Cleaning Tube Sockets

[Geist]

Hi All;
When trying to get a picture, I can wiggle the 1st Video tube and once in a while for a faint second, I start to get a picture.. But it won't stay that way..
What is the best method for cleaning Tube Socket squeeze pins and also for cleaning tubes themselves pins ??? I am going to try first squeezing the pins together and see if that helps.. But, I figure that it won't hurt to ask about chemical methods..
THANK YOU Marty

[bob91343]

Cleaning is done by squirting some solvent into the socket pins and then wiggling the tube in the socket. If it's really bad you can spray the tube also.

Bending pins is a last resort. The problem is that the socket parts already are touching so any bending will make the situation worse, not better. Sometimes you can crush the socket pin slightly and distort it enough to increase the tension.

On my Ampex tape recorder I was getting crackles so I wiggled the tubes (octal in this case) and the problem has never returned. I can't remember whether I also used solvent.

The best solvents are considered hazardous and so are no longer generally available. Fortunately I have plenty on hand of my favorite, the 1,1,1 chloroethane. Or something like that.

[DaveWM]

brass brush on pins with your fav cleaner (I use super slick stuff brand)
nylon spiral brush (get at orthodontist or drug store). put some cleaner on the brush and work into tube socket pins. there are different sizes of brushes.

check the solder joints of the tube sockets, sometimes moving the tube around is really flexing the PCB or solder at the pins of the socket, making it seem like its the pin/socket connection when its not.

I dont like the idea of bending the pins, yes it works and it can also ruin the socket.

[Geist]

Hi All;
I found after turning the chassis upside down, that there is nothing to grab to bend, so I am going to have to find something chemical to do the job..
THANK YOU Marty

[timmy]

get a very fine sharp scribe and catch the edge of each pin and slightly bend it inward and this will help alot as i had to do this and the scribe is the best to get in there. and without a doubt like dave said check the solder joints as this can have the same symptons.

[old_coot88]

It may sound heretical, but the Radio Shack contact cleaner does an adequate job. I've used it for years since the demise of the local parts houses.

Bending tube pins or socket lugs should be very last resort.

[charokeeroad]

Harbor Freight sells a ring with four or five very fine round brushes that are used to clean out airless paint sprayer tips. they work well for that and other things too.

[Geist]

Hi All;
There is nothing to bend with this kind of socket, it is plastic top cover receiving metal sleeve and another plastic bottom cover.. Considering that this is RCA these tube 7 pin sockets are pretty chincy compared to later types of 7 pin sockets I have seen.. I tried cleaning it with some cleaner I had and Alcohol after wards.. the tube pins are alot better.. But, now it seems worse.. I will have to find some thing small enough to fit into the socket hole.. I'LL have to see IF I have any welder tip cleaning wires.. they get pretty small.. Thank You John.. I'LL look for some around here
THANK YOU Marty

[radiotron]

Originally Posted by Geist

Hi All;
When trying to get a picture, I can wiggle the 1st Video tube and once in a while for a faint second, I start to get a picture.. But it won't stay that way..
What is the best method for cleaning Tube Socket squeeze pins and also for cleaning tubes themselves pins ??? I am going to try first squeezing the pins together and see if that helps.. But, I figure that it won't hurt to ask about chemical methods..
THANK YOU Marty

the most affective, easy and cheap way is spray some wd-40 on the tube pins, wiggle in socket, let dry and WORKS EVERY TIME!

[Tubejunke]

Most metal has a certain amount of oxidation or other things that hinder the flow of electricity. Even when I use one of my NOS tubes I use if nothing else the edge of a pocket knife or really anything to clean up the metal to a shiny, conductive surface. A dremmel tool with the right attachment is an easier way to do this. I like the stainless steel wire wheels that they sell. As for the socket, like others said, spray the holes with an electronics cleaner and insert the tube several times while working the tube from side to side once all pins are lined up. Hope this helps.

[mstaton]

I take a used tube and use needle nose pliers with serrated teeth and squeeze each pin to make slight indentations/marks and spray the socket with a cleaner like deoxit and insert the tube and and pull in and out slightly, like sanding with the tube pins. works 100% of the time. Repaired a LOT of Fisher stereo equipment that way when nothing else worked. Fisher tube sockets seem to corrode quite easily.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by charokeeroad

Harbor Freight sells a ring with four or five very fine round brushes that are used to clean out airless paint sprayer tips. they work well for that and other things too.

I'll keep that in mind, next time I go to HF.
Everybody grumbles about them, selling poor quality items. I've been buying from them, when they were still, just mail-order.

[kramden66]

a small very small screwdriver used for eye glasses can be used from the top to bend the little contacts , i used an exacto knife a couple times but stoped because it doesn't take much to break the tip and have it get stuck in there.

mike