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cleaning the pins of NOS tubes...bad idea?

I am a tube noob. Just bought my first set of NOS tubes. I use Kontak, Deoxit, ProGold and the like on the connectors on my cables. I notice that the pins of most NOS tubes show significant oxidation. So...is it a good idea to use Kontak or the like on them, or do you just leave them alone?
dgaylin
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
It isn't a bad idea to clean the pins from time to time. Hopefully the market will go towards creating tubes with gold-plated pins:-)
brf
1,715 posts
 
For heavy oxidation, I use a dremel fitting with a polishing wheel and jeweler's polishing rouge. Use a very light touch.
rcprince
3,073 posts
 
It is a good idea to make the contact as clean and smooth as possible, the above ideas are good. I recall that Andy Bouwman also sands the pins in the tubes that he sells.
stick70
64 posts
 
Caig has a brand new product out that is specifically designed for this type of cleaning. I received an e-mail from Music Direct the other day that showcased this cleaner. Just do a search for Caig on the music direct site and you'll find it. I think its $40 or so.
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I just ordered it, and what you are getting is a bottle of the original G100 formula of ProGold, with cleaning bruhes and applicators. I haven't found the G100 available in any other form, I like it better than their current available cleaning products.

Dan
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