The friction sway control has a large handle on the top side. That handle is an on/off device and is not intended to be an adjustment lever. You should always tighten it as far as it will go and then back it off so the handle is parallel to the ground.
If adjustment to the amount of friction is necessary, then you use the small bolt on the bottom side of the the device. This should be turned in 1/4 turn increments with a test in between each turn.
Using the above procedure ( which is in the instructions of all the devices) you should be able to get the same amount of sway control every time you hook up without any guessing.
Friction sway control instructions Notice #3 in "
Important" at the beginning, and sections 2b and 3a near the end of the document.
Barney