[003]

What is the best method of cleaning/polishing tube pins? They are usually steel, right? I have Brasso and Naval Jelly -- would either of those work?

Also, what are the best tube dampers that you can still buy (are still in production)?

Finally, with a SE OTL tube amp, they typically are poor matches for a low impedance headphone. Would using some kind of inline adapter to add impedance rectify this issue? If so, where could I get impedance adding adapters?

 

[bear7]

As far as tube pin cleaning goes, put the tube in a flat bottom bowl, put clr in the bowl pin high. Let sit for 10 mins., wash the pins with warm water dry and then put caig de-oxit gold on the pins. I use Herbies's tube dampers.


David

 

[003]

What is clr?

 

[Orcin]

I presume he means "cleaner".

Go to Radio Shack and buy some DeOxit. Follow the instructions. I use a baby toothbrush for the cleaning step.

 

[Tridacnid]

I use DeOxit as well.

 

[rti1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 /img/forum/go_quote.gif What is clr?

Calcium
Lime
Rust

CLR - 28OZ CLR Cleaner


It's a brand of cleaner, you can pick it up at most stores.

 

[DannyB]

...his recommended method of cleaning pins is to simply take them in and out of their socket several times. That's it. Other methods work well also.

 

[HeatFan12]

CLR...? hmmmm....I use it around the house and it's a great product. Never thought about it for tubes....Thanks

I use Deoxit too with pipe cleaners. The pipe cleaners let you get around into the tight spaces...

 

[NiceCans]

Since it appear the OP's question was answered, perhaps I can ask a quick tube question here rather than starting a new thread . . . .


Does a tube's glow give any indication of it's condition or performance?
Like for instance should a matched pair of tubes glow at the same brighteness?

 

[Happy Camper]

I have used a cleaning brush to clear any solid oxidation, followed by acetone, rinse and dry with a soft cloth. The area I haven't tried to clean are the sockets. Anybody have an idea?

 

[HeatFan12]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy Camper /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have used a cleaning brush to clear any solid oxidation, followed by acetone, rinse and dry with a soft cloth. The area I haven't tried to clean are the sockets. Anybody have an idea?

Pipe cleaners are also a great match for sockets..

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiceCans /img/forum/go_quote.gif Since it appear the OP's question was answered, perhaps I can ask a quick tube question here rather than starting a new thread . . . . Does a tube's glow give any indication of it's condition or performance? Like for instance should a matched pair of tubes glow at the same brighteness?

No. The tubes filaments are what glow and sometimes an identical tube will have slightly more or less filament exposed because of normal production variations. Such tubes would have a different brightness level but be performing the same.

 

[takezo]

a simple pink eraser is more than adequate for cleaning the tube pins...

 

[NiceCans]

thank you

 

[Happy Camper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeatFan12 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Pipe cleaners are also a great match for sockets..

I like it.