stuffing box

American  

noun

Machinery.

1. a device for preventing leakage of gases or liquids along a moving rod or shaft at the point at which it leaves a cylinder, tank, ship hull, etc.

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stuffing box British  

noun

1. Also called: packing box.  a small chamber in which an annular packing is compressed around a reciprocating or rotating rod or shaft to form a seal

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Etymology

Origin of stuffing box

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Step By Step When repacking your stuffing box, if old packing is not completely removed, or if any sand, grit or foreign matter is present, the shaft can be scored.

From Time Magazine Archive

The stuffing box should be cool or only slightly warm to the touch.

From Time Magazine Archive

When properly adjusted, a stuffing box keeps excess water from collecting in the bilge and protects the shaft from damage.

From Time Magazine Archive

One way that some builders fabricate dry stuffing boxes is to tap the housing and insert a hose fitting, then deliver raw water to the stuffing box as shown in the photo above.

From Time Magazine Archive

The thickness of the stuffing box flange is 1-1/8 inch.

From A Catechism of the Steam Engine by Bourne, John, C.E.