Clamping elements- nicks and gouges on side of bar

[Philcav7]

My clamping elements have minimal use, maybe 15-20 sessions of use.
Their operation of sliding back and forth on the bar has become very unsmooth as a result on gouges in the sides of the bar. These gouges are a result of the spring loaded "keeper" contacting the bar during use. Has anyone else encountered this? Any resolutions or lubricants that can be used without risk of contamination on workpieces?

May be hard to see in the pic, but these little nicks catch the keeper as it's slid back and forth during use.

 

[Bohdan]

I just clean mine up with some sandpaper and they work fine. In time the plating will be all gone and they will rust.

 

[Philcav7]

That's a great idea. I'm not worried about rust, I just want them to work well. Haven't touched them in several months and when I used them last week, I had to fight with them a couple times

 

[rljatl]

Here's a video about the fix.

 

[bnaboatbuilder]

No different from pipe clamps from the last 100 years. The clamping force causes nicks and gouges. Is what it is. Sand and clean if they stick too much.