Stuffing Box

[Bill]

Decided to repack my stuffing box with dripless stuffing and could not get old stuffing out. AS a matter of fact, I couldn't find any existing flax after picking around for 30 minutes . I gave up but I am wondering if there is some sort of plastic washer in between the locking nut and the flax? If so how is this removed? I was thinking along the lines of an easy out but want to make sure there is a washer before I go rooting around again. Thanks

 

[Brad Stone]

Yes...

Hi Bill... I have the plastic box, too, and went through the same thing. There is a plastic washer. First, with a small hammer, I tapped lightly on the box. This will free the washer from the old flax and bring it out somewhat. Then I fashioned two "hooks" from paper clips. There's just enough clearance to hook these behind the washer and draw it out the rest of the way. I used a small mirror to see what was going on. Once the washer's out, I recommend the flax pick tool... made getting the old stuff out easy. Good luck.