Black & Decker WM425 Workmate 425-550 Pound Capacity Portable Work Bench

The extra 40 bucks (vs the WM225) buys you slightly sturdier construction (though I haven't had a problem in 10yrs) and the ability to create a vertical vise/grip. It's not a bad feature to have for certain kinds of fine wood working projects -- but at that point I suspect you're better off getting a permanent work bench. At the same time, I've rarely longed for it.


Correcting misconceptions about this great product   October 7, 2005
E. Shonts (MI)
72 out of 79 found this review helpful

No, I don't work for BD, nor does anyone I am related to. I have NO stake in the company. I'm just a mechanically inclined person who likes tools, knows how to use them, and probably spends too much time thinking, reading and opining about them. And, here I go again...

Regarding all the comments about the drive belt slipping, IT'S SUPPOSED TO DO THAT, you morons!! Oops, did I say that out loud? Anyway, the belt WILL NOT BREAK from this slipping. The original Workmates didn't have that feature, which made the user crank both handles, everytime, ALL the time. The SLIPPING plastic belt is there to speed up the process by homing both sides of the vise jaws against the workpiece, so you THEN can TIGHTEN both vise screws USING TWO HANDS. It's a speed and convenience feature, not a way to torque both sides with one handle. All of the people who complained about the poor instructions were coincidentally the same people who did a likewise poor job of reading them, I guess. Certainly, it can't be any fault of theirs the darn thing doesn't work exactly as they misconceive it should!

Aside from being stamped steel instead of cast aluminum, this modern version is every bit as functional as the originals, if not as cool. Yes, they cheaped it up, but the same parts are there, doing the same jobs, just for less money. If they were still cast aluminum, they'd probably be $200 or $300 these days.

You don't fully appreciate the brilliance of the Workmate until you read about it and it's inventor in the book "The Workbench Book" by Scott Landis. It sounds silly, but it is truly a riveting story of a young English guy living in an apartment, who needed a workbench, and then persisted when everyone turned him down, to create one of the best selling, most unique, long-lived tools ever. It's genius! And you'll see pictures of many of the various versions of the Workmate that have existed. The first few prototypes are a riot. Hard to believe he went from those to this, but he did!
Check your local library for a copy of the book, or buy it right here on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561582700/103-9694295-6840628?v=glance&n=283155&s=books&v=glance

In conclusion, the Workmate 425 is an amazing tool. I'm less enthustiastic about the smaller versions, and versions with idendity crises like the WM525, but the 425 and older models that look the same are awesome. And it's a great tool stand.

When I was younger, I used to think the Workmate was the dumbest thing I'd ever seen. I wouldn't have been caught dead using this Father's day nightmare gimmick of a gift. But after reading The Workbench Book, I bought one. I use mine alot more than even I thought I would or could, and it never ceases to amaze me the things I can do with it, with a little creative thought. After myself, it's the most versatile tool in my shop. In fact, I'm planning to buy another one right now. If only I could find one of those retro-cool cast aluminum jobs! No luck so far! Can't even find one for sale, ebay or elsewhere. And I've been looking on and off for about 2 years. Does that tell you ANYTHING? It should.

Aside from the few walking human safety hazards that have reviewed this product here on Amazon, most of what has been said is true. The box the 425 comes in is HORRIBLE, and falls apart in shipping, or even when trying to get it out of the trunk of the car and into the garage. But you don't use the box, do you? Yes, it can be a little time consuming to put together, but you'll get there. Don't tighten the bolts for the top until you get them ALL on, and clamp the vise screws down tight. Then the table boards will align to each other, and you can final torque the fasteners.

But the guy who keeps dropping it on his foot needs to stay out of the garage before he hurts someone. It's a physical impossiblity for this product to fall down with the extension feet properly extended, which is sure not difficult to figure out. Rotate them outward until they stop! Get real! Not to mention anther comment, "I was dissapointed because the top in the picture looks like some sort metal and mine was wood?" You're a WHAT enthusiast? After reading these reviews, I truly pity people and companies that sell consumer products, don't you?! How can you not?



Better than a human work mate   December 8, 2000
Danny Fixit (Atlanta, GA United States)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

I have used Workmates for over 10 years now. It is super and the first thing I get out when starting any project is the Workmate. Over time, I have built my own attachments for securing tools, and/or materials to the surface. It gets used for all painting and papering projects as it folds to the PERFECT height for standing and reaching comfortably to the ceiling. The portability is great in its ability to collapse and remain light weight.

It never complains. Never quits. Never lets me down. What more can you expect from a work mate?

Only wish B&D would start some sort of collection of useful ideas, applications, accessories, or problem solutions related to Workmates.


First thing you should buy w/out a cord or battery   February 6, 2006
Ben Strand (Centerville, Minnesota)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is the # 1 most functional thing in my shop without a cord or battery needed. The functions are of professional necessities as well as every day homeowners or as simple as working on the pinewood derby for cub scout parents. Not only is it perfect for the limited space in your home it breaks down and fits comfortably in a small car to bring to the next place you need it. You just can't go wrong for the price. I have had it for 5+ years and still use it everywhere. When I am done I fold it up and hang it on the wall.


Really fits the need   February 27, 2006
Just Me
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

With limited space and the need for mobility to work in different places, this is a great tool. Light enough to move around, easy enough to set up and more than slim enough to store when not in use, this tool fits my needs.

Bought it at a local home center so there were no setup or box issues.

I already made 2 different sized tops out of plywood, topped with hardboard. I just screwed a 2x4 cleat to the bottom of the plywood which clamps into the stand.

Allows me to have a selection of 3 different sized tables with plenty of room for additional clamping too.

If you need to save space, move around a bunch and low cost - can't beat it!