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SOG Micro ToolClip Review

Fitting into a niche size sub-category, this neither full size nor keychain tool has functions that are worthy and effective
SOG Micro ToolClip
Photo: Amazon
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Price:  $25 List | $24.95 at Amazon
Pros:  Small for carry, effective function, spring-loaded pliers
Cons:  Awkward and squished phillips drive, main blade requires two hands and fingernail
Manufacturer:   SOG
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 12, 2020
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53
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#11 of 19
  • Functions - 40% 4
  • Construction Quality - 25% 6
  • Ergonomics - 20% 5
  • Portability - 15% 8

Our Verdict

The SOG Micro ToolClip is a unique product. Its primary discerning quality is its size. Most multi-tools are quite a bit bigger while some are quite a bit smaller. None others in our test are exactly like this one, in terms of size. The materials and function are smart, but multi-tools always present compromises. The Phillips driver on the Micro ToolClip is only usable in very specific applications. The main blade is a good size but requires a fingernail and both hands to open.

Compare to Similar Products

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SOG Micro ToolClip
This Product
SOG Micro ToolClip
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award  
Price $24.95 at Amazon$169.95 at REI$79.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers		$99.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers		$129.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
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Star Rating
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Pros Small for carry, effective function, spring-loaded pliersSophisticated, comprehensiveCompact, light, with multiple carry options, smart, effective toolsComprehensive, well-made, aftermarket accessories and carry optionsLarge, excellent construction, full-size functions, customizable
Cons Awkward and squished phillips drive, main blade requires two hands and fingernailHeavy, expensiveFew featuresProprietary bit driver, no pocket clip includedHeavy and large; limited portability. Proprietary bit driver
Bottom Line Despite its somewhat in-between size, this model is well-made and reasonably equippedThe sky-high standard by which other multi tools are comparedClever and clean, with only a few tools, all of which are executed well for everyday carryAll you should need, with proven pedigree, at a forgiving priceThis tool pulls no punches: it optimizes for function at the cost of portability
Rating Categories SOG Micro ToolClip Leatherman Charge+ TTi Leatherman Skeletool CX Leatherman Wave+ Leatherman Surge
Functions (40%)
4
9
5
8
8
Construction Quality (25%)
6
9
9
8
9
Ergonomics (20%)
5
7
10
7
8
Portability (15%)
8
6
8
5
1
Specs SOG Micro ToolClip Leatherman Charge+... Leatherman... Leatherman Wave+ Leatherman Surge
Number of Functions 8 19 + bits 5 + bits 18 + bits 19 + bits
Weight (ounces) 3.2 oz 8.8 oz 5.0 oz 8.5 oz. 9.5 oz with case 12.2 oz. 14.3 oz with case
Locking Tools? none All but pliers All but pliers All but pliers All but pliers
Pliers Type Spring-loaded pliers Needlenose with wire cutters, crimper Needlenose with 2 wire cutters Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper
Tools Accessible Without Deploying Pliers All but phillips driver Blades, saw, file Blade Blades, saw, file Blades, saw, file
Blades and Type 1 straight blade 1 serrated gut hook type, 1 straight drop point 1 straight drop point 1 straight, 1 serrated 1 straight, 1 serrated
Scissors No Yes No Yes Yes
Number of screwdrivers 3 1 integrated. Many bits included, with more available aftermarket for proprietary driver 4 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver 5 included/integrated. More available aftermarket for proprietary driver 4 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver
File? Yes Yes, wood/metal and a diamond-coated file No Yes, wood/metal and a diamond-coated file Yes, wood/metal and a diamond-coated file
Saw? No Metal and wood No Yes Yes
Openers Bottle Can and bottle Bottle Can and bottle Can and bottle
Other important Features Wirecutter Ruler, cutting hook, wire stripper None Ruler Ruler, awl, wire stripper
Sheath Included? No Yes No Yes Yes
Other carry options Pocket, lanyard, clip Pocket clip, key ring Carabiner style clip, pocket clip Pocket Pocket
Closed dimensions (Length by thickness, in inches) 3.9x0.5 4 x 0.8 4.3 x 0.6 4 x 0.7 4.5 x 0.8
Open Length (Pliers) (inches) 3.9 in 6.2 in 6.2 in 6.3 in 7.1in
Open Overall Length (Primary blade deployed) (inches) 5.8 in 7 in 6.8 in 6.9 in 7.6 in
Length of Primary Blade Effective Edge (inches) 1.9 in 2.8 in 2.6 in 2.8in 3.1 in

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Micro ToolClip from SOG splits the difference between "full size" multi-tools and keychain-sized options. Especially if you've examined both of these well-represented subcategories, this SOG will be a welcome addition to your shopping list. It features SOG's well-known quality of manufacture, but also incorporates some curious attributes. In short, it is the right size with somewhat imperfect execution.

Performance Comparison


The feature-set of the SOG Micro Tool Clip is simple and limited...
The feature-set of the SOG Micro Tool Clip is simple and limited. You'll use them all, but sometimes want more.
Photo: Rosie De Lise

Functions


The Micro ToolClip has pliers, wire cutters, a blade, a "squashed" Phillips driver bit, two different file textures, two different straight driver bits, and a bottle opener. This set of tools is simple and unsurprising. Most are pretty effective, given their mid-size stature. The Phillips driver is on the end of one of the pliers handles. In many tighter positions, this driver isn't particularly useful.

The blade of the SOG is proportional to the overall tool size. It is...
The blade of the SOG is proportional to the overall tool size. It is big enough for all but the sturdiest and most extended use.
Photo: Rosie De Lise

Ergonomics


Below a certain threshold, smaller tools are tougher to use, all else equal. The Micro ToolClip is smaller than most but bigger than some. It is largely alone, on the market, in this size range. To balance usability and portability, this might be the sweet spot for you. The pliers are spring-loaded. Some like this, some don't. For one-and-done pliers grabs, unsprung seems better. If you are using your multi-tool pliers to turn a nut or bolt (in the absence of a more suitable tool) the spring can help your cause. The main knife blade can only be opened with a fingernail. We've come to expect one-handed, thumb-deployed blades on larger multi-tools. This one seems like it could be configured that way as well. We prefer a main blade that can be opened with one thumb.

The Phillips head screwdriver is on the end of one arm of the SOG...
The Phillips head screwdriver is on the end of one arm of the SOG Micro plier handles. It is only useful in select situations.
Photo: Rosie De Lise

Portability


The greatest portability attribute of the Micro ToolClip is its smaller stature. For the usability of the tools, it is the smallest we know of. More accurately, we've not tested any other tool close to this one in size. There are some much smaller and many much larger. The Micro is squarely in between. It can be carried on a key ring, loose in your pocket, or clipped to the edge of your pocket. The lattermost is our preferred way of carrying a multi-tool for handy usage, especially this one.

For extensive and regular use, our testers unanimously prefer pocket...
For extensive and regular use, our testers unanimously prefer pocket clipped carry.
Photo: Rosie De Lise

Construction Quality


SOG is known for sturdy multi-tools and pocket knives. Our testing of products in both these categories, for years and years now, proves this out. We've never had a problem with the integrity of an SOG product. The same can be said of the Micro ToolClip. This is sturdy and ready for day-to-day use.

Value


The price is right and the quality is high. If the form and function works for you, the Micro ToolClip is a good value.

On your keys the SOG feels large, especially as compared to smaller...
On your keys the SOG feels large, especially as compared to smaller competitors. Nonetheless, it will work in this application.
Photo: Rosie De Lise

Conclusion


We like that this tool is in a size range with few (if any?) competitors. It is the only product that we've tested at this size. The size and form of the SOG Micro ToolClip is balanced differently than others. The tiny keychain tools are even more portable but suffer in application. The bigger products are definitely more robust than the SOG but just won't go everywhere with some people. If you've found the existing options to be either too small or too big, the Micro ToolClip might be "just right."

— Jediah Porter