Pipe cleaners are useful to clean octal and pre-octal tube sockets. Also good for cleaning tuning caps.

I found them at a Hobby Lobby store; the packages are labeled "chenille stems." The are used in crafts -- you know, bending them into the shape of giraffes, etc.

I'm sure any pipe smoker (the few that are left) can refer you to a source for pipe cleaners.

:Pipe cleaners are useful to clean octal and pre-octal tube sockets. Also good for cleaning tuning caps.
:
:I found them at a Hobby Lobby store; the packages are labeled "chenille stems." The are used in crafts -- you know, bending them into the shape of giraffes, etc.
:
:I'm sure any pipe smoker (the few that are left) can refer you to a source for pipe cleaners.

Thanks Doug,
Especailly for me, I seem to find more bad tube sockets than bad tubes.

All the Best,

Bill

:Pipe cleaners are useful to clean octal and pre-octal tube sockets. Also good for cleaning tuning caps.
:
:I found them at a Hobby Lobby store; the packages are labeled "chenille stems." The are used in crafts -- you know, bending them into the shape of giraffes, etc.
:
:I'm sure any pipe smoker (the few that are left) can refer you to a source for pipe cleaners.
Hi Doug,
What do you tink of using drill bits for cleaning 7 and 9 pin miniature?

Bill

Bill, I don't know about the idea of using drill bits. If those sockets have any kind of plating, the plating will come off.

: What do you think of using drill bits for cleaning 7 and 9 pin miniature?
:
:Bill

I use Q tips on octal/loctal sockets, both the wood and cotton covered ends with a degreaser solution first, then a mild acidic solution, then deionized water swab, then blow dry. On the larger pins I use a rifle bore brush (without cleaner) trimmed to the correct diameter as required. Although I haven't tried it, I suggest small stranded wire with degreaser, followed by a water flush and blow dry on 7/9 pin miniatures. It helps if the very end is tinned, and allows the strands to be pulled through. Even without cleaning solutions, pulling the strands through the holes would clean them significantly. Some sockets may not have a thru-holes though.

marv

:Bill, I don't know about the idea of using drill bits. If those sockets have any kind of plating, the plating will come off.
:
:: What do you think of using drill bits for cleaning 7 and 9 pin miniature?
::
::Bill

:I use Q tips on octal/loctal sockets, both the wood and cotton covered ends with a degreaser solution first, then a mild acidic solution, then deionized water swab, then blow dry. On the larger pins I use a rifle bore brush (without cleaner) trimmed to the correct diameter as required. Although I haven't tried it, I suggest small stranded wire with degreaser, followed by a water flush and blow dry on 7/9 pin miniatures. It helps if the very end is tinned, and allows the strands to be pulled through. Even without cleaning solutions, pulling the strands through the holes would clean them significantly. Some sockets may not have a thru-holes though.
:
:marv
:
::Bill, I don't know about the idea of using drill bits. If those sockets have any kind of plating, the plating will come off.
::
::: What do you think of using drill bits for cleaning 7 and 9 pin miniature?
:::
:::Bill

Thanks Marv,
Tinned stranded wire seems like a better approach.

Best Regards,
Bill

Bill,
For woodworking projects, I have a complete collection of wood dowels of many diameters, which have #320 sand paper wrapped/glued on. In addition have many different hand carved shapes ie square, oval, triangle fashioned into sticks with sand paper. Great for wood and intricate areas of old radio cabinets, even the electronics.

marv

::I use Q tips on octal/loctal sockets, both the wood and cotton covered ends with a degreaser solution first, then a mild acidic solution, then deionized water swab, then blow dry. On the larger pins I use a rifle bore brush (without cleaner) trimmed to the correct diameter as required. Although I haven't tried it, I suggest small stranded wire with degreaser, followed by a water flush and blow dry on 7/9 pin miniatures. It helps if the very end is tinned, and allows the strands to be pulled through. Even without cleaning solutions, pulling the strands through the holes would clean them significantly. Some sockets may not have a thru-holes though.
::
::marv
::
:::Bill, I don't know about the idea of using drill bits. If those sockets have any kind of plating, the plating will come off.
:::
:::: What do you think of using drill bits for cleaning 7 and 9 pin miniature?
::::
::::Bill
:
:Thanks Marv,
: Tinned stranded wire seems like a better approach.
:
:Best Regards,
:Bill

:Pipe cleaners are useful to clean octal and pre-octal tube sockets. Also good for cleaning tuning caps.
:
:I found them at a Hobby Lobby store; the packages are labeled "chenille stems." The are used in crafts -- you know, bending them into the shape of giraffes, etc.
:
:I'm sure any pipe smoker (the few that are left) can refer you to a source for pipe cleaners.

I do the same thing but have found that the "pipe cleaners" sold for craft use will shed their fuzz after just a little use. Cleaners sold in tobacco departments for actually cleaning pipes will hold up better when used to clean tube sockets.