Originally Posted by
Crankycrank
The plug really doesn't need to be super strong. Once you've set your bearing preload and tightened down the stem bolts it's job is done.
The reason to have a pressure plug isn't for drawing up bearing preload, that can be done other ways. It's to keep the carbon steerer from collapsing or cracking from the pressure (hence the name) of the stem clamping. Not a problem for steel or AL steerers. Andy (who remind all of one more reason to be careful about carbon in certain applications)