How do you clean tube pins?

Gold is a good conductor and it doesn't oxidize. That's why it's used. And because it can be spread very thin, in the order of a few angstroms, it's not too expensive.

However, even though it doesn't oxidize, it can get grungy with air borne pollutants. That's what the Caig products can clean up for you. However, there is the the danger of putting solutions on the pins and subsequently getting it into places it shouldn't be.

IMO, the best cleaning is simply to insert the tube in and pull it out of the socket a couple of times. The mechanical abrasion will clean off any surface grunge. Quick, easy and cheap.

Markphd, I have found that rotating RCAs slightly each night and doing clockwise on even days and counter clockwise on odd days does wonders. I often forget, however.

When I said "Steelwood" I was refering to my genius friend who used it and shorted his preamp. Very fine particulars find its way into the tube sucket and it was 4th of July

The steel wool is not the problem here don't you think?

Your genius friend, granted that he's a real genius needs to buy or acquire some goddamn common sense.

Think about the question of the original poster, then ask yourself if your response was appropriate. If it is, then suit yourself. I have nothing else to add.

regards,

Abe

The EXACT SAME principal(common sense) applies to the use of contact cleaners and contact enhancers, but neither of them will remove the very thin anti-corrosion plating(gold, nickel, etc) that most tube pins have. Steel wool(no matter how fine), working the tube in and out of the socket or abrasive cleaners will.

Abe, too bad you did not like the story.
However that is what happend to one guy who was going nuts about cleaning pins and suckets......and thought he knew everything. Since that day , he did not touched pins or suckets yet.
If you feel it should NOT be posted in this thread.......
piece of advice:
get in touch with the moderator or become one, it is that easy.
I am still useing brass polishing cream that costs close to nothing as well as regular contact cleaner from RS and comp.air. You experiences might be different........I am just shareing mine. However IMO, you are over-analizing the importance and benefits of the simple thing as tube pins.
So polish all you want and feel good about your pins. :)

Mariusz