Stuffing Box - sequence of events

[rperret]

Hello all

Wanting to get some clarification on adjusting the stuffing box (traditional). Did lots of web searches and lots of somewhat conflicting or unclear advice.

Note that I have the traditional version with rubber tube connected to the box with a locking nut and compression nut.

What is not clear to me is whether i should...

1) loosen the locking nut first while having a wrench on the stuffing box to keep from turning, or...
2) loosen the compression nut first, while having a wrench on the stuffing box to keep it from turning, or...
3) put wrench on both nuts and turn both to release (this is what Don Casey states in his book but wouldn't the box potentially turn in this scenario?)

Appreciate any thoughts on these approaches, thanks.

Rick

[JimsCAL]

Option 1. Basically back off the locking nut, adjust the compression on the stuffing box packing, then retighten the locking nut. As you mention, this takes two wrenches since you don't want to put torque on the rubber hose connecting the stuffing box to the hull.

[T37Chef]

Try this link: Re-Packing A Traditional Stuffing Box Photo Gallery by Maine Sailing at pbase.com

Its another sailnet members web page, just cant remember who's

[sailingdog]

Halekai's the owner of that site.

Originally Posted by T37Chef

Try this link: Re-Packing A Traditional Stuffing Box Photo Gallery by Maine Sailing at pbase.com

Its another sailnet members web page, just cant remember who's

[SEMIJim]

Being a man that believes strongly in "The right tool for the job," particularly when the quality of the job may mean the difference between damage and no damage, water in the boat vs. a relatively dry bilge, we "splurged" and bought a pair of ChannelLock 8WCB - 8" Extra Wide Capacity Code Blue® Adjustable Wrenchs. (N.B.: At least I think those are the ones we have.) Was actually The Admiral that spotted 'em on the wall at the tool store. Our packing nut and the locking nut need 1-5/8" wrenches. But most wrenches that are or go that wide have big, long handles. These were listed as "1-1/2 inch, plus." Well the "plus" was another 1/8" - perfect! Not only are the handles a lot shorter than those on any other wrench with that kind of jaw size, but the entire wrench is thinner. A pair of those worked perfectly for me.

Jim

[T37Chef]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Halekai's the owner of that site.

Yes, thats it, I had a brain fart