SOG Micro ToolClip Review
Cons: Awkward and squished phillips drive, main blade requires two hands and fingernail
Manufacturer: SOG
Our Verdict
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 This Product
SOG Micro ToolClip | |||||
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| Awards |  | |  | ||
| Price | $25 List | $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 |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Small for carry, effective function, spring-loaded pliers | Sophisticated, comprehensive | Compact, light, with multiple carry options, smart, effective tools | Comprehensive, well-made, aftermarket accessories and carry options | Large, excellent construction, full-size functions, customizable |
| Cons | Awkward and squished phillips drive, main blade requires two hands and fingernail | Heavy, expensive | Few features | Proprietary bit driver, no pocket clip included | Heavy and large; limited portability. Proprietary bit driver |
| Bottom Line | Despite its somewhat in-between size, this model is well-made and reasonably equipped | The sky-high standard by which other multi tools are compared | Clever and clean, with only a few tools, all of which are executed well for everyday carry | All you should need, with proven pedigree, at a forgiving price | This 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%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
| Ergonomics (20%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| 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 | ||
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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