The speculation has been that the metal contracts when
frozen and releases
stuck bearings, this has always seemed an
'Odd' explanation as the bearings and races should contract at the same rate
assuming similar materials.
Surface to mass differences should allow one to cool faster, and although
both may in the end shrink to the same size, one should shrink quicker,
and the initial shrink may be all that is popping it free.
I'm not saying that is why the trick works... I'm just pointing out some
validity in the plausible nature of the idea.
-chris
<http://www.mythtech.net>