Avoiding lid bale scratches?

[jkolantern]

I've noticed some very light scratches on the lid of my performer but on my new (to me) 26" they are a bit more pronounced.  I assume that it is because it is a heavy lid, and caution might not always be used.  Does anybody have a good method of still using the lid bale, but keeping it from harming the lid?  Mostly trying to keep the 26" in no worse than its present condition.

[Josh G]

I always try to go really gentle when dropping in the bale.  I would never slide my lid against anything metal so the idea of the lid bale makes me a little nervous.  But so far everything has been fine. 

[Matt_T]

There are a couple ways to attack this. I have found that the dark gray gasket material made for smokers and ceramics like the BGE work perfectly. Here is a link to a good product http://www.amazon.com/Technology-Big-Green-Egg-BBQgaskets/dp/B00LJC0J0E/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1438021144&sr=8-7&keywords=lavalock+bbq+smoker+gasket&pebp=1438021498625&perid=1FJWNDNWYEHZXXGPQNRH if you're interested.

[pbe gummi bear]

I plastidipped my lid bale. works decently as far as I can tell.