The following are the cautions and the instructions while installing new gland packings.

　　1. After the gland packings have been removed the spaces must be thoroughly cleaned with compressed air to ascertain than no residues of the old packing remain inside.

　　2. The shaft must be carefully inspected for any abrasions and pitting marks and if any must be removed with 300 grit emery paper. In case it is not possible to smooth the surface, the sleeve must be changed at the next possible opportunity.

　　3. Gland packing once used must not be reused and never try to reverse a gland packing as the old packing must have lost its properties in service.

　　4. The packings must be selected as per the service required.

　　5. The correct size of the packing should be referred from the instruction manual or measured.

　　6. Cut the gland packing to the correct size and give a little clearance if using natural fibers like hemp and jute which would swell in contact with water.

　　7. Fit each packing one by one with lots of lubricant and do not forget to stagger the same by 90 degrees each.

　　8. Compress with the gland to ascertain that it goes inside evenly.

　　9. Check that the shaft is free to rotate after the insertion of the gland packings.

　　10 Slightly tighten the gland till a little resistance is felt in the turning of the shaft by hand.

　　11. After the tightening slackens the nuts and finger tighten. The tightening must be done during the running in process.

　　12. Remember that a gland packing is not supposed to completely prevent leakage of the fluid, a small leakage of about ten drops a minute is required for lubrication and cooling.