Hi, Stretch70 - You're correct. Most folks who are unfamiliar with our CSST installation, will tighten the brass fitting to a point when it feels tight, then it appears to "strip" the threads and tightening becomes easier. This is the point where the raw edge of the SS tubing turns in on itself against a hard fiber washer in the receiving side of the fitting. Then continue to tighten until the specified torque is reached or (in the absence of a torque wrench) until there are no threads showing between the 2 sides of the fitting. Thanks for the review and input.