In a message dated 9/14/01 9:26:46 PM, hksawyer@catt.com writes:

<< I don't understand.  How can a soft CU washer make a large diameter
drain plug stuck?
I don't see the physics or the mechanics of the scenario. >>

hk,
Physics?  No, its alchemy and if you had suffered the initiation rites of the
Brotherhood this bit of esoterica would have been revealed to you. (enter
requisite smiley)

I don't know either.  What I do know is that CU becomes work hardened.  I
also know that the breakaway torque when removing the drain plug far exceeds
the torque I apply when I install it.  I know that CU can be joined to AL
using pressure with no applied heat and the boundary layer will show a true
welding of the materials.  But, above all, I know that CU washers can be had
by the pound for dollars, so why not follow a recommended practice?

Now, what I don't know is how it is possible, after more than 30 years of
experience with skyjackings, for the crew of a jetliner to be secured in
their cockpit by a door that is no more substantial than the one I latch when
I find it necessary to use a public restroom.
Rich