Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: yorgle on January 08, 2020, 01:46:18 pm

Title: What is this?
Post by: yorgle on January 08, 2020, 01:46:18 pm
I found this in a box of misc tubes that I purchased from a local antiques store.  It's solid aluminum and has "sockets" to fit both 7 and 9 pin miniature tubes.  Being solid, its obviously not intended to be used in a circuit.  It has "La Point Industries, Inc. Rockville, Conn." stamped on the flange.  Something to straighten tube pins?  A place to store extra tubes inside a radio/amp?  Any old timers here recognize it?
(https://i.imgur.com/amhIy8X.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JaEYE4f.jpg)
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: PRR on January 08, 2020, 02:21:38 pm
> Something to straighten tube pins?

Yes.

https://www.riverstoneaudio.com/pin-straightener
https://www.amazon.com/Riverstone-Audio-Straightener-Stainless-Straightens/dp/B074DZLFCK
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: DummyLoad on January 08, 2020, 08:59:55 pm
Quote from: PRR on January 08, 2020, 02:21:38 pm
> Something to straighten tube pins?

Yes.

https://www.riverstoneaudio.com/pin-straightener (https://www.riverstoneaudio.com/pin-straightener)
https://www.amazon.com/Riverstone-Audio-Straightener-Stainless-Straightens/dp/B074DZLFCK (https://www.amazon.com/Riverstone-Audio-Straightener-Stainless-Straightens/dp/B074DZLFCK)


thanks for sharing that amazon link - one on the way!   :icon_biggrin: 

--pete
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: PRR on January 08, 2020, 10:13:18 pm
From reviews:
"the last pin straightener you'll ever need."

I have never seen one of these worn-out. Even the cheap zinc ones. yorgle's tool screws to the bench so you never lose it.

Obviously the vast majority of these were thrown-out when the daughters cleared-out dad's shop and nobody knew what it was.
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: HotBluePlates on February 14, 2020, 11:28:08 pm
The pin straightener below was left behind in a tube caddy I got.  The 9-pin side is shown below and there's a 7-pin socket on the opposite side.

The bell-shape is a suction cup to pull tubes from their sockets without burning your mitts.  Squeezing near the top releases the tube.

(https://i.imgur.com/25q1M4i.jpg)