Thanks, all!! All viable ideas. I think the pins were replaced with drill rod, so maybe the leaves themselves are soft?? I like the grease idea! Seems the consensus is that things will eventually loosen up again without a spring, so think the thick axle grease is a good idea, worth a try! Nothing to lose.
Hmm- magnetize? I guess I would have to hold under when using steel solids, since they would be sucked up to the top of the bore--- joking of course!

Thanks, Doug