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How do you clean tube pins?

I'm sure there must be some discussion on how to clean tube pins (both power and small input tubes), but I haven't been able to find much on the subject. Specifically:

1) As tube pins are so close to each other, what tool do you use to clean the pin?
2) What solvents do you use?
3) How often should you clean tube pins?
4) Any other advise / suggestions you'd like to share.

In advance, thanks for any suggestions you may offer.
louisl
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
"I thought you could just put tubes in the dishwasher with the other glassware."

uh...You Can't?

Crap.

It's always something...
smoffatt
205 posts
 
On tubes with gold pins i use Tarn X with great success. On other tubes i use Caig DeOxit and wipe it off with 99% rubbing alcohol. I do not use any type of contact enhencement products on tube pins.
Hope this helps.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Gold pins do not need any treatment. It is not required or recommanded. That is the reasone for gold plated pins.
Whatever u use on standard pins make sure you remove ALL of the solution. Do not use steelwool or voodoo crap. Plain metal polish is fine.......no need to go crazy over this issue.
Cleen the sackets with compresed air and contact cleaner from Radio Shack and a tooth pick.
Be careful.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Mrjstark, I don't think you want to go so far as to say there is no benefit from cleaning gold pinned tubes. Most plating is ultra thin and I have seen dirty quetips using cleaner on gold pins. Also pipe cleaners, I have found, work better than compressed air in sockets.

It is hard to find a "plain metal polish," as most try to retard oxidation. I have no idea what voodoo crap means.
classical1
168 posts
 
Do not use steelwool or voodoo crap

Wait, wait, wait!! Yes, it's expensive, but other threads have said vodoo crap is ok!
More to discover