Getting side case latch operating “like buttah”

[Redman]

Aside from getting case open….

aside from broken flap…..

aside from disassembling the case….

 

I got case apart (the unbroken case).

Have lubricated the button/lock mechanism. Have lubricated the flap and mechanism in top of the case and that all  operates with ease.

 

And I lubricated these slides (by my thumb and hand) but they are dragging and stiff to operate.

 

I first used some general purpose spray oil lube. Then tried wd40. But these slides (one more than the other) are what  is dragging.

 

I did notice that are these metal slides (against plastic) that easily see in pics and also on underside, so more surfaces there to lubricate.

 

any comment??

 

 

 

[Redman]

Other note:

first time I tried reassembling the case, I didn’t understand how these slides/post had to align. Took me a bit to figure out how to align them with the latch mechanism.  Next time I disassembled the case I marked these slides/post for what position they need to be in when reassembling the case. So let me share that bit of advice.

[lkraus]

It's the dust and grit that makes the latches hard to operate. Do the best you can to get the dirt out from under the sliding band of stainless steel.  I don't like WD-40 as a lubricant because it seems to evaporate quickly. I've had good results using Sil-Glyde silicone lube, though it is difficult to work it under the slider.

Cleaned, with lube on all friction surfaces, you can lift the latch with one pinky finger.

[KetoSoi]

Different types of oil/grease can cause more stiction on those slides compared to totally dry. They arent designed to have all kinds of lube in them. Best thing I have found are the spray dry-lubes with PTFE (or similar) in them.

 

K