My old Workmate worked easily.  This new Workmate being top of the line, WM425, should be at least as good. It is crap. The top is cheap, thin  material, not even cut to square. I could replace the top but the vise is flimsy and so poorly designed and manufactured that I have to crank it with both hands. I took it to a B&D Service Center to ask if I can substitute a top from an old Workmate. They young man there had never seen a Workmate and had no idea what it is for. Do not buy.