They claim that the way that the pliers pivot out from one side of the handles is advantageous for leverage, but I've never been able to figure out just how that is supposed to happen. Rather, the arrangment makes it very awkward to access the other tools. You have to grasp the jaws of the pliers in order to fully unfold the handles, then fold one handle back over the plier, but the plier action isn't spring operated and the locking action is barely perceptible, so as you open it and then fold one handle closed, the plier jaws have a tendency to open and close, pinching your skin. When trying to use the pliers, because the locking action is so weak, the slightest twisting motion will cause one or both of the two handles to fold over on you, which can cause the jaws to slip and again lead to a very bad pinch on your hand, bad enough to break the skin. Simply put, this design is hazardous.

When I bought it, the thing that attracted me is the smooth outer surface of the plier handles. That is its single advantage over the Leatherman, but when I weigh that against its considerable disadvantages, I have to conclude that it is a decidedly inferior tool. Each time that I used it, my resolve to replace it increased, and I recently replaced it with a Leatherman Juice.


Durable, very useful...and yes, it does open with one hand.   June 12, 2003
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I just bought my second Paratool to replace one I left overseas with my father-in-law. I also have a SOG PowerLock. Both the Paratool and the PowerLock have been completely durable and reliable and perform like new. When I still had both, I always carried one with me - the larger, heavier PowerLock in the outdoors or while traveling, and the smaller, lighter Paratool on more "formal" occasions where slipping in into a pocket or less bulk on the belt was called for. My wife still calls me "SOG-Man" now and then (the mythic superhero with the power to repair). Now that I only have the one, I find I miss having the Paratool.
To open the Paratool one-handed, simply press on the lanyard ring/tab with your thumb and the pliers head pivots up and out to where your thumb can press it down into position. As far as the pliers head not locking - that's an asset not a liability. I've fished out many a small part from tight places where the head's ability to pivot was "mission critical".
I carry a SOG with me for those times when I'm not near a tool box or when something just pops up that needs doing/fixing. If I'm planning to do a specific job - say remodel the kitchen, drop the transmission out of the car or wire a network with CAT-5 cable, I assemble a proper tool kit for the job.
I highly recommend the Paratool or the PowerLock.