Do you folks know the trick for using a credit card (or other thin thing, like knifeblade) to help open a Bear Vault without having to press really hard on the unlocking tab? It doesn't solve problems with dirt in the threads, but might free up some effort to get better leverage on turning the lid. See here:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyEbLfL_lSU[/youtube]

This should be good until bears start carrying credit cards.

I contacted BearVault and got a new lid -- $10 shipping and handling. The new one has 2 tabs, and the tabs don't automatically slide past the stop! Well worth it.

I tried several tricks to make the lid slide on more easily, and finally resorted to MaxiGlide, purchased probably more than 30 years ago. It's messy stuff, so I went with a very thin application.

I got a bearikade last year-- a few ounces less. But I really missed being able to see inside the canister.