Is it ok to wiggle tubes when taking them out?

[jgk723]

I am a "tube noob".

 

[Elpelotero]

yes. just don't overforce them so much that you bend the pins.

 

[dropped_2_c]

like the above poster stated yes, or just cup the tube with the base at your finger tips and the top of the tube being in the cup or palm of your hand a a little twist motion when pulling up does it for me, not really a "twist" just a little turn

 

[ToneAddictJon]

Make sure to only pull the tubes out (and put in for that matter) by the base, wiggling is fine (and sometimes necessary), just avoid putting pressure on the glass itself as much as possible.

 

[clutch71]

yes. just don't overforce them so much that you bend the pins.

Or smack them into the vent in the top. Did that but didn't break it somehow.

 

[MetalMatt]

Or smack them into the vent in the top. Did that but didn't break it somehow.

That happend to me but they broke... I now put a towel over the tubes when pulling them out.

 

[jgk723]

Thanks for all the replies!

I asked because I'm gonna try some EL34's in my Revision F Dual Rectifier, so I wanted to make sure I'm doing it right.

 

[phyrexia]

I usually wiggle them in a circular motion while pulling up. You can use a polish cloth or a rag or something if you want - this is helpful to swap hot tubes.

 

[Bikedude]

Be careful, I've broken a couple of keyways wiggling them out

 

[MesaENGR412]

Be careful, I've broken a couple of keyways wiggling them out

call me dumb but I'm guessing that is the plastic part in the middle that lines up the tube prongs?

-AJH

 

[twally]

For 6L6's, 6V6’s and EL-34's, yes, the prong is the guide. For pre amp tubes and EL-84 power tubes, you have to align the "gap" in the tube pins.

As far as "wiggling" please only do this from side to side-no turning/twisting of the tube.
Once you pull one, you will understand there is no need to turn/twist the tube. In fact, you can break the tube twisting/turning the things as you pull them.

TW

 

[Bikedude]

Yea, it's the plastic part in the middle of the power tubes. Call me dumb to for breaking one of the original boogie 6l6's, and I even broke one of the JJ 6l6's when I put in my 34's. Someone sells a keyway repair kit, i've seen it around somewhere, maybe Eurotubes, or Weber. Maybe it was Antique Supply Co. i dunno.

 

[Travis]

I go from front to back just i tiny bit. What i hate more is putting them back in because it is hard to line the gap up.

 

[Gear-Monkey]

I'll put my index finger over the top of the tube and slightly wiggle it back and fourth while pulling up.

Use your index finger as a cushion when the tube pops out. this prevent a lot of problems.

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

Will the oils from your skin effect the tube life like it will with halogen lights? Hmmmm.......