Bimini top connecter

[Goudax3]

I have four of these quick release latches on my boat for thr Bimini top. Two work smoothly and latch and release as they should. The other two are almost impossible to either release or latch. Nothing short of a rubber mallet helps. Does anyone have or had a similar problem? If so, did you fix it? I cannot see any differences in the ones that work and those that do not. See pic.

[Gearbanger]

A few on my boat are tight too. I have to wiggle them up and down to get them to fasten or loosen. You may have to push or pull the pole up / down to get the tension off of them in order for them to work correctly. Otherwise I say use some WD-40 or lubricant of your choice to see if that helps.