Sync II Traveler Multi Tool

Good gadget to have at all times

Not bad. The problem with this is everything I lean against it pushes the release button and the tool falls off.

I use this every day, and I've convinced at least 3 other people they needed it. Maybe everyday use is hard though, not all of my tools are locking in place and my large flathead is getting loose. Had it for months.

I bought this SOG Sync II belt buckle multi-tool over a year ago as a Christmas gift to me (from my wife) and it has been a very good investment.History: I've ONLY owned Leatherman multi-tool products for over 30 years now and I've had fantastic success with them, so this was a big change for me. I still carry my Leatherman Wave in my EDC bag as well as one each in my vehicle glove box and backcountry kit. However, I no longer carry the Wave on my hip - it's been replaced with the SOG Sync II (with knife blade).Pros: Always with me. Small and out of the way, decent pliers/wire cutters, decent knife, most of the tools work well and have held up nicely to my daily adventures. I work in a professional office and use these tools for run-of-the-mill challenges: opening plastic blister pack, box cutter, errant phillips or flat-head fastener that's come loose; just about whatever. I've also used it to tighten the car battery terminal cables, strip wire for trailer lighting repairs and cut apples. It's just so easy to pop the Sync II from the buckle, use it then return it back to the buckle that it surprises many people that I've already fixed the "whatever was loose" before they could call maintenance or get their own tool for the job. I've seriously considered buying about 10 of them to have with me so I could sell them to people on the spot whenever they see it. I know I've convinced several dozen to get one of their own - especially in Boy Scouts where Be[ing] Prepared is the Scout motto.Overall a good tool and I'm glad I have it, I use it literally everyday when I'm wearing it (which is pretty much 6 days out of the week - my wife says that contrary to popular belief, it does NOT match my suit and tie for church).Cons: Yes there are a couple of cons. I've also posted this to the SOG website as well. These comments are not anything you won't read from many others, mainly belt hole stud and locked tools:1. Locking tools: For some CRAZY reason, the SOG engineers thought it was useful to make the Scissors and the Nail File lockable tools, but the Phillips and Flat Head screwdrivers do NOT lock into place?? What a bone-head move.The design is that 1 tool on each handle side is the "unlock" tool, meaning it's used to unlock the other tools when they are fully extended. WHY OH WHY would SOG make the scissors and the nail file locked tools? They are rarely, if ever, going to get enough force to flip closed - but I guarantee that the phillips and flat head screw driver tools WILL get enough force during use to flip closed and pinch (or worse) a finger.** Caveat - Yes, the nail file also happens to be the bottle opener and based on the bottle opener's orientation does need to be locked to function -answer- SWAP the orientation of the bottle opener hook to the INSIDE of the nail file tool and it will work perfectly since that modified orientation puts the force against the open tool.2. The belt hole stud does NOT "hook" into the belt hole when adjusting the belt tightness - it will EASILY pop out of the belt hole and your belt comes loose - hopefully NOT your pants along with it.2 - Resolution: I used a dremel tool and "notched" the inside edge of the buckle stud to give it a hook, this works pretty well and only when I don't have the belt tightened up enough around my middle does that buckle come loose. (See photos for notch)3. HEAVY: This is a fine tool and well made. That said, it's kind of heavy and there is NO WAY I'm taking it backpacking. This is a daily wearable at home and the office and IF camping, then ONLY in base camp - NOT TRAIL WEIGHT. As a multi-tool it would treat you well on the trail, unfortunately it's just too heavy to be reasonable in that function.NOTES:A. This Sync II I'm referencing is NOT TSA approved - Mine has a knife on it.For reference , in 30+ years of travel I honestly can't remember when I haven't checked some luggage, so this is not an issue with me - I've always packed my Leatherman multi-tool in with my dress shoes in my checked luggage so I could unpack it and have it when I get to my destination, even (or especially) on vacations. I do the same with this tool.B. SOG does have a Sync buckle tool that does NOT have a knife on it, however IMHO not worth the investment and I'm not sure that even then the TSA won't fuss at you. They say it's TSA compliant, I wouldn't bet on it.C. I'm hoping that SOG makes a Sync III in the near future to address the concerns of lockable tools and the belt hole stud - I WILL buy that version when it comes out and sell my Sync II as soon as the future tool comes out. :-)Overall the SOG Sync II (with knife) has been a worthy companion to my daily attire.

Very giftable, it is what it is. It's a belt buckle first and foremost, and in a pinch it is a multitool that you have. The pliers are small but they are strong and fully close at the tip. I think it was a great out of the box idea and am very pleased.