Loose Pin / Tube Socket Prob, Pics

[Little Robert]

Hi, the photo's should show the problem.

Which is that if the power tubes are tight in sockets, they can still move up and down within the socket. On the rectifier tube a friend installed a spring-steel bear trap to hold it in place and that works.

Do I need to do the same for the power tube sockets, or is there another solution.

Many Thanks for any help!
Bob

 

[lespaul6]

Wow, talk about a strange coincidence! I posted a question similiar to yours just today asking if there was some barrier that acted to prevent the pin from being pulled out of the socket when replacing a tube...seems when I pulled out a power tube today, one of the pins (you pictured) followed with the tube and extended past the socket. When I pushed to tube back in it goes back into place and seems to work fine. Looks like there is a small flange or bend in the shaft that would act as a stop. Mine is probably flat or something, allowing the pin to extend to a greater degree than usual...anyway regarding your question, isnt there usally a little play even when the tubes are tight?

 

[rockon1]

I had a similar problem with one my amps. I put tube retainers on the sockets. Bob

 

[Little Robert]

Thanks for the replies.
Here's what Jim from Frenzel amps told me this morning:

"...movement of the tubes in the sockets is normal. The socket connectors float freely in the ceramic base....but grasp the pins of the tube tightly."

So it sounds like even when the tube pins are in the socket tightly, there will be a tiny bit of acceptable movement.

But, for some reason I don't like it.
Bob

 

[Chris Scott]

I don't blame you- I don't like it either.

Fact is that as long as the pins have engaged their respective sockets, all is well electronically. But without something to hold the tube in place, especially with a Fender-style (tubes inverted) amp, it's possible to lose one on occaision. The "bear trap" tube retainers are the best bet, unless it still bugs you, in which case I'd swap out your existing sockets for some Belton Marshall-style ones- tight and sure, they are...

 

[12guitdown]

I have the same problem but mine goes a little deeper. All the little flanges are loose and wiggle around, even when the tube is installed. Thus the tube rattles freely as a result. This only happens on one tube socket which just happens to be the EF86 in my vox ac15 Heritage combo. No Bueno. Even though I have tube dampers it's still microphonic. I don't think I can put a tube retainer on it because of the tight configuration within the chassis. I have some silicone, high temp rated at 600 degrees, and I'm wondering if I could put a small bead around all the tabs which will keep them from rattling.

Do you think this is a good/bad idea?

 

[SatelliteAmps]

You can put silicone if you really want to. It really isn't hurting anything though.

 

[12guitdown]

Yeah but it will keep the tube from rattling around via sympathetic vibes thus less microphonics. right?

 

[RussB]

Those (cheap) ceramic sockets can be problematic. I find them to loosen up considerably if you're into tube swapping. SOMETIMES fitting tube retainers can be a biotch with ceramics...

 

[hamfist]

The high temp silicone sounds like a good idea to me.

 

[12guitdown]

Alright, I'll put a couple dabs around some the looser tabs tonight and give it a run tomorrow.
More to come.

 

[JJman]

I've always noticed this with rectifier sockets since only 4 terminals are used and only wires (no stiff components) go to it. I think the angles of the resistors in the pic don't help to stiffen the pins, not that their angle is "supposed" to do that. I probably would have placed a very small dab of solder at the bottom of the offending pins but high temp silicone sounds like a nice cushion.