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Simple tube-use question

Good day A-Gers:

I have a few old pairs of 12AX7 tubes that am planning to evaluate in my phono-pre. 

Because they were shipped without a box, some of these tubes have the testing data written on a peel-n-stick label that is attached directly to the glass. 

Should the paper/glue be removed before installing (i.e. will the tube get so hot that paper will be a fire hazard)? I would normally scrub-off the paper/glue, but it would be most convenient to keep the data with the tube.

Have you rolled-tubes with paper stickers on the glass?

Thanks in advance for the common-sense that I seem to be lacking today...

 

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noromance's avatar
noromance
10,017 posts
 

I've never used tube with stickers on the glass. Small signal tubes don't get that hot. Most glues will melt when heated and the sticker will fall off anyway.

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,958 posts
 

A lot of old tubes have stickers on them that the OEM put on them for advertising and they are still there 50+ years later.  It is not a hazard.  

That said, I would remove it and clean the glass because I like things clean.  It will "bake on" a bit.

Jerry

lewm
13,373 posts
 

Remove and clean for sure.  There is no useful reason to leave a paper sticker on a vacuum tube.

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inagroove OP
150 posts
 

Hi All - 

Thanks for weighing in...

Off come the stickers. I will record the data and hopefully be able to remember where...

Regards,

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
431 posts
 

Tektronix graded  tubes came with either paper or foil stickers to identify them. I always left them on. Per your question I would remove the stickers but keep the info matched with the tube. Also keep in mind that most cleaners will remove any lettering that’s on the tubes.Also some tubes have information etched into the glass. But most importantly roll some tubes and enjoy the experience. Regards , Mike B. 

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