Toilet handle plastic arm stuck

[Coniferman]

The handle was getting stiffer and now won't go back up after use. I have loosened the nut inside and it all works properly but at some point I will either have to replace the handle or give it a good clean.

The problem is that I cannot release the plastic "arm" (on the square barrel) that connects to the wire. I assume I need to? There is no screw fitted - just a hole for one but it still won't move.

The handle also has a split-pin arrangement which I can remove but this doesn't seem to get me anywhere?

Any clues on what I might be missing? Should I try some WD40 on the "arm"?

 

[swidders]

If the arm on the barrel will not slide off then you may have no other choice but to hacksaw it off. New handles come with a new arm as standard.