[AlexG]

While in very specific circumstances contact enhancers like Pro Gold, etc., will work wonders on older RCA connectors, some "aficionados" will extend the usage to tube pins. If you decide to use enhancers/cleaners do so at your own risk, and use the brush type (with extra moderation) an never the spray cans  !

Whatever you do, please............never...I MEAN NEVER... USE ANY TYPE OF "HEAT TRANSFER/THERMAL COMPOUND PASTE" or the like  !

You will create severe contamination to the tubes pins/tube sockets, and you will have expensive repairs not covered by the warranty!

OK, enough said...let's enjoy the music.

Regards,

Alex

[TjMV3]

Alex,  what's a good way to clean the tube pins? 

[dangerbird]

denatured alcohol,, I think

[ipy]

Alex,  what's a good way to clean the tube pins? 

I will use Kontak.

http://www.britishaudio.co.uk/kontak.htm

[rajacat]

What about DeoxIT contact cleaner, the non-gold version? I don't believe that the standard version contains any conductive ingredients so it would be safe for tubes.

Raj

[Haoleb]

I clean my tube pins with deoxit followed by a treatment of progold. But not silicone heat sink grease!

I saw a picture once where someone put a bunch of the heatsink grease on the pins of their CPU instead of on the top where the heatsink touches 

Ahh here it is

[djbnh]

I use Walker SST according to the manufacturer's instructions and report no issues; however, there are substantive improvements in my system with my gear to my ears. I note I use the product in a number of applications, including tube pins.

 Again, I point out that I use SST according to the manufacturer's instructions. I'm not quite sure what product(s) the OP is referencing re: "I MEAN NEVER... USE ANY TYPE OF 'HEAT TRANSFER/THERMAL COMPOUND PASTE' ". Walker SST is not advertised as a heat transfer/thermal compound paste. YMMV.

[TjMV3]

Thank you for your help guys.  Appreciated.

But I just want to clean the pins and I want to know what I could use to remove some of the grunge/buildup on the pins,  of a few Old Stock tubes I have.  I'm not really interested in applying enhancement compounds.

DeoxIT sounds like the way to go for me. 

What could I use to gently remove the grunge buildup?  A small toothbrush?  Do they make tiny steel brushes that would work well with these tiny tube pins? 

[gooberdude]

Some folks use a pencil eraser to clean the bulk of pin oxidation off, then follow with Pro Gold and then some 100% pure rubbing alchohol in aerosol form (can be purchased from electronics suppliers).  Or maybe reverse the achohol & Pro Gold application.

I also have Semichrome & Flitz...both good metal polish's.

i've used SilCear for some time, don't use anything anymore...i wouldn't stick any conductive material  inside the tiny holes that tube pins go in though.

[miklorsmith]

Very fine-grit sandpaper works wonders to shine oxidized tube pins.  I've used SST on tube pins with no problems but I have no idea whether it will be an issue long-term.