Ideas for inserting packing

[linw]

About 5 years ago I did the original pack with copper mesh from Amphora but I am now ready to re-pack my 1.1 metre one piece 2" VM column with SS scrubbers.

I must have just rammed the wads up last time but I am wondering if someone has a good scheme for getting the scrubbers inserted without severely compressing them. Forcing them in spreads the mesh and it just develops so much friction that it seizes up about half way up.

I have tried searching but everyone seems to gloss over this necessary step. Makes me wonder why I am the only one to have a problem!!

The other related issue is how to remove the scrubbers. Perhaps there are good ideas for this as well. (To remove the old copper ones I fastened a 1/2" wood augur bit to a stick and twisted it into the mesh and pulled it out).

Lindsay.