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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Ok to touch tube glass with fingers?
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Message started by Don W on 08/11/12 at 04:01:17

Title: Ok to touch tube glass with fingers?
Post by Don W on 08/11/12 at 04:01:17

I have been using bare fingers to change out tubes but just read somewhere that oils from human hand will shorten the life of the tube. Is this correct?

Title: Re: Ok to touch tube glass with fingers?
Post by jameskk on 08/11/12 at 11:49:55

if you watch the building of the zen amp , Steve Deckert puts the tubes in the unit with his bare hands . i also do that ,but wipe them down once they are in the amp with a dry soft cloth. does it matter , who knows. A tube can last the time it takes to heat up.... to a 50 year life, ya just dont know unless you have a tube tester. Decware is real good with they're tube policy.

Title: Re: Ok to touch tube glass with fingers?
Post by Rivieraranch on 08/11/12 at 13:05:34

I have a white tube glove, but rarely use it. How are you going to remember to put the glove on every little time you swap a valve? The glass is impervious to the elements and the vacuum is inside. How a fingerprint could in any way affect that is beyond me.

Title: Re: Ok to touch tube glass with fingers?
Post by rmt on 08/17/12 at 21:07:28

I never use my bare hand to switch out tubes. First reason is because I never wait for them to cool off so I don't want to get burned. Second reason is because on the oddball chance that the tube breaks it won't cut my fingers. I have had a tube break on me while handling but it was a cryoed one. We need tube clamps. :D

Title: Re: Ok to touch tube glass with fingers?
Post by will on 08/17/12 at 23:51:19

Good point rmt. I have never had one break in my hand so never thought of this.

I also use a rag to take them out a lot of the time as they are hot. Then I usually put them in with clean hands, but over time this shows, at least with tubes that get rolled a lot, the finger grease burning on to the tube. It seems to clean right off though for the most part as long as it does not go too far.

I guess if you have high dollar tubes you intend to trade at some point, it would be wise to use a cloth or glove every touch, and avoid those fragile NOS markings.

Title: Re: Ok to touch tube glass with fingers?
Post by rmcfee on 08/22/12 at 04:38:48

With certain types of high temp bulbs it is an issue (oil from fingers that is) but vacuum tubes don't get hot enough to stress the glass from the oil. I think.