I bought that Hagen wireformer at the Cabela's Sidney, NB store about 10 years ago and its a reliable workhorse. Does everything I needed it to do and more.
I tend to thread the components, clip the wire and then R bend and twist on the hook. In that sequence twisting a larger treble is kind of tight on the top rotor and can catch the hook if your mind wanders.
After experimenting with duct tape, rubber bands and Frig magnets, any will fix the problem and away you go.
The left/right hand reverse works with an allen wrench and the hardened steel is for real.
It was a hundred+ bucks, but less then many fly vises. Its a cool tool.