Cleaning tubes...

[Windcrest77]

Somewhat related... What can I use on tube pins as a lubricant, or just clean the pins? Yesterday I swear I was going to crack a 6CG7 inserting it into a brand new Belton socket, I had to apply at least 30 lbs of force it seemed. Same for removing it. I think the Deoxit company might have a product with both cleaner and lube that won't insulate, I'll have to check.

 

[Windcrest77]

For glass I used Sparkle window cleaner (the purple stuff) it has no ammonia like Windex does and I just stayed off the lettering if it was coming off. Some tubes had real durable lettering, some had paint lettering but the important tube number was etched, other tubes had lettering that you could remove just by looking at it the wrong way!

 

[mike567]

Vintage tubes should have vintage dust for that vintage sound!
New dust just doesn't sound the same..

 

[kodabmx]

Somewhat related... What can I use on tube pins as a lubricant, or just clean the pins? Yesterday I swear I was going to crack a 6CG7 inserting it into a brand new Belton socket, I had to apply at least 30 lbs of force it seemed. Same for removing it. I think the Deoxit company might have a product with both cleaner and lube that won't insulate, I'll have to check.

Deoxit F5 should work well, but I'd probably just use WD-40 or something similar.

 

[lcsaszar]

A proven method for the lettering: write it down on a piece of paper, remove it with solvent, clean with a paper towel, write back on the glass with a permanent marker. Not authentic? Who cares?

 

[Windcrest77]

Deoxit F5 should work well, but I'd probably just use WD-40 or something similar.

Thanks. WD-40 is my favorite for everything, it's a very unique product formula. I use to keep my mailbox and truck locks from freezing up with ice in winter, I use it as aluminum cutting oil on the CNC and drill press, just about anything not pots though. Years ago I used it on distributor caps. No reason to believe it won't hurt wiping a little onto tube pins.

 

[kodabmx]

Yup... or if you have an extra socket, spray it liberally and use it to clean the pins by repeated removal/insertion You could also soak the pins in coca cola overnight... It'll take rust stains out of a toilet and un-seize an engine... It's acids should eat the oxides...

 

[painted]

WD40 can be used as deodorant as well as it was once demonstrated by my science teacher. Do not know how it holds at 100+ degrees C temp as it contains a resin that might get sticky.

 

[kodabmx]

I used to use it as a propellant for a pringles cannon... Never got sticky that way
Hair spray worked better
Pringles Cannon - YouTube