A rusty chain can destroy a tuned meter. Chains running over worn idlers make the chain jump. They wear out surprisingly fast. On vacuum planters, use of talcum is critical. Static buildup causes the seed to spray down the seed tube.
Talcum takes care of the problem.
Graphite helps the fingers hang onto the seed. Sauder says you need to do more than pour a pile of graphite in the middle of the seed hopper. Pour it around the edges and then crisscross over the center. This may sound like seed company propaganda, but plant good seed. Seed that is not consistent in size puts the finger planter under pressure to do its job accurately.