works as intended. Was able to easily remove the blade with this tool for cleaning and tighten back down when done.

Ordered this on Sunday got it Monday thanks to 2 day shipping! Makes taking off the base of my Vitamix a breeze, wish I would have bought it sooner!

Works well to remove back plate. I will not use this tool for next few years or until Mixer leaks again.
Money worth for prevent cracking $60 plastic bowl.

This is the tool you need to get the blades off your Vitamix blender. I have the tall carafe on my blender. It works quite well to remove the blades. Sharpening the blades is a pain, but that's a different issue unrelated to this wrench.

I've read so many instances here of misuse of this tool that I'm compelled to write my own review, if only to set the record straight about how to use the Vitamix wrench.

With the exception of the S-Series machines, Vitamixes are NEVER supposed to be disassembled for cleaning. The owner's manuals (did you bother to read yours?) are specific. Vitamix containers are designed to remain intact. They're self-cleaning and, for that matter, shouldn't be put in the dishwasher either. There are only two reasons why anyone should own this tool.

The first use is the removal and replacement of a damaged blade assembly. Over time and for any of a number of reasons, blade assemblies might need to be replaced. The wrench, if its instructions are followed, makes this easy and in fact, Vitamix will instruct you to purchase it when you contact them about the repair (which is why I have mine). Vitamixes not only carry a fabulous warranty but some repairs can be performed at home. Don't even try to replace the blade assembly without this wrench because it's unlikely that you'll be able to tighten the nut satisfactorily without it.

The second use is preventive and is why I suggest its purchase to new Vitamix owners. Over time, and I write from experience, the retainer nut can loosen, especially if you're blending recipes with a high percentage of frozen ingredients (the blade has to work really hard to process them). A looser nut eventually results in a loose blade assembly, which eventually results in stripped bearings and a temporarily out-of-commission Vitamix.
Usually in the middle of preparing a recipe.
Possibly for a dinner party.
Do you need this?
Mind you, this is covered under warranty but why not take a preemptive approach?
Every month or so, GENTLY attempt to attempt to tighten the retainer nut with the wrench. If you're unable to, leave it alone! If it's at all loose, GENTLY tighten it until it isn't. $10 can save you a lot of potential aggravation.

Bottom line: the reason Vitamix doesn't include this tool is because they don't want people doing what so many reviewers here are crowing about--disassembling the container to get it "really clean." DON'T DO THIS! The container isn't built to take the stress of tightening the retainer nut on a regular basis and might crack. In fact, once could be enough if you're over-zealous. I'm not sure if a container that's cracked due to this abuse is covered under warranty but it shouldn't be. Vitamix knows better than you about the ins and outs of their appliances--do as they recommend.