[Boatanchors] Miniature tube socket contact brushes

[Bill Cotter]

Several years ago I had my Hickok-6000 calibrated by one of the 
last of the tube-tester technicians, I have since forgotten his 
name. Anyway, he sold a selection of tube socket contact-cleaning 
brushes for a lot of dollars, so much so I never purchased any.

Over the years I've tried a number of methods for cleaning the 
contacts with mixed results. Whatever tool I used was in 
conjunction with ethyl-alcohol, DeOxit or a Caig product. 
Generally, the best device was a series of small pipe cleaners 
designed for art work and sold in a local hobby shop.

This weekend I found the best tool so far and it was right under my 
nose in the grocery store. While looking for a stiff floss for my 
wife, I found some very tiny, tapered, nylon-bristled interdental 
brushes. These are sold in the floss section under the GUM brand, 
stock number 3614, in a green blister pack for $2.50 (seven brushes 
and holder).

A drop of DeOxit on the tip of the brush easily cleans the tube 
socket contact. And, they can be washed gently and reused.

73 Bill N4LG