nay for a multi-tool that focuses on switchblade-style deployment mechanism?
Thank you to SOG for providing the test sample unconditionally.
tim
Does it have the same compound leverage action as the powerlock?
Joseph
Nay! Inconvenient access to the cutty piece. At least half the time I remove my multi tool from the holster, it is for a blade, this makes that look like extra steps and extra hands. My Leatherman Wave, I have access to two blades and pliers before I have to apply a second hand. (Or perhaps my Wave is a little too well broken in.)
Todd F Mayson
How have you found the pocket clip, is it a deep carry? Does it catch and open when you remove it from your pocket?
Eric
I just received mine, about 5/8 of an inch sticks out from the top of my pocket. It’s very smooth coming in and out of my pocket. I’ve only carried it for a couple of hours but it isn’t super noticeable in place of a decent sized knife. It is thicker, but it’s not bad. I don’t see it opening on it’s own, the release button is pretty stiff, maybe a little to stiff, I’m hoping it will break it and get easier to open.
Eric
How is the fit in a front pocket? If I can switch out the file with the wire strippers from the power lock then I’ll be all over this.
Andrew
I think you hit the nail on the head. It’s a set of pliers first, multi-tool second. That, and it comes in a compact package.
Much like the skeletool is a knife first, and multitool second.
I’m all about pocket knives first, so this wouldn’t be my go to choice, but in reading other forums I have seen people that consider pliers their main implement in a multi-tool. So it has a market, but it wouldn’t be for me.
Jim Felt
Stuart.
I love new toys in any field that interests me but I’m NOT going to spend much time learning the idiosyncracies of a tool that has lots of easier to use (and understand) competitors.
Friendliness is a very big deal with my tool usage decisions.
And why not???
Toolfreak
I’m glad there is some real competition in the multi-tool space, but I really don’t care for SOG products that much. I bought one of their Twitch II folding knives, and the dang thing cut me so often opening and closing it I had to get rid of it. It was great that it was super sharp, not so great that it required you to be real careful with it and only open and close it while looking at the thing to be sure you weren’t going to get a nasty cut. This tool sounds like it has similar flaws, stuff that was overlooked or just ignored in favor of cosmetics. Too much “tactical” looks and not enough tactical function for me.
I’ll stick with Made-in-USA Leatherman stuff with the 25-year warranty. Some of the tools are hard to get out of the handle, too. But at least none of them have cut me yet!
Scott Stover
What about the zillatool from CRKT? I have been using one for 2.5 years now. It is far from perfect but I love it. One haned knife or pliers. 1/4 inch hex bit holder is so rare. Why? So useful. So versitile. Everything you need, nothing you don’t. Especially for a remodeler like myself, using drills all day.
Cody Tyree
Tried to cut a #14 awg stranded thhn ground wire and the ring that keeps the pliers from opening further broke at the cut out part, which now blocks me from closing the pliers. Pretty weak design seeing how I finished cutting the rest of that wire with a cheap dollar store pair of scissors. I contacted Sog and they are going to look into the issue after I pay to ship the pliers back to them.
andy h
Have used mine for a week. Absolutely love it. Have an original in my collection. This is stronger construction and easier to use. Switched out two tools for the v cutter and 1/4 inch driver and bit set. It’s a light to medium duty tool so keeping that in mind. It has performed wonderfully. Not saying people won’t have issues with it. I still love my Leatherman tools so I guess the switch plier will be the new neighbor on the block..
Handon
Where can I source those two individual tools to switch out if I were goingto do the same?