Tubes Asylum

Cleaning Tube Pins

135.180.105.29

33dot33rpm

Hi All,

I was wondering what to do with old electric toothbrush heads and it occurred to me they would be perfect for cleaning tube pins. I give it a try with some toothpaste and it worked!!! Check out the photos.

Follow Ups:

Careful with the tooth paste - Victor Khomenko 15:17:37 05/28/24 (0)
If it is even mildly conductive you will end up with noises at best, or burning in the worst case.

I don't know if it IS conductive, I suspect there are brands that are.
RE: Cleaning Tube Pins followup - 33dot33rpm 09:03:18 05/28/24 (0)
I'm surprised no one asked the million dollar audiophile question: "which brand of toothpaste makes the tube sound best?".

FYI this far I found that Colgate Advance Whiting sounds very bright but Crest Pro-health Scope Gel is more transparent. What do you think?
RE: Cleaning Tube Pins - MP62 21:37:54 05/26/24 (0)
Interesting...more than one way to skin a cat.

I like using a fiberglass medium scratch pen brush - like the ones they use for computer circuit boards or to remove scratch marks from fine jewelry.

The pen leaves no residue (That sandpaper does) but be careful that the brush bristles do not find their way onto your skin.
RE: Cleaning Tube Pins - 6bq5 10:28:47 05/26/24 (0)
Please note:
In the photo as posted, the pins are clean - free from obvious corrosion, and the different colors represent the tips of the pins where the lead from the glass envelop have been soldered to the pin-

I might wipe those w/ IPA, or a contact cleaner - but nothing else-
the plating on the pins is not that thick, and should be corrosion resistant!
Happy Listening
RE: Cleaning Tube Pins - Jim McShane 08:56:10 05/26/24 (0)
Check out my FAQ for more info.
- https://www.audioasylum.com/audio/tubes/messages/25/253369.h (Open in New Window)
I am going to brush up on that. I was using fine wet/sand paper in the dry mode. Thanks. nt - alaskahiatt 21:29:25 05/25/24 (0)

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