Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for extracting packing rings from a stuffing-box, for example in a pump, a compressor or a valve.An object of the invention is to allow easy and quick extraction of the rings even when the access to the rings is not convenient.After opening the stuffing-box, a nozzle 39 of reduced dimension, carried by an arm 38 linked to a high pressure water supply, the pressure being of the order of 800 bars, is located above the first ring 32, approximately at the middle of its width; the arm is maintained by a fastening means 42 to the yoke of the valve. The water jet bores a hole in at least the first ring, which eliminates its internal mechanical stress and the water flowing through the hole is pushed back by the next ring, and lifts the first ring out of its housing.