Metal strands in graphite packing

[Tony Rowe 1Participant @tonyrowe1]

I am currently in the process of rebuilding a 3 1/2 Tich.  To re-assemble the cylinders I purchased some new 5mm square graphite packing.  I attempted to cut some lengths following LBSC’s “words and music” to find that there are several fine wire strands in the packing weave.

My question is, will the strands damage the gunmetal cylinder bores? and if not how do people cut it cleany at a chamfer (a knife doesn’t get through the wire)

 

[howardbParticipant @howardb]

Wire inserted gland packing is usually used where there are toxic chemicals involved to form a solid strong gland seal.

I’ve only come across it once on the ammonia gas drain off valve on a big old industrial refrigeration compressor using ammonia as the refrigerant gas.

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