What Would You Suggest?

[Metal Head]

Hi,

I purchased these aluminium extension ladders just over a year ago from Bunnings. However, when I came to use them last weekend I had terrible trouble opening them up. On closer inspection of the mechanism I noticed that it appeared the aluminium had picked between two of the surfaces (see attachments). So this arvo I stripped the ladders apart and deburred the holes and cleaned up the surfaces as well as I could. I then put it back together and it is working a treat. However, I know from past experience more than often it will happen again and I will have to go through the same process again.

I was wondering if I should just leave the surfaces clean and occassionaly blow any muck out with the aid of my compressor, or is there something I could use that will prevent some possible friction happening that will result in the material picking up again?

Thank you to those you are kind enough to reply.

Cheers
MH

[echnidna]

I'd spray the mating surfaces with CRC Drylube (Teflon) before reassembly