They are not like you and me (unless of course you are actually one of them).
Theirs is a world of well defined measures of height, weight, impedance, tolerances, load-bearing capacity, resistance and tension.
If there is a problem then they are the people to seek out for a solution.
It is in their very being to work out what can be done. For this reason they have to be on the very edge of eccentricity.
I am reminded of a riddle told by an Engineer.
It goes like this "How many bolts are there on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia?".
I spent a few moments of mental calculation trying to visualise that iconic structure, the spacing of its sections, likely density of bolts per section and then a wild guess at the number of sections overall. I got to a figure of, rounded up, 2 million. I felt that to be a reasonable guesstimate.
It was a trick question. The answer is in fact 16.
Yes ,16 because of course the bridge is held together by rivets. Around 6 million of them incidentally.
After all, there is a low design criteria for the use of bolts on a bridge of that size as it is not expected to need dismantling at any stage.
I am not sure of the collective name for Engineers although upon research the terms "an awkward", "design", "geek" and my favourite, "a sprocket" have been used but get a group together and you can be assured of an intense brain storming and lateral thinking-fest over the simplest of issues.
Here is a good illustration of the mindset of these technical specialists.
Take the example of a rusty nut and bolt.
Us mere mortals may see such a thing, give it a frustrated blow with a hammer or struggle for a few seconds with our favourite spanner before giving up and walking away.
An engineer combines practicality with science and physics and has an instinctive knowledge of the physical characteristics and properties of each and every element, material and substance.
So, in the first instance an Engineer may decide to tighten up the apparently seized nut. This seems illogical to us lay-persons but it is a calculated measure.
In the case of a nut and bolt with both being in iron the oxidisation process causes an expansion. Static friction is tougher to overcome and so turning the bolt is the perfect way to loosen it.
A second approach is to heat up the nut. This causes the metal to expand causing the rusted parts to be dislodged but this does require a lot of heat, such as from a welding torch or blow lamp and may not be available to most.
A third choice is resorting to a fine and penetrating oil. The best known brand is WD40, almost an institution in the world of DIY. This does however take some patience being a process over a few days.
Those on a budget and not able to afford the market leading brand or just on principals have attested to the use of vinegar as an effective solvent for oxidised metals.
Just a bit of advice to finish off.
Never ask an Engineer to describe the differences and merits of nuts,bolts and rivets...unless you have a great deal of time and infinite patience.
Oh, and don't be tempted to drill out the stubborn nut or resort to explosives or strong acid. That is just asking for trouble. At least I know now that eyebrows do grow back ,,,,,and better than before as well.
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