old bucket lids

[VA maple guy]

I've got a bunch of old flat bucket lids that are nearly impossible to remove and install the wire without a pair of pliers. Has anybody run into this problem?
Is there some kind of lube you can apply to them that won't contaminate
the bucket/sap?

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

Some food grade grease and also you can take a screwdriver and bend the channel out a little that the wire slides in to make it a little looser.

[brookledge]

If the wire has rusted you can replace the wire with a new piece and that will also help. I have replaced some in the past with stainless wire
Keith

[hard maple]

$6.75 for 100 extra wires from bascoms.
Or would coathanger wire work.