Socket problem with NOS tubes

[NotBen]

Well, after sorting everything out with my heater supply, I now have an issue with one socket when using NOS tubes.

Everything works fine with the EHX tubes, but the front tube socket does not work with any of my NOS tubes. I can gently rock the tube and put some pressure and get the heaters to start drawing current, but it doesn't stay, so I immediately have to shut down. I have tried 4 different NOS sets: Matsu, two Tele sets and RCA.

Problem is, these sockets don't look as accessible to re-tension as other sockets I have used. There is no access to the pin grabbers from the bottom side and the top holes that the pins sit in are very small. Maybe I could do it with a small dental pick, but it doesn't look like I can get behind any of the metal to push in.

I can't use any socket savers because of the metal shield base.
I'm very frustrated. 

Any ideas other than pulling it out and replacing it?

[Grainger49]

The dental pick is a good idea.  Since new tubes work and old ones don't is there a chance the old tube pins have some corrosion on them?  If so insert/remove them from the tube socket 6 or 7 times.  It should clean the pins.

The ceramic sockets I got from Bottlehead recently were very tight.  So try cleaning first.  Replacing the sockets is a hue pain.

[Laudanum]

Ohh - ohh ... Well atleast it's not a PCB socket.   I think a dental pick would be tough with the small holes but worth a shot I guess.  Contact Eileen and she will send you out a replacement.  I have always just bought the standard sockets like those included in the kits and never had a problem but there is bound to be a "bad" one here and there.  Other option is buy some better grade sockets for piece of mind.  Unfortunatley, I dont think there are any quick fixes for this one.  Just bad luck.

[NotBen]

The pins are perfect. These are all NIB NOS. I'm very lucky to have them and was really hoping to use them.
I did use some deoxit on the pins of one tube and worked them into the sockets and then used some pipe cleaner.
Everything seams nice and clean.
I may need to find a smaller pick than the ones I have.

[NotBen]

Some pictures

Clean pins




EHX working



NOS not working on front socket



Socket lead dress



Socket lead dress



Socket pin holes

[Laudanum]

Pins on the EH's are probably either fatter or longer such they they reach a part of the contact that is closed down tight enough.  If you call Bottlehead, Im sure that Eileen will send you out a replacement socket and the passives that connect to it in case you cant use the existing components.  They are really good about these things.  Yes, it's a hassle but doesnt seem like their is any other solution.  Atleast you can use the EH's while the parts are in transit.