Lee Pro 4-20 handle jammed/sticking

[hanover67]

I was casting today when the handle on my Lee Pro 4-20 jammed. It would not lift. After trying to resolve it by adjusting the valve screw, I tried turning in (down) the bolt on top of the pot rim that guides the top of the handle. This helped but did not eliminate the problem and I quit for the day.

The guide bolts turn in and must be threaded. It may be that the edge of the handle frame is catching on exposed threads, so tightening the bolt will put the threads below the rim edge and solve the problem - I haven't tried that. Or, I could remove the top and bottom positioning bolts and clean them in case there is some crud that is binding the handle.

Has anybody else had this problem and if so what is the solution?

[billyb]

The handle screws are shoulder screws. I tighten mine occasionally, they do work loose. I use graphite on the shoulder portion of the screw. and the spout where the handle rubs on it.

[ShooterAZ]

I put a little Bullplate or 2 cycle oil on the portion of the screw that the handle rubs on. Works like a charm.