I'm just back from my first trip of the season... 3 nights in the Hiawatha Natl Forest. I was great to get out all the gear and put it to use.

One thing I've noticed is that my stove elbow is hard to adjust for the proper incline and angle heading out the sidewall of the tent. My elbow has surface rust and the joints don't rotate easily, so I end up not set just as I'd like.

What tricks are there to solve the problem of tight elbow joints?? Graphite?

You can probably loosen it with a generous dose of WD40. However it will not stay movable for long. Set it once a forget it.

awbrown: "... Set it once a forget it."

That would be great advice, but I have to straighten the elbow to stow it inside the stove. Then if have to reset the curve every time when setting up the stove.

I always battle with my elbow joint. Usually after 5-10 minutes I win and can shape it as I want. If I were smarter I would wage that battle just before every trip, but it usually takes place when I a tired, cold, and wanting to light the fire.

Keep in mind a new elbow joint (at least for my Kni-co stove) is only about $6 or so. It pays to just ditch the old one once in a while.

Jaywalker: "Keep in mind a new elbow joint (at least for my Kni-co stove) is only about $6 or so. It pays to just ditch the old one once in a while. "

When I replaced the original, my new elbow came as a 2-pack, so your suggestion would be quick and easy! And I know just where I stashed it a few years ago!!

Never hot tented but we rigged these on our clapped out trucks and clapped together fish house stoves as kids. Have you considered something like this?

Automotive Exhaust Flex Pipe

Just the first example I found on the google, your local fleet or auto parts store will probably have several varieties on hand, and if not can order most diameters you'd need.

bobbernumber3: "
That would be great advice, but I have to straighten the elbow to stow it inside the stove. Then if have to reset the curve every time when setting up the stove."

I am in the same boat, having to straighten the elbow for storage in the stove.

I don't bring it along on a trip, but before a trip I use Graphite Liquid Lock Ease. Basically, just liquid graphite. It can seep into the joint and provide some temporary lubrication. It will eventually burn off so will need to be reapplied once the elbow freezes back up, but that usually happens after I get back from a trip.

Graphite Lock Ease

Minnesotian: "I don't bring it along on a trip, but before a trip I use Graphite Liquid Lock Ease. Basically, just liquid graphite. "

Today, I used some dry graphite on two of the joints and 3-in-1 one on a stubborn third joint. Everything seems much better and I will test it out camping tomorrow. It may be that I'll just have to lubricate and pay better attention to this between trips.