Packing nuts have either rubber or plastic packing inside the threads of the nut to help provide a leak-proof seal. The material inside the threads depends on the size of the nut and the application. Packing nuts are typically found on faucets around the home, although there are other applications such as propeller shafts. Loosening a stuck packing nut is a bit different than a standard nut. You should avoid using heat to loosen a packing nut. The packing material inside begins to melt or distort from the high temperature.
Instructions
1. Place a 6-point socket wrench over the packing nut if working on single packing nut with no locking nut. The 6-point socket grips the nut more securely than a wrench or 12-point socket. Hold the top of the socket wrench over the nut with one hand and turn the handle counterclockwise.
2. Slide a breaker bar over the handle of the socket wrench if the nut does not loosen. A breaker bar is a hollow metal tube that will fit over the socket wrench handle and should be twice as long as the socket wrench handle to add more leverage. Use the breaker bar as an extended handle of the socket wrench.
3. Place the tip of a chisel or center punch on top of the packing nut. Strike the top of the chisel or center punch with a hammer twice. This usually knocks the sediment holding the nut loose enough to begin turning the nut.
4. Loosen packing nuts on propellers with special packing nut wrenches. These are specifically designed to fit around the confined spaces for the packing nut and the lock nut. Hold one wrench on the outer lock nut and one on the packing nut. Turn the outer lock nut counterclockwise. If necessary, tap the handle of the wrench to start the nut turning. Once the lock nut turns two revolutions, the packing nut will turn.
Tips Warnings
Packing nut wrenches are available at home improvement centers and outboard dealers.
Related Posts:
Loosen A Stuck Wing Nut
Wing nuts are typically found on marine applications and other places where tightening and loosening a nut is a frequent occurrence. The wing nut has two flat wings that enable you to turn the nut...
Loosen A Stuck Water Turnoff Valve
Loosen a stuck turn-off valve and finish your project.Most faucets and toilets in your home have a water turn-off valve. This valve connects the house water line to the supply line of the faucet o...
Free Stuck Plumbing Valves
Plumbing valves tend to freeze after years of sitting there still, letting minerals in the water accumulate and take hold of them.Water shut-off valves tend to accumulate mineral residue and freez...
Loosening A Stuck Nut Under A Faucet
Every faucet has locking nuts to secure the base of the faucet to the top of the sink or countertop. These lock nuts usually are metal and at times, become stuck. If you need to remove the faucet...
Replace A Stuck Shower Faucet
A stuck shower faucet should be replaced.A stuck shower faucet can be annoying--especially when you are trying to take a shower. The faucet controls the amount of water flowing through the shower...
