The shut off valve for the outdoor water spigot is leaking by the nut/neck,not sure what its called. Do I have to replace the whole valve or is there any easier fix. It's a very old shut off valve

That nut is called "
The Bonnet Packing Nut and this will be the easiest plumbing repair you've ever made. Open the valve a little until the leak starts. Now simply snug up the nut until the leak stops. CAREFUL! Don't over tighten. Stop when the leak stops. Good luck, Tom

Thank you,thank you! It worked! Now I can return th shut off valve & pipe the hardware store told me was the only way to fix it. Thank you again for your help. Gail

Thank you,thank you! It worked! Now I can return th shut off valve & pipe the hardware store told me was the only way to fix it. Thank you again for your help. GailYou're most welcome. That's why big box guys aren't out there doing plumbing. Cheers, Tom