Customer Reviews

PowerPlay 6500 PT-510 Compact Multi-Tool for DataComm, Telecom and Electrical

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This item is frequently advertised as an 18-in-1 tool. However, I would really classify it as about 8-in-1. They (Paladin) mislead you by listing each wire size it can strip as a different tool even though they are the same tool bit. Essentially you have PLIERS, WIRE CUTTERS, KNIFE, PHILLIPS, SLOTTED, PUNCH DOWN, WIRE STRIPPER, and FILE. It is decent quality, but I don't really see the point in Paladin contracting with SOG for the pliers that have 'double the gripping power' if the open edge of the handles kill your hand when squeezing them. I'm not soft-handed, but trying crimp with the pliers can get quite painful.

The punch down tool is handy to have, but if I could go back and change my mind, I would rather carry a different tool that offers more than this one whether it be a true SOG, Leatherman, or Swiss.

This is a nice on-the-fly tool to have if you're a technician that doesn't want to make another trip back to the office or back to the truck for a traditional 110 punch down tool. It saves your teeth from chewing through wires as well if you have to punch down a couple 110 blocks! Overall the tool construction seems average, I wouldn't want to use this to punch down an entire wall of 110 blocks but it's better than carrying a toolbox with you to cut and punch down a line or two. Knife blade comes very sharp, leather case is decent with the exception that it shoves into my side depending how it's positioned on your belt. Phillips screwdriver seems to flex quite a bit when under pressure, this was tested on rack mount screws that are holding down equipment. I carry this with me to avoid carrying a handful of other items but the use of it hasn't been too frequent. Nice addition to your "tool belt"!

This Paladin Tools PT-510 Multi-Tool is well made and does have a very functional 110 Punchdown Tool, but otherwise I prefer other SOG versions. Here are my observations:

Pros -
+ Good Quality; the construction and design are very good
+ Sharp Knife; very sharp, right out of the box
+ Great Pliers; the geared jaws work very well
+ Good Punchdown Tool; works great, which is why I bought it
+ Good Quality Case; has solid snap and a belt loop

Cons -
- Tools Do Not Lock; watch your fingers, especially with that very sharp knife
- Limited Number of Tools

This is a good tool for telecom\IT workers, but a little limited for general use.

CFH

I like the tool, But I especially wanted for the wire stripers PowerPlay 6500 PT-510 Compact Multi-Tool for DataComm, Telecom and Electricalthey do not work as well as I intended. Very generic for a well built tool.