Miniature vacuum tubes- cleaning the pins...

[Rambergwest]

Good points and I always check the pins before cleaning. It is an individual decision and unless the pins are obviously needing it I tend to just scrub really good with deoxit on the end of a normal qtip. When I stop getting color from the pin i quit. Some do really need the surface cleaned and in that case I can accept the compromise of the process.

[ked]

Haven't tried this but wondering, if after a good soak, you couldn't just take a bronze bore cleaning brush from gun cleaning kit and chuck it up in a hand held variable speed drill to do the finish cleaning on the pins.

Ken

[Structo]

I just found this on the Caig DeOxit website.

DeoxIT ® does not necessarily remove any superficial discoloration (black tarnish) caused by oxidation or
burn-in to the tube pins. This will, in no way adversely affect the performance of the equipment. DeoxIT ®
and DeoxIT ® GOLD (ProGold) improves conductivity irregardless of this discoloration.

In there product guide it says to use the DeOxit D5 cleaner then use DeOxit Gold for protection.

You can soak the pins overnight then wipe them off.

Some say that some solvents can migrate up the pin into the glass which could contaminate the envelope.
So don't submerge your tubes in the solvent.

[BLUECASTER]

Originally Posted by Structo

I would just use DeOxit and then insert the tube in and out of a new uninstalled socket with tight pin holders and wipe off the pins with a paper towel, repeat as necessary.

Hi, the weakness of your technique is that every socket "marks" the pins on different points. This technique ideally should be used with the socket of the amp that this particular tube is going to be plugged in.

Thanks for the comments everybody!

[flywheel]

Where did you get the brass pin straightener ?

[BLUECASTER]

Originally Posted by flywheel

Where did you get the brass pin straightener ?

HI,
I bought it on e-bay some months ago, from this seller: http://myworld.ebay.com/guitarupgrad...84.m1439.l2754

He makes these by him self and sells them from time to time.
I don't know if he has any of them listed right now, but you could send him a message that you want one.
I bought mine for $20 including shipping.

[Rambergwest]

A standard plastic pin protector can be used, first from the larger side to get things mostly straight and then from the small side to correct a little more. This has always been useful and enough for me. The brass tool is pretty though and I still want one.