The old one was rated at 20 ga steel, and most of what I bend has been 19, 18, or 16 ga. So it's limits have been exceeded to say the least! It was due for replacement. The guy who bought the old one is going to be making patch panels, about 12 inches wide or less, so it should serve him well. As he put it, it's better than what he has now... (which was none at all)