Abstract: A braided mechanical compression packing including relatively low and high-strength yarns is provided with greater mechanical strength along a given diagonal direction to provide a reinforced corner by providing the higher strength yarn along only one diagonal track of the braider. This reduces extrusion of the packing from the confines of the stuffing box in which it has been sequentially installed; produces a packing with rectilinear non-symmetry having directionally different friction, for instance, to facilitate gravity return of a hydraulic ram; and lowers operating friction by reducing the overall amount of high-strength yarn in the packing braid.