51

Packing Extractors

The following is an introduction to packing extractors and is not intended to be all

inclusive. There are many variations of the

―

corkscrew

‖

type packing extractor and

dozens of patents covering the subject tools. It is interesting to note the number of

references in packing extractor catalogs and patents to

―

corkscrew

‖

even though the

tools are not offered as

―

cork removers

‖

.

Definition:

stuffing box

n. An enclosure containing packing to prevent leakage around a

moving machine part.

In a book on steam engines the above drawing is

captioned

―

Stuffing box which forms a steam tight

joint for the piston or valve stem. By means of the

adjustable sleeve, the proper pressure is brought to

bear on the packing to prevent leakage of the

steam.

‖

From time to time the packing needs to be replaced.

Various methods have been proposed and invented

to remove the packing. A corkscrew like device is

an ideal puller in confined areas. These tools are

often offered for sale by purveyors of antiques as

corkscrews with notations that they are used to remove corks from bottles. Most of

them would be difficult to use in removing a stubborn cork. But are they

―

corkscrews

‖

?

- yes, but not in the bottle uncorking sense.

Above is a packing extractor from the Buffum Tool Co., Louisiana, Missouri (marked as

such - see next page). Frank Buffum started his business in the early 1900s. His factory

was located at 4th and Tennessee. Buffum produced a wide variety of tools including

ice picks, ice shavers, match holders, lawn sprinklers, picks, wrenches, gate hooks,

plumber tools, and a packing extractor. The company was destroyed by fire in the early

1940s.