How To Assemble Your Workmate 425

[@John-n6j5o]

I am thankful you made this video. I just received the 425 today, and all they include for instructions is a picture book, and I'm not very good at reading pictures. And the pictures are not that good. So THANK YOU for the video

[@OmegaRecon65]

Thanks for the video. My 425 arrived yesterday (Friday of Father's Day weekend 2021) I opened the box, found the instructions, skimmed thru it for a couple of seconds and tossed it on the floor. I had seen this video last week, and found it again yesterday. Your video was a time saver for me. So, thank you for deconstructing your 425 so you could show us how to assemble it. I'm sure you went thru a bit of work of taking yours apart, filming, editing, and putting the table back together. Thanks for your time, and Happy Father's Day to you! 🍺🍺

[@WorkMateGuy]

Congratulations on your new Father's Day Workmate. I know you are going to enjoy using it! Cheers!

[@offroad5594]

First thing to do before attempting this assembly is to burn the garbage instruction and carefully watch this video! Great video bud. Made putting this thing together a breeze. Many thanks!

[@WorkMateGuy]

OffRoad Congratulations on the purchase of your new workmate 425. I know you will enjoy using it. You are certainly welcome for the video and welcome to my channel.

[@renecarbonell240]

That's exactly what I did, but the part when you tap in the " Handles Pins "!! You might show or tell KZbinrs one end is " Tapered " and that's the right end to go through the handles into the " Chamferd" shaft hole!!

[@renecarbonell240]

I don't know if that's going to work, I've tried that, and It didn't want to SNAP the perferated tape? I'd really like "NOT TO FORCE TURNING the handles??

[@renecarbonell240]

B

[@eriklindstrom6039]

yes! great video!

[@dannicholson1444]

Couldn’t have assembled this without your video! Thank you so much. A real time and frustration saver!

[@WorkMateGuy]

You are certainly welcome Dan and congratulations on your new Workmate!

[@nomuramai]

thanks from 5 years later! those picture only instructions can sometimes drive me crazy!

[@WorkMateGuy]

Glad I could help!

[@Creaulx]

Saved me a lot of grief! Thank you for your patience. That instruction manual makes for good fire starter, also suitable for wrapping fish, or bird cage lining.

[@wulf67]

I used them to line my bird cage and after one week they were 50% more legible.

[@GeekMustHave]

I tried to start a small campfire with my paper instructions but the one page wasn't enough to get the fire going. Your video was excellent, don't worry about the focus it all works out in the end. Thank you for taking your equipment apart to show us bench noobs, how to do it right. Keep broadcasting!!

[@WorkMateGuy]

GeekMustHave Lol. I was going to use the instructions for another purpose but I can't say that here. :-) And congratulations on your new workmate 425, I know you are going to enjoy using it.

[@wulf67]

@@WorkMateGuy Don't do it! The instructions that came with this product are way too coarse to use as toilet paper...AND they will clog up your septic lines...don't ask me how I know.

[@pleappleappleap]

Because of all the excellent information on this channel, I finally bit the bullet and bought a 425 and a 125.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Congratulations on your new Workmates. I know you will enjoy using them as have I. Cheers!

[@linus0804]

Thank you thank you! The illustrations are so tiny and do not distinguish between the types of parts! Thank you; this is great

[@WorkMateGuy]

You are so welcome!

[@linus0804]

Any tips on how to get those blasted spindles into the handle? I’ve tried and tried….

[@jackieshartin]

Thank you so much. With your instruction, I put this together today in about 15 minutes. (Earlier, I wrangled with it for about 60 minutes and only succeeded in getting the blocks for the rear and middle planks attached. Then it sat in my garage for the past winter.) Thank you, again. This works great. Jackie

[@WorkMateGuy]

Jackie Shartin You are certainly welcome and welcome to my channel. I am glad to know this video helped you out. And, congratulations on your new old Workmate 425.

[@mdphotography100]

Couldn’t have put this together without this video

[@WorkMateGuy]

Glad this helped!

[@sterlingarcher1503]

The 425 is probably the best looking modern workmate. Well done.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Thanks Sterling! Cheers!

[@bacaelliot]

Workmate instructions are small and completely mind blowing...your video is the bomb!

[@WorkMateGuy]

douglas elliot Glad to know this video helped you out and congratulations on your new workmate 425. If you don't mind me asking, what types of projects will you be using it for? Thanks for stopping by.

[@eugenemcgloin6780]

Thanks for doing this video! I wouldn't have figured out how to correctly assemble my 425 without it!

[@WorkMateGuy]

You are certainly welcome and congratulations on your new Workmate!

[@Thetailofthetrident]

I just purchased mine (425) today on Ebay . Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey Lough. Congratulations on your new Workmate 425! I know you are going to enjoy using it. This playlist might give you some ideas on how you can use your new 425: kzbin.info/aero/PLlOO6ucQXejbbilkzKOmvX9k1rJKGJByC Thanks for stopping by and posting. Cheers.

[@Charze7758]

Thank you. Your video was extremely helpful. I couldn't figure out how to put this thing together but you explain it very clearly. Thanks.

[@WorkMateGuy]

You are most certainly welcome. Cheers!

[@richardmiller5191]

Great video,thank you. Made for a nice Christmas morning! God Bless.

[@WorkMateGuy]

You are certainly welcome and thanks for stopping by.

[@DavidWhelbourn]

Thank you for the concise and clear instructions - helped me set up the workbench.

[@WorkMateGuy]

You are welcome! And congratulations on your new Workmate!

[@kenpole1840]

Total agree;. I turned to YT in the hope somebody had produced exactly this. Many thanks.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey Ken, you are certainly welcome and congratulations on your new Workmate!!!

[@RemoGaggi]

Just got an unopened 425 for $50 off CL. I watched your video first and assembly was super easy. I do see how these newer boards are thinner than the older workmates. I also have a 125 model and an old Bench Top Workmate Type 1 (bought for $3 at garage sale). Thanks for the videos!

[@WorkMateGuy]

You are certainly welcome and congratulations on your new Workmate!

[@frankm4243]

Thank you for the great video. Your video is very instrucitve and informative. I appreciate your detail expantations and patience. Thank you.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hi Frank, you are most certainly welcome and welcome to my channel. Cheers!

[@andrewm6192]

Great video. Do you know the difference betweem 425 and 825 models?

[@laurieoloughlin6261]

Thank you for this video. Without it I would still be struggling to READ the instructions (in the tiniest font possible) and UNDERSTAND them!

[@WorkMateGuy]

CD12South for Obama You are certainly welcome and glad to know the video helped you out and congratulation on your new Workmate 425. I know you are going to enjoy using it.

[@wforrest111]

Excellent! and extremely helpful for me who is a perpetual novice at assembling pretty much everything.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Glad to know you found this helpful! Cheers!

[@wulf67]

Don't feel bad. No one could follow the "instructions" that come with this thing. In fact, as Don Henley once said, in this case "the more you know, the less you understand." That's the heart of the matter.

[@dkmcpa]

Thanks much for your video; it helped immensely in putting this thing together. Had I known the poor quality of the design I'd have never purchased this unit.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey David - You are certainly welcome and glad to know this helped. Cheers!

[@steelymanIam]

This is great , you are right the enclosed instructions and diagrams are not the best. Your videos are well done , thnks !

[@garybrenon8413]

Great job buddy i was pulling my hair out until i watched your video thanks , Gary

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey Gary, Congratulations on your new Workmate 425, thanks for stopping by. And good luck on your project.

[@1952krikor]

video is great just assembled my WB425, however clamping function not working. when I assembled it, the first panel attachments were at the forward end of the screw rod.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Congratulations on your new Workmate!

[@wulf67]

The funny papers that came with this product were the worst assembly instructions I've ever seen in my life, and I've seen a lot because I'm old AF. Your video was very helpful, and would have saved me a lot of time if I had just thrown the instructions away and watched it first. My first clue was when the instructions showed the middle piece on the back and the back piece in the middle. I looked at the picture on the box AND on the front of the comic book and they contradicted what the instructions "showed" if I may use that word, for lack of a better verb. Stanley/Black & Decker/ Anheuser Busch / Mr. Boston vodka should pay you double what they paid the Chinese comic fiction writer who made the grafitti that came in the box. Black & Decker should make a Ouija board so I can tell my grandfather that the Workmate is now made of bamboo and 25 gauge sheet metal. I'd screw some razor blades to his coffin and use it for a wood lathe as he spins in his grave at 20,000 RPM.

[@WorkMateGuy]

I understand completely.

[@kellymartin8090]

Thank you! Worked for me! Would you be willing to show us how to replace the DeWalt belt? Mine is hanging on by a thread and will need replacing soon. Thanks!

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hi Kelly, you are certainly welcome. Perhaps later I can product that for you. Cheers!

[@waynejones205]

HA!! At 1:01 .....Huge pain in the tush for me. The Belt that synchronizes the Cranks. Mine came off and completely dragged me out getting the conveyors aligned and to even re-track the belt. Somewhere, I found it was broken 1/2 thru at a hole and had to send for another. I just got it....have it on for now, but if you know an easier way should I ever have to replace the belt again, please Share? 6:10 Especially once the pins are put in place thru the crank handles. They don't install easy!! Thx ... A #JerseyBoy

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey Wayne, Congratulations on your new Workmate! Yes they can be annoying. The approach I have taken is similar to that of installing a fanbelt on a car. I don't know of any easier way to do this. Cheers!

[@crocaduck]

Great video! Thanks. Used to own an original work mate from the early 80s and I moved and sold it for 20$. I deserve a kick. Doing some renos for a friend and just bought a 425. I noticed that there is a plastic perforated strip that is wrapped around both crank handle screws located right under the metal rail with all the printing. This strip rotates the other handle if you turn the other. Does this have to be cut as I remember the cranks being independent?

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey Crocaduck - The white strip or belt you refer to allows the cranks to be synchronized. When I need to clamp an asymmetrical work piece I slide the belt off, do my work, and slide it back on when done so I don't loose the sychro function. Cheers.

[@crocaduck]

@@WorkMateGuy Thanks loads. I thought I'd check before cutting things. My new work mate looks boss. I afraid to scratch it. Ha

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey crocaduck - Understand the feeling. I used to put cardboard on top of mine when I first got it because I did not want to ruin the finish... but, not any more. :-)

[@crocaduck]

@@WorkMateGuy I'm going to build a plywood smash-and-paint top for it. Looks like a few owners did that. I wish I didn't give away my vintage clamps with my old work mate. Deserve another kick. I did save a portable vise that B&D sold. (B & D 3" portable vise CAT. NO. 70-995 - TYPE 1)

[@crocaduck]

@@WorkMateGuy I did put 7/8" washers in all 6 bolt holes. Bolt heads don't protrude. Need to cut a ply panel or masonite piece for shelf at bottom.

[@ronaldmacdonald7226]

I can’t figure this assembly out. I bought both this and the work table at the same time because I didn’t know which I’d like better. The work table requires no assembly and just pulled right out of the box, I’ve been using it for a week and LOVE it. The Black & Decker has been sitting half assembled for a week due to garbage instructions and difficult assembly. I am thinking about returning. I am blown away this table has been in production for decades and is popular, could have fooled me.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Yes, I suspect the instructions seem to be written by someone with little or no experience. :-)

[@yong62]

I have an old workmate 425 (gray sheet metal and black painted particle board) purchased used sometime ago. The odd thing is, I turn clockwise to release the clamp and counter clockwise to tighten. I took a closer look at your video and sure enough the lead screw is threaded opposed to yours. Do you know anything about this?

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey Yong - Wow! That's very interesting. "Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosy" is the old saying among mechanics. I am wondering why yours is switched. Is there any indication as to where it was made or assembled?

[@yong62]

@@WorkMateGuy , its written on the first board that its made in Canada.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey Yong - Yes, many of the Workmates have been made in Canada. I am still wondering why the reverse threading. Hmmm...

[@jordancreek6570]

I didn't find the instructions incomprehensible, but they were cryptic. I heard so many comments about the instructions though I needed to check out this video to make sure I was assembling it correctly and didn't miss some hidden secret. So, the video was helpful. The hardest part of the assembly is installing the spring bearings that hold the vise handles. I'd suggest crimping just the bearing insertion end being careful not to close the slot. A squirt or 2 of lubricant, like WD 40, on the bearing and into the hole in the worm gear shaft should allow for an easier insertion. The idea of using this type of fitting though to hold the handle strikes me as a poor design. I eventually needed a small punch to fully seat the bearing through the shaft. There's still an annoying wobble in the vise handles but apparently it doesn't inhibit the action of the vise. Possibly I could have rigged some setup using washers to reduce play, but I thought about that too late and possibly the lubricant is allowing the bearings to move slightly. Over time those bearings will dry out so maybe the wobble starts to disappear.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Cheers.

[@zandergarrett5959]

I basically was looking for suggestions on aligning the worm drive which had one side offset from the other. I did get a few pointers for checking some other issues though. I ended up taking the clamping board off and rotated the travel part a couple turns to align them without having to mess with the plastic chain.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Thanks for stopping by and sharing. Cheers!

[@JohnC-er3rg]

Are the new Wormates flimsier than the old ones? Should I buy a new one or an older 425?

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey John C - I have several much older versions in addition to this one and I use this one all the time. I would suggest going with this version. Cheers.

[@howardr222]

I used your recommendation for lubricant but I used Frog past followed by 2000 slip. Works fine

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey, glad to know it worked for you. Cheers!

[@alfonsogriffin4093]

I just put mine together as you instructed, and I had two small springs fall off from underneath the bench. Can you tell me where they are supposed to be and how to re install them....thanks so much in advance.

[@WorkMateGuy]

There are two narrow springs that clip on to the outside of the legs / stand assembly. They should have been installed at the factory. You can kinda see them on the bottom left side of the frame at 9:30 in this video. Regards!

[@eriklindstrom6039]

great video! thank you!

[@WorkMateGuy]

Glad you liked it! You are certainly welcome.

[@felix4525]

Hi. What are the differences between the different types of WM425? Looking to buy one but I have not been able to find any information on what the different types are and the online stores like Lowes/HD don't include this information in their pages.

[@WorkMateGuy]

The newer versions have a bamboo top. I don't think you will find much difference unless you decide to go with an older used version. Cheers.

[@Lcanoero]

Very helpful thanks for posting

[@romin156]

Thanks I needed this. The directions that came with the Workmate were not written very well.

[@WorkMateGuy]

You are certainly welcome and welcome to my channel. Remember to check out the other WorkMate how to videos as well. Cheers!

[@MartinDiasdUllois]

What’s your ( or other users) opinion on the ‘ribbon’? I got a 825, which has the ribbon.. it was damaged, made a repair, works now, but I am not convinced of it’s usefulness.. any opinions? Keep the ribbon or not..?

[@WorkMateGuy]

It does help when you are trying to hold the work piece in a particular position while tightening the clamp. Cheers!

[@chemistryguy]

I've never had a set of instructions piss me off as much as the one B&D included for this item. Misleading, switching the images of panels 2 and 3 inconsistently, I was swearing by step 4. Thanks for your help!

[@WorkMateGuy]

You are certainly welcome and congratulations on your new Workmate!

[@renecarbonell240]

I have my 425 fully assembled GREAT, however when i tighten the clamp the panels are righting on an angel. Now the problem is the tape isn't on the right holes, how do i adjust this?? Any suggestions, also it appears that my panels aren't level, is that a problem or just " Forget About It" ???

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hi Rene, you should be able to crank on the side that is not flush and the tape should slip. Otherwise, you might consider removing the tape from the gears/teeth. I am not sure what to do about the panels not being level without seeing it. If assembled correctly all three panels are flush/level with each other. Cheers!

[@renecarbonell240]

@@WorkMateGuy Thanks for answering i did think about removing & adjusting the tape. I'll check that out and also see what's wrong with the "Panels not being level?", If needed I'll see if i can send you a pitcher.

[@garyhinchey595]

Great instructions thank you

[@WorkMateGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cornelyc]

Any feedback on what to do if your pins are too far to hammer in…

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hi Charles, I am not sure I understand your question. What pins are you referring to? Would you mind rephrasing it for me? Thanks!

[@PeterBatah]

Is that flimsy plastic belt absolutely necessary. There are times when one may be trying to secure an object with varying thickness for example. Then what? I get the whole synchronicity idea. But, that might not be ideal in all situations. Your thoughts?

[@WorkMateGuy]

Peter Batah To be honest with you, I have disabled the belt on my workmate 425.

[@giantELF]

I love this channel and bought my first workmate 425 because of it. I just out it together but the "tape" that synchronizes the two handles came off of the right handles pronged gear. (It also has a small tear in it so I could exchange it but that would take forever and I am not sure it is worth the hassle. I could also send away for the part.). However, I also see the benefit from the handles not being in sync for tapered pieces etc. How did you achieve this? Did you pop it off from both sides or just cut it? I see this one in the video still has the tape. But it appears to be off the gear.

[@jimhughes8005]

mine was the same way. I had a workmate years ago and it didnt have that tape. That made it easy to plane and sand tapered pieces. i did cut the tape off.. Workmateguy states below that he disabled his also.

[@giantELF]

@@jimhughes8005 Thanks. I did not read far enough down to see he already commented about this.

[@clovissteib6765]

I noticed your 2nd panel has more swivel peg holes than mine came with. Did you drill them out yourself? Or did I just get a factory defect?

[@WorkMateGuy]

Clovis Steib Yes I did drill some extra holes for one of my projects and they came in very handy. Thanks for stopping by and posting your question.

[@michaelhumphreys2552]

Great video - thank you! Black & Decker instructions in the box were hopeless and stupidly small print. Black & Decker - spend some money and print instructions on two pieces of paper!!!

[@WorkMateGuy]

Michael Humphreys Congratulations on your new B&D Work mate. I know you're going to enjoy using it. Yes, They really need to work on their instructions. Thanks for stopping by.

[@rollingthunder4599]

I appricate your video, but the part I really need help with is how to attacth the handle. I cant get the pins to go through even with a hammer

[@roberthollis1279]

The pins for the handles are split pins. Need to grip with pliers and they shrink right down to fit through the holes.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Cheers!

[@ernavk31]

The various plastic parts are mentioned in some of the negative reviews of this Workmate I've read online. I wonder if it would be worthwhile to find a machinist to replicate them with metal?

[@wulf67]

No. You will be better off just getting a decent $500 work bench or building one yourself. This thing is ok for a $120 bench. If you want better, buy better.

[@peterlantos1272]

My unit arrived with the "bar" disengaged. I am not sure exactly how to install it?

[@WorkMateGuy]

Perhaps you could describe what you are seeing in more detail?

[@susiestogsdill5075]

The pins were a bear!! Spent the weekend hammering...still not fully in. Second I cannot really understand the 3 planks & how they fit together.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Yes, the back two panels are designed to be configured for different size work pieces which means you and turn them around to combine for what you need. Cheers.

[@christopherlopez9316]

I put this table together three times. Each time so difficult lol

[@WorkMateGuy]

Been there... done that. Thanks for stopping by.

[@christopherlopez9316]

@@WorkMateGuy 🤣🤣

[@Steelerspatula]

I could never have assembled my Workmate 425 without your video. The pictographic instructions are hot garbage b

[@Mr2Paws]

Thank you for posting this video. The instructions that came with the workbench were not that clear.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Glad it helped.

[@theashgroveband3576]

Figured it out from your video but work on focus and steadying the camera.

[@WorkMateGuy]

That was my very first video using an old phone without motion stablization. Most people think it was an earthquake that caused the shakiness. LOL

[@relheob]

Use a tripod, please. Your knowlege is wonderful, your technique could be improved.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Yes, that was with a very old phone that had a poor camera and no anti shake built in. This was one of my first video trys.

[@frankvandornis4373]

DO NOT use a hammer to install the crank pin!!!!!! Use a pair of channel locks to push the pin all the way in.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Cheers!

[@mgmcd1]

Thanks for that. The instructions are miserable. Total nonsense. One of the plastic bits that joins the front clamp section with the cranks was missing on one I purchased. They sent along a replacement, but I couldn’t get that little so-and-so to thread to save my life. And I have been working in shops for 40 years. So I have one for clamping, and a partial one for outfeed. Miserable. Would it kill them to sell them assembled?

[@WorkMateGuy]

mgmcd1You are certainly welcome and glad to know it helped you out to some degree. It's a shame they couldn't get it right the first time for you. It aint rocket science it's a workbench. :-)

[@j.mccarthy3008]

This was helpful thanks. The instructions are truly garbage. The first panel went in ok. Once connected however the panel was crooked. Are you kidding me???!!!! They have some sort of a band running between the handles so they BOTH MOVE at the same time. I’ll look more closely to see if there is a release of some sort.

[@WorkMateGuy]

The bands on the cranks can be helpful especially when you are holding your workpiece in place to clamp. However, you can carefully slip it off if you don't need it. Cheers!

[@markbeaty1164]

May be the worst instruction manual ever. Thank you for doing this.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Bonjour-World]

The most infuriating part is putting the pins in the hand crank handles. That is the problem with all of the Workmates. The only practical way I found to do it is by using a 4 inch "C" clamp.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Yep, there should be a better way! cheers!

[@larrynix8592]

Thanks for the video. The written directions are horrible. Like what is picture 8 trying to show???? B&D need to write directions and then let someone who does not know how to do it try them out. When they get stymied, thats where you need to clarify things.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey Larry, I could not agree more. Cheers!

[@ethnicmike]

Do yourself a favor and just watch this. The instruction manual was garbage. It will make for good campfire kindling.

[@WorkMateGuy]

ethnicmike Congratulations on your new Workmate 425, I know your going to enjoy using it. Thanks for stopping by and posting your comment.

[@themainten4433]

This thing what a pile of crap, the pins for the holes on the crank were too big, and there was no way to get them in without doing some modification to make it work.

[@WorkMateGuy]

It can be tricky... get at least one hole from the strap on a tooth and start cranking. It's kinda like putting on a fan belt or bike chain. Cheers!

[@DEVINROWLANDSON]

You skipped the most annoying part of the assembly, step 13 in the instructions, the pins for the handles, stupidest step I've ever seen for an at home assembly needing to hammer in those pins...

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey Devin, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!