Packing Nut Wench?

[JOHN COOKSON]

The packing nut will not loosen even with repeted applications of penetrating oil followed by tapping. If I keep going after it the way I have been doing - with pipe wrenches - I'm going to round the brass.
Has anyone used the adjustable packing nut wrench from West Marine? It looks to be the best one of the lot. Any comments good or bad? The handle looks sort of short. Maybe it needs a piece of pipe on it. Also can the same wrench be used to loosen the lock nut?

TRUE GRIT

[rickinnj]

I use the adjustable slip nut wrench like the one at WM. But I got mine at the local Big Box store in the plumbing section for less money. Get two. One to hold the packing gland stationary and one to turn the follower. Make sure the lock nut is backed off.

[roadnsky]

As Rick said, the Lock Nut has to be loosened first.
Are you using 2 wrenches?

Since you're a Catalina guy, maybe look at these...

[joe_db]

Packing nut wench:

[JOHN COOKSON]

Packing nut wench:

I noticed that after I posted. Can tell where my mind is at.

TRUE GRIT

[romantic comedy]

I have used that cheap packing nut wrench.

It was useless and I threw it overboard. I keep well oiled Stilson wrenches aboard. I also have a large channel lock pliers and a large adjustable.

If you are putting that much force that you will round the nut then that wrench would not work.

Always use two wrenches.You dont want to torque the packing hose.

[toddster]

Hmm... a stuffing box in a spacious, well-lighted area? Fake news!

One problem is that my wrenches with jaws that open wide enough are too long to fit in the available space. Should have done a practical test before putting them on board. (Similar to the jack I carried for years that wasn't tall enough to do the truck...)

[lat 64]

Criminey, that's just a stupid sink wrench!
Get it at Lowes.

[JOHN COOKSON]

Criminey, that's just a stupid sink wrench!
Get it at Lowes.

This exact one is on order from home depot.
Has anyone had any luck getting the lock nut loose using one of these? If I can get the lock nut loose then I can tighten the packing nut a tad and get the excess drip stopped.

TRUE GRIT

[msmith10]

I've never had any luck using those adjustable sink wrenches on ANYTHING. The jaws won't stay fixed in position long enough to get them on the nuts and the whole apparatus is so big and clumsy you can't get it in anywhere.
I made my own stuffing box wrenches out of 3/16 steel using nothing but an angle grinder and they've worked well for 20 years.
Alternatively, get a couple of monkey wrenches at a flea market. You can grind down the jaws if they're too big.

[Easy Rider]

Two small monkey wrenches always worked for me and I had a tight spot to work on. Just be careful on the thinner nut. Those sink wrenches were never meant for the kind of pressure you might need to break free a packing nut. Just my thoughts.

[Chris75]

Packing nut

I find it eaiser to loosen the packing nut, not the jam nut. 1/4 turn loosen then the jam nut spins easy, tighten the packing nut then the jam nut....I use a pipe wrench and water pump pliers.