 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
24.59.224.194
Occasionally, I come across a tube that has really bad oxidation on the pins, to the point where it's crusty. My best cleaning tool for this has been what I describe below.
I tightly wrap (roll and twist in between my fingers) some fine steel wool around the end of a wooden stick from a medical type Q-tip. It covers about 1" length over the end. When it's tight, it's about 1/32" thick on all sides of the stick. Once wrapped, I drip a couple drops of super glue on the steel wool. It only needs one or two drops. The glue quickly seeps in and fills the voids between the fibers. When dried, it's like a rock.
I've shaped one of mine to fit the curve of an octal's pin, but if it's not shaped, it still works fine. The wrap lasts for who knows how long. I've been using this one for about a six months. It's worn 1/2 way through the wrap. As with any abrasive tool, it depends on how hard you get down on it.
This thing works great for getting around the backs of the pins.
IMO, it makes pins look like new in a very short time.
I've made a smaller diameter tool for 9 and 7 pinners.
I tried the fiberglass pens. I like them, but the design of the pen I bought did not allow the use of the entire fiberglass insert.
I can't compete with the dead (Buck W. 2010)
$45 gets them out the door tomorrow. $50 gets them out the door yesterday (Byrd 2016)
Cowards can't be heroes. (Byrd 2017)
Follow Ups:
I use this kit of pens from the UK. Steel, brass and fiberglass. Tackles a good variety of oxidized tube pins.
I just searched and they're even less expensive on Amazon, because of the free shipping.
Thanks again.
"Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be. 'Cause now I'm an amputee" J. Lennon
I use a Dremel and Q-Tip now. At one time I used to buy a box of cigarette filter tubes. Break off the filter. Squirt some MG Chemical Cleaner or similar into the filter. Then press it over a pin and rotate! Not as abrasive as your method of course.Cheers!
Jonesy
"I know just enough to get into trouble. But not enough to get out of it."
Edits: 03/26/18
On bad pins and not so bad ones I use some #400 Wet and Dry sandpaper. No fluids.
You can also use a Dremil tool (variable speed on slow) with the small appropriate polishing tips.
Will come out like new.
a Q-Tip broken in half gives me 2 one-time-use pieces. I usually go through a couple Q-Tips per tube.
Jonesy
"I know just enough to get into trouble. But not enough to get out of it."
a glass-hair eraser pen is my favorite tool...
N.
Just smile - it confuses other people.
+1 on what Nunki likesAlternatively, a small stainless brush (toothbrush size\configuration) also works well, though not as precise for exacting applications
Edits: 03/27/18
I like using a pin straightener to clean & straighten pins. Have the device mounted on a sturdy board or table.
Just add a little Deoxit to the thing and push and pull the tube a few times. That usually cleans the oxidation.
For octal tubes, I use an old socket mounted in a junked chassis.
| FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2025, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
