Dermac backstay adjuster

[Plevier]

I have a Dermac backstay adjuster, the sort with two swing up black handles. It's very easy to slacken but very stiff to tighten. I've tried oiling the thread etc with no improvement.
Any advice please on how to improve it, don't mind dismantling if necessary. Have failed to find any info on the web - are they obsolete?
Thanks

 

[samwestwood]

Might be being silly but they are supposed to be stiff to tighten. Effectively you are tightening and releasing a nut.
The tighter you want it the harder it will be.

 

[Plevier]

Of course, but it's stiff in the tightening direction even when the backstay is slack, and easy in the undo direction even when the backstay is tight. There must be a thrust bearing of some sort which is not very happy. I'm guessing it's plain bronze or similar and lacking lubrication.
There is a little widget on it that looks quite like an oil/grease nipple - brass outer with a steel ball in the centre - but doesn't actually seem to be one. Can't find any way to get oil or grease through it. Not the right shape for a grease gun to clip on to.

 

[searover2]

I have same and is like yours stiff to tighten.........