I can't get the screw loose on the handle but I replaced the washer at the end and put some packing thread in the packing nut. When I screw on the packing nut, it tightens the handle too and makes it inoperable. What am I doing wrong?

Tightening Packing nut on what? Is it for the out side spigot, please give us some more details or post a picture also please see the attachment if that will help, Thanks.

John

Then don't tighten the packing nut so much. When you tighten the packing nut you compress the packing material around the stem. That is what is suppose to happen. You only tighten the packing nut enough to stop the water from leaking out around the stem. When the leak stops you stop tightening.

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

Then don't tighten the packing nut so much. When you tighten the packing nut you compress the packing material around the stem. That is what is suppose to happen. You only tighten the packing nut enough to stop the water from leaking out around the stem. When the leak stops you stop tightening.

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Thanks. I put a little more packing thread inside the packing nut and tightened some. Still leaked. Tightened some more. Less water spouting from spigot. Tightened as much as I could (I'm an elderly lady) but it still sprays at nut area although not as much. How tight is tight enough?

Please post a picture of your spigot that we know which type you have, Thanks.

John