Thanks for the input. I put some powdered graphite on and it worked
quite well.

Stormin Mormon wrote:
Powdered graphite might do the trick.

Kano labs had some high temperature spray, but it's been
ages since I've seen that. You could sand the rod with emery
cloth, or steel wool. Might help.

Please let us know what turns out to work. My parents have a
fireplace screen. Same deal. Gets hard to open or close.