Tool review: SOG Micro ToolClip

Key Features:
 +   Good tension on pliers
 +   Fits well in palm
 -   Tool tends to pop open in your pocket
 -   Awkward positioning of Phillips driver

I've tested many small multi tools. Most of them have been underwhelming. But right off the bat, the SOG Micro ToolClip (model #TC1001-CP) began to impress.

Even before you try it out, the Micro ToolClip looks cool.  It's a compact pair of thick-jawed pliers, a combination of black plastic and gray metal that fits very comfortably into your palm.

The tool is well-made.  The pliers are strong, with good tension.  The Phillips driver is finely machined; much more precisely than a typical multi tool Phillips driver.  The knife is sharp, both on the blade and the tip.  The Micro ToolClip measures 3.9" closed, and weighs a solid 3.3 ounces.

In addition to the knife and pliers (which are not needle-nosed, despite what the SOG website says) this tool includes both a small and large slotted driver, a double-sided file, and a bottle opener.  It has a removable belt clip and removable key chain loop.  The base of the pliers jaw can be used as wire cutters or strippers.

The SOG website also claims that the knife and other tools lock.  The tools don't actually lock -- there's no unlocking mechanism -- but the internal tension does hold them in place very well while they are in use.

Two issues keep this tool from being a good everyday carry tool.  Because of its design, the Phillips driver (which doubles as one of the pliers handles) can pop out fairly easily when you keep the tool in your pocket.  Since the driver has a good point on it, you may find yourself with small holes in your pocket (or leg).  You can remedy this problem by stuffing a piece of foam or rubber above the pliers lock, to prevent the tool from opening without a significant amount of pressure on the lock.

The second issue is the positioning of the Phillips driver.  The idea of doubling one pliers handle as a screwdriver is a creative way to save space, but it makes the Phillips driver close to useless for turning screws.  There's no good way to grip the tool to use it effectively as a Phillips driver.  This tool resembles Thorsen's multi pliers in appearance, but Thorsen avoided the Phillips issue by using a pop-out driver, rather than attaching it to the pliers handle.  Including a cross driver instead of one of the two slotted drivers would also have been preferable, and more functional.

The SOG Micro ToolClip is a decent pocket tool, once you fix the self-unlocking issue.  SOG lists the Micro ToolClip for $27.00, which is extremely over-priced.  Amazon sells it for $19.94 -- also far too much money, but they do sell it as part of a set with a SOG pocket knife for $14.99.