You have to put a slide in the top batten. I had similar problems until I put the slide there. I also had to replace slides. The one I am using now you can buy it at sailrite.com -> Slug Nylon Round 3/8" SKU: 23319. This slide was suggested to me by somebody who designs slide gates for masts. I ended up creating the gates myself from stainless steel plates.
The slides are functional now.
