[Clarkmc2]

A friend has good luck placing a little very fine steel wool in a drinking straw, running it up the pin and spinning it. I always thought a few trips in and out of a Scotchbrite pad would be better than in and out of a socket, but I have not needed to yet. I do have a couple of ancient Orel 6N1Ps I need to try it out on.

Agreed, the cleanup with Deoxit is a proven winner.

Clark

 

[Uncle Erik]

Just a little 0000 steel wool will do it. Be sure to follow that with alcohol or another degreaser - steel wool is oiled to keep it from rusting.

I only clean them when there's a buildup of oxidation. Almost never, actually.

In addition to the hi-fi, I've got a bunch of old radios. Some with tubes that are 60-70 years old. A little oxidation makes zero difference to performance. It only matters when oxidation is so heacy the pins can no longer make contact with the socket.

 

[Clarkmc2]

This guys knows more about tubes than almost anyone. Check out his test benches. I hadn't seen a Wheatstone Bridge since high school physics class, and I never saw one like his.

He is, however, keeping his pin cleaning method a secret. I suspect nanotechnology. If you think that is too far out, poke around his sales site.

Vintage Tube Services

His RCA history section is outstanding.

Clark

 

[mrarroyo]

In addition to alcohol I use ...

 

[Seamaster]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif In addition to alcohol I use ...

That copper wire brush is way too big for the job. I always apply a thick layer of Deoxit D100L 100% solution with Q-Tip, let it sit overnight. Wipe it off with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and rough cotton cloth (or Q-Tip). Then brush all the pins with a light coat of Deoxit Gold. It works like magic, with zero wear on the pin surface. This also works great with all connectors, especially speaker cable connectors!! little tarnishy don't hurt anyting, but only your feeling.

 

[Pricklely Peete]

Quote:

Originally Posted by atbglenn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Great! Let me know how it works out for you

Great job on the pins bro. I keep meaning to pick some of this stuff up. Thanks for reminding me of the name.

Peete.

 

[atbglenn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pricklely Peete /img/forum/go_quote.gif Great job on the pins bro. I keep meaning to pick some of this stuff up. Thanks for reminding me of the name. Peete.

Peete,

I love the stuff. Remember to use Isopropyl Alcohol to clean off any residue left by the polish. If you have heavy oxidation, you may want to use 0000 steel wool along with Flitz. This will give you a mirror finish.

Glenn