Here is what I do. For hard closing lube the angled part that hits the striker with oil or light grease, do both sides, the part that hits the striker and the backside. For one that does not release you can remove the handle and bend the rod slightly like mentioned by berner or as I did I bent the flat spot the rod attaches to slightly to shorten the rod. Lube all pivot points and is should operate as smooth as a new babys bottom.