Chesterton gland packing is usually made from flexible materials that are carefully trimmed and knitted, such as asbestos fiber or modern materials that are safer from a health and environmental perspective. It has the form of a ring or spiral wire inserted into the space between the shaft and the device housing. Gland packing is used for a variety of applications, including in pumps, valves, compressors, and other mobile equipment, allowing rotational movement while preventing leaks from the connection.