tube storage

[Norm Apter]

Seem to be a lot of tube threads recently -- let me add one more.

I have a question for you tube heads who presumably have extra tubes on hand.

First, I'm wondering if there are particular conditions in which you store your extra (not currently used) tubes. Anything to keep in mind?

Second, anyone know if they degrade over time (when not in use)? I've been thinking about getting an extra couple of tubes, but only have one device that takes exactly one tube so even purchasing just one would automatically lead to an overabundance in my case.

Thanks,
Norm

[mmadden28]

..anyone know if they degrade over time (when not in use)?...


I'm going to SWAG and say no. Figuring that vintage tubes are all the rage and all.

[george daniel]

I keep mine in a large cigar box (wooden/airtight?), mainly cause I don't smoke cigars,,,as far a life,,some of mine are 40-50 years old,and still test as new,I'm guessing that the "vacuum" is they key,and as long as it's not compromised,who knows how long they will remain/good.

[jvc]

manufacturing problems in the tube is the cause of most failures.

Out-gassing and seal leakage are problems in tubes,
porous anodes and imperfect glass to metal seals allow gas to enter the vacuum
as previously stated

[mhardy6647]

They don't degrade over time unless gravity is involved ;-)

I keep mine in the basement. An old tube caddy is a handy storage container.

[Keiko]

manufacturing problems in the tube is the cause of most failures.

Out-gassing and seal leakage are problems in tubes,
porous anodes and imperfect glass to metal seals allow gas to enter the vacuum
as previously stated
You are a sad little man Chen. Don't you have anything better to do than trolling CP and pasting your responses from a search engine? Are you mentally incapable of formulating your own opinions, that you do this in some blown out effort to appear intelligent? Get a life, troll.

[rubin]

I keep my spare tubes in a drawer, in their origional boxes