Tom Wrote:
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> The Osborne packing hooks are a completely
> different thing. They are for removing and
> installing shaft packings, not journal waste. In
> the yard the carman would carry a packing iron,
> not a hook. The hook was for removing packing or
> pads. The iron was for installing them. The
> packing iron has a vee notch on the end for
> pushing waste into place and tightening it up.
> About half way up the handle there is short pin
> that looks like a barb. That is for opening the
> lids. Close them with your foot.

Installing new packing was usually done on the rip
track. The hook was used to remove and/or move (adjust)
the packing in the box. Since the end of the hook was
rounded, it could also be used to insert new packing and
move it into place.

The hook was also handy for pulling a wedge or brass,
as long as that corner of the truck was jacked up.