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When you double clutch, depressing only about half way is usually sufficient. NEVER push it all the way down.
As you mentioned, inside the transmission there is a device called a "clutch brake". What this does is stops the rotation of the transmission internals so you can get it in gear. I'm sure you've heard the classic descending grind as a truck prepares to take off. This is because some idiot somewhere along the line wore the clutch brake out.
The truly sad part is oftentimes drivers haven't a clue why this happens. They just think a truck is for whatever reason SUPPOSED to grind as it goes into gear.
The only time you EVER want to push a clutch pedal to the floor is while sitting still. If you do this while moving, what little friction material is on the clutch brake will then be used to try and stop the rotation of the entire driveline, which kills them fast.
Back in olden days, clutch brakes were controlled not by the bottom of the range of pedal travel, but by a button on the shifter. Frankly, I wish we could go back to that.Click to expand...