New noval tube sockets almost impossible to insert a tube

[JoeAlders]

Recently I purchased new 8 pins noval tube sockets for my 6SN7 and 6SL7 tubes.
But I experience for the first time that I have to use a huge amount of force to insert a tube
into a new socket. Is there a way to "lubricate" (notice the quotes!) those sockets?

 

[rayma]

Use deoxIT D5 if your sockets and tubes are older,
or deoxIT gold G5 if they are like new.

Spray some on a lintless cloth and wipe all the pins, then insert
the tube into the socket several times to wipe the contacts.

Don't spray directly into the tube socket or directly onto the tube base.
Use a cloth. "The less you use, the better it works."

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-D5S-6-DeoxIT-Contact-Cleaner/dp/B00006LVEU/ref=asc_df_B00006LVEU/
https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-G5S-6-DeoxIT-Contact-Enhancer/dp/B00FC4YO60/ref=asc_df_B00FC4YO60/

 

[JoeAlders]

Thanks rayma !! Will see if I can purchase this somewhere in the Netherlands.

 

[rayma]

If nothing else, Farnell should have it.
Bear in mind that some other brands of cleaners will not serve as lubricants, since they leave no residues.

This should help a lot, unless the tube and socket are actually mechanically incompatible.
I have seen a few that seemed to be so.

 

[vinylkid58]

Recently I purchased new 8 pins noval tube sockets for my 6SN7 and 6SL7 tubes.

Pretty sure you meant to state "Octal" tube sockets. Noval (small 9-pin base) would be for 12AX7's etc.

jeff

 

[JoeAlders]

You are absolutely correct!!
It is my mistake, I certainly meant "Octal".

 

[JoeAlders]

Found it !!
Just a company in the Netherlands : www.tonefactory.nl has it and I have ordered one.

 

[Merlinb]

Insert a scrap tube again and again, be rough with it, eventually the socket will loosen up.

 

[jcalvarez]

Insert a scrap tube again and again, be rough with it, eventually the socket will loosen up.

I had the same situation with Belton sockets, and the advice above solved the problem.

 

[MagicBus]

If it is pcb mount it should be soldered with the tube inserted for proper pins alignment. For solder lug types as above. After a few insertions, it might feel too lose but it is usually still firm to take off.

 

[JoeAlders]

"If it is pcb mount it should be soldered with the tube inserted for proper pins alignment."

Yes, I did that.

 

[rayma]

Found it !!
Just a company in the Netherlands : www.tonefactory.nl has it and I have ordered one.

Remember, spray onto a lintless cloth, wipe the tube pins, and then insert the tube into the socket several times.
After that, the tube should insert much more smoothly, although it will still be tight (which is good).
You do not want loose socket contacts.

If you get any cleaner on the plastic tube base, or on the top of the tube socket, wipe it all off.
This cleaner is also good for switches, connectors, etc. Use only a small amount at a time.
If it needs more, repeat with another small amount.

 

[wrenchone]

Are the socket contacts fork type or sleeve type? I've seen a fair number of initial insertion problems with fork-type contacts. As has been previously posted here, using a junk tube for several cycles of insertion/extraction will help loosen up the contacts. The Deoxit treatment suggested is also a good idea. I also suspect there there is a lack of standardization regarding the actual diameter of octal tube pins, so insertion pressure required could vary from one vendor/source to the other.

Edit - On reflection, I realize that most PC mount octal sockets may have sleeve-type contacts, as a PCB socket utilizing fork contacts may be more difficult to make.

 

[Alashikata]

Not sure if it's the socket but it's different in my case
As far I have seen the 6sn7 tung sol pins are smaller than 6sn7 otk brand. I got hard time to push the OTK tubes down

 

[wrenchone]

I have to eat my words regarding the contact types available for octal PCB sockets - I just checked Ebay, and both fork and sleeve - type contacts are available.