You can add Vaseline to the track where the "L" shape connecting locks are. Top and bottom.I had to use oven mitts with grips on them to open and close mine. Be sure to push down while turning to open and close. Smooth like butter. Unfortunately, my lid cracked and liner split after only a few months. Not from the Vaseline but because the tumbler is crap.
Yes I agree about the tumbler being crap, unfortunately I ended up tossing it out before it had a chance to cause me any more problems. Thank you for the tip though!! I currently have 3 other tumblers going so it’s actually kinda nice to have one less. It’s smooth sailing while they are rolling but opening day is a mess!!
I definitely fill the barrel as full as possible in the later stages so the stones will bump around less. It would be a setback if they were to bang around too much and break pieces off. I have noticed it helps to fill it a little less in the beginning stages. The stones seem to start to smooth down quicker.
