While it technically works as it should, the first time I used it I used all (5) of the rubber bands that came with it. I didn't even tighten the elastics, the metal just cut them through when I tried to pull them over the hook piece. I taped the edges with tape to make them less sharp. However, the instructions were really poor. I finally found a YouTube video that explains a similar product step by step, which allowed me to understand the mechanics of this loom. It's really easy to use once you get the hang of it, but the key is in completing the challenges.