There are just some days I wish I didn't turn wrenches

[Fless]

I guess I will understand what you mean by "pull down the rod to take the slack out of it". When I get there.

Pulling down rod does what?

There can be a little slack in the connection to the outside handle especially if the handle spring is a little weak, so pulling down or putting downward pressure on the rod as you close the hinge will take up that slack. Before you close up everything, check the outside handle to make sure there's no slack -- or just a little -- when you pull up on it.