Socket doesn't hold tube tight enough - problem fixed - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Socket doesn't hold tube tight enough - problem fixed (/showthread.php?tid=26047)

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Socket doesn't hold tube tight enough - problem fixed - ODPILOT - 10-12-2025

For my Philco 53-1750,  the 8 pin socket for the  35L6GT tube just won't hold the pins tight and causes intermittent poor connection and therefore, crackling and/or squealing.  If I hold the tube in there tight, the radio & phono work just fine. 

Not sure where to find a new replacement socket for this old tube type.  Besides just replacing the socket (which looks like it might be real pain in the #$#%#% -  are there any other tricks for tightening up the socket receptacles or making the tube fit tighter?  Thanks. 

   

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RE: Socket replace for 35L6GT - MrFixr55 - 10-12-2025

Hi ODPILOT,

Octal tube sockets are common and available on eBay.  I have not bought them, but I understand that quality of some is hit and miss.  Replacement is not difficult, just make sure that you don't "mis-wire" by connecting connections to the wrong pins.  Take pictures and get the schematic.  Attached below is the spec sheet for the 35L6 from RCA, with the pin numbering from the bottom view of the socket:


Also attached is a link to the schematic for your set:
https://philcoradio.com/library/download/service%20info/yearbooks/1953/split/Part23-Philco%20Home%20Radio%20Yearbook%201953-final.pdf

You can try to tighten the pins of the existing socket by wedging a jeweler's screwdriver, pick or other small tool between the contact and the cavity that it resides in.  Then use Caig DeOxIt D5 contact cleaner on the socket.  Be sure to thoroughly dry the socket before reapplying power.

This set utilizes a voltage doubler circuit which doubles the power output for the 35L6, compared to the traditional half wave rectifier circuit used in the common "AA5" radios.  the drawback of the voltage doubler is the requirement for AC, but since this is a radio-phono, AC is needed anyway for the turntable motor.  The voltage doubler and 8" speaker make this a rather good performing set.

Hope this helps.

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RE: Socket replace for 35L6GT - ODPILOT - 10-13-2025

For those who may run into a similar socket issue - I solved the problem without replacing the socket.  I simply took an Optical screwdriver (small,  flat blade) and was able to bend the metal tabs inward so that the open end of the receptacles in the socket are closed or at least closer to each other - thereby tightening them up.  Now, the tube fits in there nice and snug with perfect contact of the tube pins and the radio now is perfect.

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RE: Socket doesn't hold tube tight enough - problem fixed - radiorich - 10-13-2025

ODPilot,
Nice job and it saved you a lot time and Headache .
Sincerely Richard

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RE: Socket doesn't hold tube tight enough - problem fixed - Arran - 10-14-2025

ODPILOT;
I likely would have done the same as you did, but if let's say that didn't work you can actually remove, and replace the terminals on many of those molded sockets by unsoldering the terminal from the bottom, and pushing it through the top, reversing the procedure with replacement. If it would have been a wafer socket it's easier to push the contacts closed, but those tend to flex, and bend, I really do not like them much. If the contacts were pushed out and loose that's often a mark of a high hour set where there were lots of tube changes, but I wouldn't have thought that on a radio-phono combo unit.
Replacing a socket outright is a pain, you need not only a socket that will fit in the large hole correctly, you also need the right spacing between the rivet holes.
Regards
Arran

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RE: Socket doesn't hold tube tight enough - problem fixed - radiorich - 10-14-2025

Hello Arran,
I agree the one thing I would add is also replacing sockets Lead dressing is important too.
Far, as those wafer sockets I hate them if you just look cross-eyed at one it could get damaged .

Sincerely Richard

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