Review on 🔧 Versatile BLACK+DECKER Portable Workbench and Vise (WM425-A): The Ultimate Project Center Solution by Kenny Sarma

This is for the 550lb WM425-A. It's not terrible, but I was disappointed in the design and build quality compared to a very similar model from the early 80's. Details like thinner metal, thinner wood top (it's laminated bamboo which is good but could be thicker), plastic clasps and small springs and clips make it a lot less durable. The version I just bought has a swivel section that locks in at more or less 90 degrees. It really should have a more positive stop as it can range from 88 to 92 degrees and wobble. Likewise, when the hinge half is in the down position, it is not held firmly to the rest of the surface. My old Work Mate vise runs the full width of the bench and the wood top is bolted securely to the steel frame. In this model, the wooden panels are bolted to injection molded plastic boxes, which are then inserted into keyways in the metal and held in place by small plastic lugs. To change the clamp spacing more than about 10 cm, you must remove half of the table and reinstall it closer or farther from the side of the clamp. Even with the older model, each half of the vise could be adjusted independently to grip non-standard items. , either with clamping jaws or with bench stops. Now the two screws are connected with a fairly cheap gear and a system of perforated nylon straps that hold the two screws together. Also, because of the way the piece of wood is attached to the frame, it can't really be tilted to clamp non-parallel items. I suspect I'll have to make a number of replacements over the next year or so. Parts made of steel or aluminum, as plastic parts break. I can also install longer pinch bolts and replace the top with a 3/4" stock and weld on some tabs to stabilize the pivot point. A vintage model that will stand up to decades of hard use. If you can find a vintage device it will do, but plan on making a number of upgrades to it.