If anyone can claim the king of heavy use, I would be near the top
![Big grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
I can't even put a number on how many times I've latched my RV-6A canopy over 3,400+ hours of flying but can say that it's still original. On closing mine, there is an
ever-so-slight-latching-effect when the handle moves over-center. Just to put things in perspective, my latch has been closed/opened by my 5 year old nephew so there's not a lot of force there.
I'm guessing that when you fit/cut your canopy, you have a bit more gap than the latch is designed for (your latch is trying to pull the canopy closed tighter than it need be).
I'd suggest you make your very own custom-made latch using the one you have now as a template, however make such that the 'hook' is a bit longer than what you have now. Then use the trial/error method to close the canopy so that you just keep filing away on the hook to reach the
ever-so-slight-latching-effect. Good luck, Rosie