The only way it will twist is when I use the whole frame as a lever. I almost pulled the work bench over while twisting and pulling, but it will not budge lengthwise. And when I tried again using armstrong power on only the saddle, it would not twist at all. It is indeed strange that it will not move outward at all when it can be twisted, but the force needed to twist it is immense. I'll probably lay awake tonight trying to visualize the damage that would be caused by hammering the post in. Some people!