Applying Graphite

[sasquatch]

I'm not fond of lubing a tight stem. If it's too tight, take a little material out of the mortise with a rolled-up sandpaper and get a correct fit. Lubing it with graphite or wax or whatever you have not taken away the fact that the end of the shank is under (sometimes quite a lot of) pressure. If it's so tight you need graphite, it's too tight. Just my .o2

 

[cosmicfolklore]

 

[jpmcwjr]

Another possibility that helps in some situations is taking the stem out and letting the mortise dry out for a day or so. Then always keep it in unless cleaning your stem or your mortise hole.