act arm is supposed to be very stiff as your pulling against the spring but you are supposed to set it so the penny is shut when the spring is pulling against it. to set it up put penny in closed position then adjust arm so it is half a hole short of going on then either pull it on or use a pump to push rod out a bit so when you do get it on the act arm is pulling the penny shut that will give you some type of boost if all is working right