Whenever possible, pivoted or turning joints should be used instead of sliding joints. Linear sliding joints are notorious sources of trouble. To minimize friction forces, pivoted joints should be made of hard materials, preferably steel, and pivoting elements should be of a small diameter.
A hole is drilled at each end of the shaft, a washer is inserted, and a pin or wire is put through the hole and bent around the shaft as shown. The same must be done at the opposite end of the shaft.