How do you handle tubes

[Redo]

Rubbing alcohol works wonders. It seems to clean everything nasty, and it evaporates VERY fast leaving a nice, dry surface.


I've only handled new tubes for my guitar amp, never expensive NOS tubes. If I was handling a $250 NOS tube, I could see myself putting on some gloves and taking my sweet time with them.

 

[nelamvr6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tech2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Like this one?

That'll do. That's the stuff I use.

Of course, there's no harm in using the more expensive DeoxIT Gold on gold contacts, but I don't thinks you gain a lot over the standard DeoxIT. remember, gold is naturally resistant to corrosion anyways.

 

[nelamvr6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Rubbing alcohol works wonders. It seems to clean everything nasty, and it evaporates VERY fast leaving a nice, dry surface. I've only handled new tubes for my guitar amp, never expensive NOS tubes. If I was handling a $250 NOS tube, I could see myself putting on some gloves and taking my sweet time with them.

The problem with rubbing alcohol is that it has additives to make it easier on human skin. These additives can leave a residue.

That's why I use tech grade, you can get it at Radio Shack and just about any electronics supply store. It doesn't have any of those additives, it's something like 99% pure.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

For my own tubes, no matter the price or rarity, I simply handle them with hands. I'm more concerned with removing any stenciling from the tube than any OCD issues with getting finger prints on them. None of the tubes I own get hot enough to worry about hot spots anyway, so why bother?

The only tubes I would possibly get concerned about handling with my bare hands are power output tubes like an EL34, 300B, 2A3, 45, etc. These can run quite hot in certain applications, so I'd keep them free from potential hot spots. One company that sent me a 2A3 amp to review included a set of white cotton gloves for free, so I figured they had a reason.

 

[Redo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nelamvr6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The problem with rubbing alcohol is that it has additives to make it easier on human skin. These additives can leave a residue. That's why I use tech grade, you can get it at Radio Shack and just about any electronics supply store. It doesn't have any of those additives, it's something like 99% pure.

I'll have to take a look next time I'm at Radioshack.

 

[Tech2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nelamvr6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif That'll do. That's the stuff I use. Of course, there's no harm in using the more expensive DeoxIT Gold on gold contacts, but I don't thinks you gain a lot over the standard DeoxIT. remember, gold is naturally resistant to corrosion anyways.

Thanks.

 

[sjpetry]

For the tubes in my guitar and hi-fi amps I carefully wipe them off with a clean cloth, to remove oil and to let them shine the best.