This is a great vise. The operation is so smooth that you can do it with one finger, it is fixed well and firmly. If the jaws are firmly pressed together, the swivel head can become stiff. Simply release the latch, rotate the head to the desired location, and latch again. If you plan on hitting something with a hammer every day, it might be worth getting a heavy-duty steel vise. It is cast and is best used for cutting, filing or anything else that falls within a light to moderate range of use. If you only use it for this type of work, it will last you a lifetime. This is the best cast iron vise I have personally seen or used. Unbeatable for price, quality and functionality. If you're looking for a cast vise that will last a lifetime under heavy use and abuse, you won't find it. It's not your grandfather's hard steel vise that can still take a hit 70 years later. I agree it's a shame they aren't all solid steel and bomb shelters. If you can't get a good discount on a used device you've been left with or have a lot of money to spend, this is just as good for light to moderate use.