I have a Helios-44-2 that has a really hard to set aperture ring. The outer one that click stops to preset the aperture takes some considerable effort to turn it. Is there a way of making it any easier?

Clean and lube the ring. Make sure the machining fit is correct - I have seen some really weird assembly tolerances on these lenses. Then again make sure lens has not been 'dinged' and the ring distorted.

I have a couple of Helios 44-2, and the aperture is very clunky to adjust on both. I rather assumed they were made that way! I can't remember what the Helios was like on the Zenit I bought new in the '70s.
 
I was planning to weaken, or short

I will try too when I get a second one. I wouldn't like ending up with a distorted ring as Glenn states.