- Always cut the packing into individual rings. Never wind the packing into a coil in the stuffing box. Rings should be cut with a butt joint. Cut rings by using a spare stem, a mandrel with the same diameter as the stem or a packing cutter.
- Hold the packing tightly on the mandrel, but do not stretch excessively. Cut the ring and insert it into the stuffing box, making certain that it fits the packing space properly. Each additional ring can be cut in the same manner.