Hey, I know this thread is quite old, but I just bought a slightly used powerlock, natural finish, and so far I'm very happy with it. <snip> From post #9: The Powerlock can also be found for 30-45$ on eBay NIB. I "watch" a lot of multi-tools and see Powerlocks go for less than other name brand multi-tools. However, make sure you look closely as there was a military run of Powerlocks that had three nylon spacers in place of three implements that are routinely sold as a fully equipped model.</snip> I have the "military" variant, and I don't mind for the price i paid for it. There are no scissors, no 1/4" drive (i wanted that.. bummer).
Weight is NOT a big deal to me, and yes this tool is easily the heaviest tool I carry on my belt or in my pockets. To me the weight is worth it to have that much tool available when I need it.
The "ballistic nylon" holster will probably last me about 2 months, I tend to destroy belt edc items REALLY quickly because I truly do carry them every single day.
I've not yet used the double tooth saw, but I question it's practicality, being about 2.5" long. Any branch I can cut with that size saw, i can break more easily and much more quickly. <edit> Ok I spoke too soon. This afternoon my brother and I used the saw to free a snowmobile from some bushes/branches (don't ask how it got there). It cuts VERY well for a small saw
The straight blade is moderately sharp, but again this is a lightly used version. The serrated blade is plenty sharp, but as of now I have no idea what I'll use it for. I also EDC a solid 3" folding blade as my primary knife, so most of the blade functions of a multi tool are of limited usage unless I break or lose my primary knife.
The screwdrivers lock-back function make them automatically more usable than my old multitool, definitely a plus. Any proper screwdriver will obviously be more efficient, but in a situation where I'm reaching for my multitool, I don't have a standard screwdriver anyway.
Ahh, now my favorite part - the pliers. They are one-hand openable, just remember not to flick your wrist too hard or the handle will swing around and smash into your knuckles with considerable force (remember, it's heavy!). What I didn't see before I bought the unit is that it never "folds" like other multitools, the gears stay meshed from fully open to fully closed, and the plier jaws are open widest when the handles are ~180 degrees and close either direction. The one disadvantage is that the handles must move a LONG distance to accommodate anything other than small objects in the plier jaws. My hands aren't overly strong, so I find the 2x leverage extremely useful and I can deal with the extra handle travel required. I cracked a hazel nut (relatively hard with standard nut-crackers) with what I would describe as a 'very gentle squeeze' while testing them out. The "toolbox covers" make the handles quite comfortable to my small hands and will probably stay attached, it's nice to know I can remove them if I need to as they do make tool access slightly slower. Larger hands may have trouble with the small hinges digging in whilst using large amounts of force.
Overall - if weight doesn't matter, you prefer leverage over jaw capacity, and you need a bulletproof tool, go for it!
Fird