I tried repairing by cutting wood to fit where the rubber piece that sticks out goes. That didn't work but I didn't know about the square hole in pic 2 above.

Lubed latches seem to prevent the rubber piece damage but open for discussion is what lube to use. Some attract dirt and become a problem. Graphite seem to work but I've read of it messing up lock tumblers so don't know for sure that it is a great solution.

So, what lube?

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.