On Fri, 5 Feb 2016 20:17:28 -0500, Bill Baxter
wrote:

OK, it seems to be the CHAIN from flapper to commode flush handle. It's
a stainless steel linked type and the links keeping getting caught on
one another, incredible! Is there a chain or method that won't tangle
here (sigh and eye roll...)?

For giggles try some fishing line or a float on the chain for support.

Good luck.