I had to modify the tool to allow the wire to slip into the retaining groove more easily. Hard to describe but the tag end of the wire has to slide past a sharp corner on the tool opposite the loop being formed in order to enter the groove. I took a small Dremel grinding stone to it and rounded it off and now it works much better. It also helps greatly to mount the tool on a wood fixture that can be clamped to a work bench because you need one hand/finger to guide the tag end of the wire into the groove and one hand to turn the crank. I personally could not figure out how to comfortably hold onto the tool at the same time. It would be nice if the tool came with holes pre-drilled for mounting. Once you get the wire into the groove and start turning the crank, the tool works well. In addition, do not try to use this tool with wire any thicker than .025". I started out using .030" and it simply won't work. I'm using .023" now.