Mounting Tube Sockets

[yorgle]

On all of my builds so far, I've used #4-40 machine screws and nuts to bolt tube sockets to the chassis.  Once I'm satisfied that I don't need to take things apart again, I put a dab of superglue on the exposed threads/nut and that has worked well for my limited, living room use.  But I wonder how that would hold up if the amp were being dragged/banged/kicked/dropped about to and from gigs.  What do the grey-beards here use?

[sluckey]

I use 4-40 but I just tap the chassis. I don't use a nut. And I don't abuse my amps by playing them!   

But, if the amp were being dragged/banged/kicked/dropped about to and from gigs, I would put a drop of Loctite thread-locker on the screw threads then put a kep nut on the screw. Probably a good idea for every screw in the amp, especially on transformers.

[bmccowan]

I have a big grey beard so I guess I have to answer - I use kep nuts throughout the chassis. #4s for 9 pin sockets and 4s or 6s for octals, 8s for trannies. My amps stay home, but if I did tote them around I'd prefer the Loctite. I've used that on bicycles and motorcycles for years with good success. One of my bikes is a vintage Triumph - that thing needs lots of Loctite.

[jjasilli]

I use 4-40 but I just tap the chassis. I don't use a nut. And I don't abuse my amps by playing them!   

But, if the amp were being dragged/banged/kicked/dropped about to and from gigs, I would put a drop of Loctite thread-locker on the screw threads then put a kep nut on the screw. Probably a good idea for every screw in the amp, especially on transformers.

I thought you used rivets. Maybe my memory is gone.

[sluckey]

Oh no. Never used any rivets.

     http://sluckeyamps.com/supro/supro_02_big.jpg

[Latole]

I use bolt, lock washer and nut,
Never rivets.

[shooter]

I started with nuts n bolts n washers....bought rivets, gives it that '40s feel 

[PRR]

...I use kep nuts...

+1.

[AmberB]

Kep nuts here also.

[Latole]

It's include kep nut in my answer 'cause they are nut with lock washer.

In other word, bolt and nut is not enough to stay tight over years

[FranciscoPerez]

I use a lock washer, and locknuts. No loctite, and always worked great.

I started doing this after I read a document from Rod Elliot about earthing:
https://sound-au.com/earthing.htm

[Latole]

I use a lock washer, and locknuts. 

 

For tube socket, wich is the subject ;
It's like using a belt and suspenders to hold your pants no ?
If you want to use locknut, regular flat washer is enough to hold any mechanical stuff.

Teeth or lock washer is a must for electrical connection to "bite" into the metal and ensure a good contact and to hold nut always tight.

[FranciscoPerez]

It's like using a belt and suspenders to hold your pants no ?
Regular flat washer is enough.

hehe Yes, I guess you are probably right. I connect my mains safety earths like this, see attachment, so I guess I got used to use both locknuts and lock washers.

[sluckey]

Your pic looks like a locknut and flat washer?

[Latole]

Too much hardware for small job,

If you built a bridge this way it would cost so much that no country could afford it and it would be so heavy it would collapse....

[FranciscoPerez]

Your pic looks like a locknut and flat washer?

Yes, it looks like flat but it's a lock washer. See how it's not flat touching the chassis, but stays somewhat above while the teeth are biting it

[FranciscoPerez]

Hahaha, yeah too much hardware for a tube socket I suppose.   

Safety earth connection is another story, though, and regulations vary from country to country.

[DummyLoad]

for the 7 & 9 pin miniature sockets, i use 4-40 hardware with keps (k-lock) nuts and an internal tooth washer on the bolt head end.

for octal i use 6-32 with the same washer/keps nut/ compliment.


--pete

[jjasilli]

Your pic looks like a locknut and flat washer?

Yes, Elliot recommends just that while acknowledging this earth ground setup as overkill.  But FranciscoPerez is off topic:  Elliot says this ONLY for the ground connection and not to be used for components such as a a tube socket, the topic under discussion:  "Do not use the earth connection as mounting for any other panel or component - it must be dedicated to the task of providing a safety earth point.  If a component mounting bolt is used, at some stage it may be disconnected by a service (or other) person, which means that the apparatus is unsafe until everything is (hopefully) put back where it belongs - this does not always happen."

[Soulfetish]

I use M3 fasteners for most all my 9-pin sockets, and standoffs.
It may seem a bit pedantic, but I think its far superior to 4-40. Im an American, and I think all metric threads are for the most part.
For small insulated turrets and terminals, they often have 2-56 threads, so I’ll usually tap the chassis to mount them directly using thread locker.

[glass54]

+1 with Sluckey
When I have had to repair/replace sockets, and they have been riveted, can be a pain to drill out the rivet neatly. It was a common practice in Australia for a couple of manufacturers in the 60's and 70's to use rivets.
We're Metric in Aussie so I use an M3x6 with Locknut but it's fiddly. Don't mind the screws in Noval Skts as long as the chassis thickness is sensible.
Soulfetish "Pedantic" is good 
Regards
Mirek