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SOG PowerPint Multi-Tool Review: Right for Our Shop?
Ever had a clamp slip mid-glue-up, a hinge screw start to cam out, or a tiny splinter turn into a full stop because teh “right tool” is buried across the shop? In woodworking, precision adn momentum matter—and so dose having a compact fix-it option when space is tight and the project can’t wait.
that’s were the SOG PowerPint Mini Compact Stainless Steel Multi-Tool aims to fit in. It’s a 3.2-inch closed, 4.2-ounce pocket multi-tool built around SOG’s Compound Leverage pliers for stronger, smoother gripping. It packs 18 tools, including needle-nose pliers, wire cutters/crimper, awl, file, scissors, inch/mm rules, a bevel gauge, two 5Cr15MoV blades, and a magnetic 1/4″ hex bit holder—all in a stone-wash finish.
In this review, we’ll look at the tool’s features, build quality, and real-world workshop usefulness—plus what customers commonly report about durability, ease of use, and the learning curve of a mini multi-tool layout. We’ve spent years around benches and jobsite punch lists, so we’ll keep it practical, budget-aware, and accuracy-focused.
First Impressions and Build Quality in the Shop
In the shop, our first impression of the SOG PowerPint is that it’s genuinely “mini” without feeling like a toy. At 5″ long and just 4.2 oz (about 3.2″ closed), it disappears in an apron pocket or can live on the tool bench without becoming clutter—several reviewers describe it as “roughly two Bic lighters” in footprint. The stone-wash stainless steel finish reads as practical for a woodworking habitat where glue squeeze-out, dust, and sweaty hands are normal, and the overall construction feels tight for something that aims at everyday carry. We also notice right away that most tools are outside-accessible (pliers excluded), which matters when we’re holding a workpiece in one hand and just need fast access to an awl, blade, or file rather than unfolding a whole multi-tool like a camp gadget.
Build-quality-wise, the highlight is the plier mechanism: SOG’s Compound Leverage gives a smoother, more powerful squeeze than we expect from a compact tool, and review themes consistently praise the pliers as the star—“tight enough to pull a single hair,” “rounded grips,” and even “tough enough to pull staples from wood.” In a woodworking context, that translates to grabbing brad heads, pulling stubborn staples from reclaimed stock, holding a small nut while we tighten hardware, or crimping a connector on a shop light cord in a pinch. A fair number of customers also mention a gritty break-in period, tools that can stick together, and a lock that “takes time to get used to,” so we’d treat it like a new plane iron: a little oil, a little cycling, and it improves. On the downside, reviewers repeatedly call out the 5Cr15MoV knife steel as “not very wear resistant” and “does not hold an edge,” plus there’s no saw—so we’d keep our expectations focused on light-to-medium duty utility cuts (string, veneer edge cleanup, cardboard, tape) rather than asking it to replace a dedicated shop knife or flush-cut saw. One more practical note: the tool has a magnetic hex bit holder that reviewers love, but multiple people point out it doesn’t come with bits, so it’s only “ready” if we already have a bit kit or plan to add one.
- Included accessories / tools (18 total): needle nose pliers, bolt gripper, soft wire cutter, wire crimper, straight-edge blade (5Cr15MoV), serrated blade (5Cr15MoV), scissors, awl, file, can opener, bottle opener, hook cutter, jewelry driver, #1 Phillips, magnetic hex bit holder, bevel gauge, inch rule, mm rule
- Compatible attachments/accessories: standard 1/4″ hex bits (user-supplied), small EDC bit kits, light oil for pivots, fine stone/strop for touching up the blades
- Ideal project types: cabinet hardware installs, flat-pack/knockdown furniture tweaks, on-site trim touch-ups, reclaimed lumber cleanup (staple pulling), jig adjustments at the bench, quick layout checks with the built-in rules
- Wood types tested by customers: not specified in customer reviews (reports focus on staples in wood, general shop/EDC tasks)
| Spec / Feature | SOG PowerPint (Stone Wash) | What it means in a woodworking shop |
|---|---|---|
| Length / weight | 5″ 3.2″ closed, 4.2 oz | Easy to keep on-body for quick fixes without feeling like a belt tool pouch |
| Pliers mechanism | Compound Leverage | More grip for pulling staples/brads and holding small hardware; reviewers call pliers the standout |
| Blade steel | 5Cr15MoV (straight + serrated) | Fine for utility cuts, but reviewers often report weaker edge retention—plan to sharpen |
| Bit driving | Magnetic hex bit holder (bits not included) | Convenient for hinge and hardware screws if you already own 1/4″ bits |
| Accessory / Bit Type | Fits? | Shop Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits | Yes (user-supplied) | Hinges, drawer pulls, machine screws on jigs, quick adjustments |
| Common EDC bit sets | Yes (varies by kit) | Keep a Phillips/flat/Torx selection in an apron or toolbox |
| Saw blade attachments | No (not included; reviewers wish it had a saw) | Not a substitute for a flush-cut saw or pull saw |
| Task Capacity | Recommended (Realistic) | What reviews suggest happens |
|---|---|---|
| staple/brad pulling | Light to medium fasteners in wood | Multiple reviewers report success pulling staples; pliers praised for tight jaws |
| Screwdriving | Light/moderate torque with proper bits | Bit holder praised; the built-in Phillips is described by some as more prone to slipping/stripping |
| Knife work | Utility cuts, not fine carving | Several reviewers say blades arrive only “okay” sharp and don’t hold an edge long—easy to resharpen |
See Full Specifications & Customer Photos
Key Features Woodworkers Will Appreciate on the Bench and Jobsite
On the bench, the SOG PowerPint earns its keep because it packs real utility into a size we’ll actually keep within reach. At just 4.2 oz, about 5″ long open and 3.2″ closed, it’s the kind of multi-tool we can clip in an apron pocket and forget about until a “where’s that little…” moment hits—tightening a loose hinge screw, pulling a stubborn brad, or deburring an edge after hardware fitting. The standout feature is SOG’s Compound Leverage, which reviews consistently praise for being smooth to deploy and offering strong gripping power for a mini tool; several customers call the pliers the “highlight,” noting the jaws mate tightly and even work for pulling staples from wood.From a woodworking perspective, that leverage matters most when we’re doing light-to-medium duty tasks like holding small fasteners, crimping a connector for a task light, or nipping soft wire; the included awl can also be handy for starting pilot points in softwood, marking hardware holes, or clearing glue out of a tight corner (just remember: it’s still not a substitute for a proper scratch awl or drill bit when accuracy counts).
On the jobsite, we appreciate that the PowerPint’s tools are largely outside accessible (reviews call out “way easier to deploy” and a strong tool layout), which is valuable when we’re on a ladder or holding trim in place. We also like seeing measurement features built right in: it includes an inch rule and mm rule, and one long-term reviewer singled out the measuring tools as “invaluable” for quick checks—think confirming a reveal, double-checking a hinge setback, or matching a screw length at the hardware cart.Having mentioned that, customer themes are consistent on limits woodworkers shoudl know: it’s not as heavy-duty as a full-size Leatherman, there’s no saw (a common wish), and the blades (noted as 5Cr15MoV stainless) frequently enough arrive not very sharp and may have weaker edge retention—fine for packaging, veneer tape, or cordage, but we’ll still want a shop knife for clean joinery lines. Another practical note: while the tool includes a magnetic 1/4″ hex bit holder, reviews emphasize it doesn’t come with bits, so we’ll want to supply our own—and treat the smaller drivers as light-duty as at least one customer reported bending a small flathead with moderate force.
- Serrated blade
- Straight-edge blade (5Cr15MoV stainless)
- Needle nose pliers + bolt gripper
- Soft wire cutter + wire crimper
- Magnetic 1/4″ hex bit holder
- #1 Phillips + jewelry driver
- Awl, file, scissors
- inch rule + mm rule
- Bevel gauge
- Hook cutter
- Can opener + bottle opener
- 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits (philips, slotted, Torx, square/Robertson)
- Short bit extensions (helps reach recessed cabinet hardware)
- Compact bit organizers (since bits are not included)
- Cabinet/install punch-list fixes (loose pulls, hinge tweaks, quick measurements)
- Shop maintenance (pulling staples/brads, trimming cord/strap, deburring)
- Hardware fitting (holding tiny screws, light crimping, quick layout checks)
- Pine and softwoods (awl starts and quick marks are most practical)
- Hardwoods (best for marking/cleanup, not for heavy prying or cutting)
| Spec / Feature | SOG PowerPint (per listing) | What It Means for Us in the Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Tool count | 18 tools | Enough coverage for small fixes without hauling a full kit. |
| Weight | 4.2 oz | Agreeable for apron/EDC; more likely to be on-hand when needed. |
| Size | 3.2″ closed, ~5″ long | Fits pockets; good for jobsite punch lists and bench-side convenience. |
| Pliers mechanism | Compound Leverage | More grip for its size; reviewers highlight smooth action and strong pliers. |
| Bit driver | Magnetic 1/4″ hex holder (no bits included) | Bring your own bits; great for quick hardware turns, not heavy torque. |
| Blade steel | 5Cr15MoV stainless | Rust resistant, easy to sharpen; reviewers note edge retention can be limited. |
| Accessory / Bit Type | Fits the Tool? | Woodworking use |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ hex Phillips bits | Yes | Hinges, pulls, outlet covers, jig adjustments. |
| 1/4″ hex slotted bits | Yes | Vintage hardware, machine screws, quick tweaks. |
| Torx bits | Yes | Many modern cabinet and jobsite fasteners. |
| Square/Robertson bits | Yes | Pocket-hole screws and shop jigs (bring short bits for clearance). |
| Task Category | Recommended Use | What Reviews Suggest in Real Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pliers work | Light–medium duty | Commonly praised; staple pulling and fine gripping mentioned. |
| Screwdriving | Light torque | Bit holder liked, but bits not included; some drivers can flex if pushed. |
| Cutting (knife) | Utility cuts | Often needs sharpening; edge retention is a frequent complaint. |
| Wood cutting | Not intended | No saw included; better to treat it as a fixer, not a joinery tool. |
See Full Specifications & Customer Photos
Real World Performance for Quick Layout Tweaks and Light Cutting Tasks
In our shop, the SOG PowerPint earns its keep as a “grab-and-go” helper for layout tweaks and quick cutting where walking back to the main bench tools feels like overkill. At only 4.2 oz and about 5″ long (with a 3.2″ closed carry size), it’s the kind of multi-tool we’ll actually keep in an apron pocket while we’re fitting drawer runners or dialing in a hinge reveal. For woodworking, the most practical pieces are the awl for starting screw holes in hardwood, the file for knocking down a sharp corner on a small part, and the inch/mm rulers for a fast sanity check on offsets when we don’t need machinist-level precision. The 5Cr15MoV straight and serrated blades are useful for trimming veneer edging,scoring painter’s tape lines,or opening finish supplies,but customer reviews consistently note the knife steel is “adequate” and doesn’t hold an edge well—fine for light cutting,not a replacement for a dedicated marking knife or chisel. Reviewers also repeatedly praise the Compound Leverage pliers as the highlight: “tight enough to pull a single hair,” smooth to deploy, and even handy for pulling staples from wood, which matches how we’d realistically use pliers at the bench.
Where the PowerPint feels most “real world” is in the small adjustments that happen mid-assembly—tightening a loose knob, snagging a brad, or making a quick corrective tweak without breaking workflow. Customer feedback aligns on a few key realities: it’s compact, easy to carry, with a good tool layout and outside-accessible tools (pliers aside), but it’s also light-to-medium duty rather than “break free a stuck lag screw” duty. Several reviewers mention a gritty break-in period and that the lock mechanism takes getting used to; we’d treat it like any new shop tool—work it open/closed, add a drop of oil, and keep sawdust out of the pivots. The magnetic 1/4″ hex bit holder can be genuinely helpful for quick hardware tweaks,but customers repeatedly point out it doesn’t include bits,so we’d plan on pairing it with our own short Phillips/flat bits for cabinet hardware. Also worth noting from reviews: some tools can be hard to extract until you learn the “pull the neighboring tool first” trick,and a few users saw light surface rust spots,so wiping it down after sweaty pocket carry or a humid shop day is smart. for woodworkers at any skill level, it fits best as a compact bench-side companion for quick layout checks, light trimming, and hardware adjustments—not as a primary cutting tool.
- Included accessories (built-in tools): needle-nose pliers, bolt gripper, soft wire cutter, wire crimper, straight-edge blade, serrated blade, awl, file, scissors, hook cutter, can opener, bottle opener, magnetic 1/4″ hex bit holder, #1 Phillips, jewelry driver, inch rule, mm rule, bevel gauge
- Compatible attachments/accessories: standard 1/4″ hex bits (not included), compact bit sets, small lanyard/keyring carry accessories
- Ideal project types: cabinet hardware installs, drawer/door fit-ups, flat-pack touch-ups, jobsite punch-list tasks, quick trim/marking corrections
- wood types tested by customers: not specified in reviews (wood use mentioned includes pulling staples from wood)
| spec / Feature | SOG PowerPint (per listing) | What it means in a woodworking context |
|---|---|---|
| Tool count | 18 tools | Useful coverage for small fixes; not a substitute for dedicated bench tools |
| Weight | 4.2 oz | Comfortable for apron/pocket carry during assembly and installation |
| Size | 3.2″ closed, about 5″ long | Fits tight spaces; smaller grips can limit torque for stubborn fasteners |
| Pliers mechanism | Compound leverage | Better grip/cutting force for small pull/cinch tasks (staples, brads, wire) |
| Blade steel | 5Cr15MoV (straight + serrated) | Easy to sharpen; customers report edge retention is modest for shop use |
| Bit interface | Magnetic 1/4″ hex bit holder (bits not included) | Bring your own bits for hinge screws, pulls, and quick adjustments |
| Accessory / Bit Type | Fit | Workshop use |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ hex Phillips bits | Yes | Quick cabinet hardware tweaks; keep torque modest to avoid cam-out |
| 1/4″ hex slotted bits | Yes | Old-school hardware, outlet covers, and light-duty adjustments |
| 1/4″ hex Torx bits | Yes | Some Euro hinges and modern screws; helpful on installs |
| Extended-length bits | Yes (varies) | Reaching recessed screws—watch clearance and leverage |
| Task | Recommended use | “Actual” capacity based on review themes |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | Packaging, tape, veneer edging, light utility cuts | Good, but customers say the blade often needs sharpening and edge retention is limited |
| Pliers gripping/pulling | staples, small brads, holding nuts, bending light wire | Very good; pliers are widely described as the standout feature |
| Screwdriving | Quick adjustments using your own 1/4″ bits | Useful (bit holder praised), but no bits included; built-in drivers are light-duty |
| Precision layout | Quick checks and rough transfers | Helpful for fast reference; not a replacement for dedicated layout tools |
See Full Specifications & Customer Photos
Ease of Use for Beginners and Experienced Woodworkers in Tight Spaces
In a cramped shop—or when we’re squeezed behind a cabinet to tweak a hinge—this mini multi-tool is genuinely beginner-friendly as there’s almost no “setup” to get wrong. At just 3.2 inches closed and 4.2 oz (about “roughly two Bic lighters,” as one reviewer puts it), the SOG powerpint is easy for us to keep in an apron pocket and grab with one hand. The compound Leverage pliers are the star for tight-space woodworking fixes: they give us more gripping force without needing gorilla hands, and multiple reviewers mention the pliers deploy smoothly, feel ergonomic, and are “way easier to deploy” than some alternatives. For beginners, that matters—less fumbling means fewer slips when we’re pinching a brad, crimping a ferrule, or pulling a stubborn staple from a jig. The learning curve is mostly about the lock/unlock feel; customers note the lock mechanism takes time to get used to, and a few mention an initially gritty action that improves after break-in (a light oiling helps).
For experienced woodworkers working in tight spots, we appreciate that most tools are outside accessible (pliers aside), and the included magnetic 1/4-inch hex bit holder can be clutch for on-the-fly adjustments—though a key review theme is that it doesn’t come with bits, so we’ll want to add our own phillips/flat bits for shop use. It’s also important to treat it as a light-to-medium duty helper, not a substitute for dedicated hand tools: several reviewers say it’s “not as heavy duty as a leatherman,” and some report the knife steel doesn’t hold an edge well and that a small flat driver can bend under moderate force. Still, for woodworking layout and quick corrections, the tool mix is surprisingly relevant—having an awl for starting pilot points, a file for knocking down a sharp edge on hardware, and mm/inch rules for fast checks can keep us moving without trekking back to the bench. Our best safety tip in tight spaces: fully open and lock the tool before applying torque, as one reviewer notes you can’t “half-open” the pliers like some multitools, meaning your grip can end up on the frame if you rush.
See Full Specifications & Customer Photos
Customer Reviews Analysis
What Woodworkers Are Saying (Based on Review Analysis)
1. Overall sentiment from woodworking customers
sentiment skews strongly positive among maker/DIY-style users (including reviewers who make knives and work with wood). Multiple reviews highlight that the PowerPint hits a “sweet spot” for compact carry, quick fixes, and medium-duty tasks—especially when a full-size multi-tool is overkill. Several woodworkers mentioned it didn’t replace heavy-duty tools (e.g., larger Leatherman models), but it did become the one they carry most because it’s easy to deploy and genuinely handy.
2. Performance feedback (accuracy,power,results)
Common praise includes strong functional performance for its size—especially the pliers and small hand-tool tasks woodworkers run into at the bench or on installs.
- Pliers performance stands out: Multiple reviews highlight tight jaw mating and good control—one user noted the jaws align tightly enough to “pull a single hair,” and another mentioned they’re strong enough for tasks like pulling staples from wood.
- Under-load expectations are realistic: Several woodworkers mentioned it’s not as heavy duty as larger multi-tools; it’s described as best for light-to-medium duty rather than high-torque cranking.
- Knife/blade results are mixed: Some users reported the blade steel doesn’t hold an edge well (“does not hold an edge at all”), though it’s “easy to sharpen.” Another review saeid the knife “didn’t come that sharp” but was fixable with sharpening.
3. Build quality and durability observations
Most reviewers describe the stainless build as solid and durable, especially given the compact size and price.
- Multiple reviews highlight a tough feel,good fit for everyday carry,and “rust resistant” expectations.
- However, some users reported challenges with longevity details:
- Light surface rust spots developing over time in at least one long-term (near 1-year) carry report.
- A small flathead bending under moderate force,reinforcing that it’s not meant for heavy prying.
- Early “gritty” or stiff action during break-in and occasional tool “sticking,” which improved with use and oiling.
4. Ease of use for different skill levels
Feedback is largely favorable for beginners and everyday DIYers, with a few “learn the quirks” notes.
- Beginners/DIYers appreciated the easy carry and generally straightforward access to tools—several mentioned the layout and deployment are “way easier” than some competitors.
- Some users reported challenges with the lock mechanism and tool extraction early on:
- “Lock mechanism takes time to get used to”
- Some tools can be hard to pull out until you learn a workaround (one user said pulling the adjacent tool helps start it).
- Ergonomics are frequently enough praised, though one practical limitation appears: you can’t half-open the pliers like some Leatherman designs, so you may end up gripping the square frame when using internal tools.
5. Common project types and success stories (woodworking context)
While most reviews aren’t strictly “woodworking project diaries,” several real shop-relevant use cases show up:
- Customers successfully used this for pulling staples from wood (a common task during upholstery removal, reclaimed lumber prep, and shop cleanup).
- Everyday bench/onsite adjust-and-fix tasks: Reviewers repeatedly describe it as ideal for “quick, convenient stuff” and small tasks where you need pliers, a file, an awl, or scissors without walking back to the toolbox.
- Some users call out the awl, file, pliers, and scissors as the tools that keep it in rotation—these are frequently useful for layout tweaks, deburring, scraping/cleaning small areas, and odd jobs during assembly.
6. Issues or limitations reported
Several consistent limitations show up across reviews—critically important for woodworkers deciding if this belongs in the apron pocket or the main tool chest.
- No saw: One reviewer explicitly wished it had a saw—relevant for woodworkers who expect a multi-tool to handle quick trim cuts or notches.
- Blade steel / edge retention: Multiple comments indicate the knife edge retention is weak; it may need frequent touch-ups.
- Driver limitations:
- The Phillips driver was criticized by one user as likely to strip rather than turn (though they still used it a few times).
- The bit driver is appreciated by others, but bits aren’t included, meaning you may need to source your own common Phillips/flat bits.
- Not heavy-pry capable: Small flathead bending + “light to moderate duty” framing suggests it’s not for aggressive prying, stubborn screws, or high-torque hardware.
- Break-in period: Some “gritty action,” sticking tools, and a lock learning curve were reported early; oiling and use improved feel.
Quick Category Summary
| Aspect | Common Feedback |
|---|---|
| Performance | Pliers are repeatedly praised; best for light–medium duty shop/onsite fixes. Knife edge retention is a common weakness. |
| Precision | Pliers jaw alignment gets strong marks; useful for controlled grabbing/pulling (e.g., staples). |
| Durability | Generally “tough for the size,” but some report surface rust and a small flathead bending under force. |
| Ease of Use | Tool layout/ergonomics are praised; some learning curve with lock and occasional sticky tools during break-in. |
| Versatility | Good everyday selection (pliers/awl/file/scissors). Missing saw; bit driver liked but bits not included. |
| Value | Multiple reviews highlight strong value vs. premium brands—often described as an easy “pocket carry” win. |
If you want,I can rewrite this section in a more “shop-talk” voice (more like a woodworking blog),or tighten it into a shorter product-page snippet format.
pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
In our shop, a multi-tool earns its keep by doing the “little fixes” fast—snipping, gripping, tightening, opening, measuring—without turning our pockets into a tool drawer. The SOG powerpint plays that role well,with a few trade-offs that are worth knowing before we toss it into our daily rotation.
Pros
- Big bite in a small frame: At about 3.2″ closed and 4.2 oz, it’s genuinely pocket-friendly while still feeling “real” in hand.
- Compound leverage feels like a cheat code: The pliers action is smooth, and the extra mechanical advantage helps us grip, twist, and cut with less effort than we expect from a mini tool.
- 18 tools that aren’t just filler: Between pliers,cutters,crimper,scissors,file,awl,openers,rulers,and more,it covers a surprising range of quick tasks around the bench and house.
- Magnetic hex bit holder adds flexibility: The magnetic holder makes it easy to swap in common bits,which is often faster than hunting for the “exact” built-in driver.
- Two blade options: Having both a straight edge and serrated blade gives us better odds of picking the right cutter for rope, packaging, or rough material.
- Stone-wash finish hides the hard knocks: It looks less precious, which suits a tool we plan to actually use.
Cons
- mini-tool ergonomics are still mini-tool ergonomics: Under heavy squeezing or extended use, a compact handle can feel less comfortable than a full-size multi-tool.
- not a replacement for dedicated shop tools: The PowerPint is excellent for quick fixes, but it’s not our go-to for repeated cutting, serious crimping, or high-torque jobs.
- Bit-dependent versatility: The magnetic bit holder is a win, but it also means some “best case” screwdriver performance depends on us carrying the right bits.
- Blade steel is practical, not premium: The 5Cr15MoV blades should be easy to maintain, but we wouldn’t expect boutique edge retention compared to higher-end steels.
- Tool density can mean tool fiddling: Packing 18 functions into a small body can make certain implements feel small or require a bit more attention to deploy cleanly.
| Best For (In Our Shop) | Where We’d Reach for Something Else |
|---|---|
| Quick grips, bends, and pulls with the pliers | All-day plier work or high-comfort tasks |
| Daily carry fixes: packages, tags, light cord | Repeated heavy cutting (dedicated knife wins) |
| Fast screwdriver moments with the magnetic bit holder | High-torque driving (proper driver wins) |
| “One tool in the pocket” for errands, truck, or toolbox | Precision or production work where dedicated tools shine |
Our takeaway: The SOG PowerPint feels like the multi-tool we keep close for the small stuff that happens all day—especially when pliers power matters—but we still treat it as a lightweight utility partner, not the foreman of the entire shop.
Q&A
What woodworking tasks is the SOG PowerPint actually good for?
Think “shop companion,” not a substitute for dedicated woodworking tools. The PowerPint shines for small, frequent tasks: pulling staples/brads, bending small hardware, tightening loose screws on jigs, quick layout checks with the inch/mm rulers, scribing with the awl, light trimming with the blades, and minor cleanup with the file. Reviews commonly praise the pliers and overall utility for quick fixes, but also note it’s a light-to-medium duty tool rather than a heavy-duty “do everything” multitool.
Is it powerful enough for hardwoods like oak or maple?
For wood itself, the blades can cut/score hardwood for small tasks (opening packages of stock, trimming shims, light whittling), but it’s not meant for heavy carving or repeated hardwood cutting—several reviewers mention the 5Cr15MoV blades are easy to sharpen but don’t hold an edge especially long. Where it does handle “hardwood situations” well is hardware in hardwood: the Compound Leverage pliers provide noticeably strong grip for pulling staples, pin nails, or gripping stubborn parts embedded in dense wood (a use case specifically mentioned by a reviewer).
How does it perform on plywood and veneers without tearing them up?
The straight-edge blade and awl can work for careful scoring and marking, but expect typical multitool-knife limitations: out of the box sharpness might potentially be only “okay” (a common review theme), so clean veneer scoring frequently enough improves a lot after you touch up the edge. For tear-out-prone work (veneer, prefinished ply), use light pressure and multiple passes—this is more of a utility knife substitute in a pinch than a precision veneer knife.
Does it work with standard accessories (bits), and does it come with any?
It includes a magnetic 1/4″ hex bit holder, so it’s designed to use common 1/4″ driver bits. Though, multiple reviewers note that bits are not included, so plan to supply your own Phillips/flat bits (or keep a small bit kit in the shop apron). The magnet helps retain bits,and one reviewer specifically called the bit holder “excellent,” but also mentioned sourcing bits separately.
How tough is the initial “setup” and learning curve?
There’s no real setup—this is a pocket tool—but there is a short break-in/learning curve. Reviews mention the lock mechanism can take time to get used to, some tools can be challenging to extract at first, and the action can feel “gritty” during the first week. Practical tip from user experience: a small amount of oil and repeated open/close cycles helps it break in and deploy more smoothly.
Will this fit into a small workshop workflow (apron, pocket, tool bench)?
Yes—this is one of its biggest strengths for woodworkers who hate leaving the bench to hunt for a tool. It’s 3.2″ closed and about 4.2 oz, so it disappears into an apron pocket, jeans pocket, or a small drawer. Reviewers frequently highlight the compact size (one compared it to “roughly two Bic lighters”) and that it carries easily while still being useful at the bench.
What maintenance should a woodworker expect (dust, rust, blade care)?
Basic multitool care matters in a wood shop: blow/brush out sawdust from pivots, lightly oil moving joints, and keep the cutting edges sharpened. Several reviews note the blades don’t have great edge retention, so plan on more frequent touch-ups if you use them on abrasive materials (plywood glue lines, shop cleanup tasks). While it’s stainless, one long-term daily-carry reviewer reported developing light surface rust spots, so wiping it down after sweaty pocket carry or a humid shop day is a good habit.
Is it worth it compared to cheaper mini multitools or a Leatherman-style alternative?
Value is one of the PowerPint’s strongest arguments: you’re getting 18 tools plus SOG’s Compound Leverage pliers in a very compact package. Review feedback commonly praises the ergonomics/tool layout and ease of deployment versus similarly sized options, and some users say it compares directly with tools like the Leatherman Juice for everyday convenience. the honest tradeoffs: it’s not as heavy-duty as larger Leatherman models, the blade steel is described as “adequate” rather than premium, and you may need to supply your own bits.If you want maximum durability for constant professional abuse, a larger/heavier model may fit better—but for quick bench fixes and shop carry, it’s hard to beat for the size and cost.
Transform Your World
The SOG PowerPint Mini Compact Stainless steel Multi-Tool (stone wash) packs 18 functions into a 3.2″ closed, 5″ open, 4.2 oz body, highlighted by SOG’s Compound Leverage pliers, a magnetic 1/4″ hex bit holder, two 5Cr15MoV blades (straight and serrated), awl, file, scissors, and inch/mm rulers. Customer feedback commonly praises its easy carry, smart tool selection, strong pliers, and value, while noting average edge retention, a break-in period/gritty action, and a few light-duty tools (like the small driver) that can flex under heavy force.
Best for: hobby woodworkers with small to medium projects, cabinet makers needing quick layout/marking checks, and beginners who want a pocketable “bench helper” for adjustments and fixes.
Consider alternatives if: you need a saw, expect production-level durability, or rely on a multitool knife for sustained hardwood cutting.
Final assessment: The PowerPint is a solid compact option for shop touch-ups and everyday woodworking support—excellent pliers and portability, with realistic limitations on heavy-duty and blade performance.
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