Tightening 1/55 Swing Bars

[Skull-1]

I've found a few swing bar sets that are really stiff which helps in multiple ways. For example, most nose art is found on the left side of the nose. So if the swing bars are fairly stiff you can fill in the notch on the left side of the nose and toss the swing bar lock from the left intake. The one on the right remains and locks into place transferring to the left one which has no lock due to friction.

The problem I am having is how to make looser swingbars tight. Maybe it is rust that is the cause, I don't know, but my efforts to recreate this effect are failing miserably.

Thoughts anyone?