BRIMAR 6146's super-tight fit into regular Heath 6146 sockets of SB-401 (longish).

[Robert Myers]

SUBJECT: BRIMAR 6146 tubes fitting into 'normal' sockets:

 

I am replacing some American made 6146 tubes with some NOS 6146 tubes
that were still packed in their original boxes. The boxes are labelled
"BVA" in white lettering and "BRIMAR" in large yellow lettering on a red
background and also "THORN - A.E.I. RADIO VALVES AND TUBES LTD." is
written in a circle around what looks to be a depiction of a three
pronged thorn --- obviously THORN's symbol. The boxes are rather hefty
(say 30% larger than normal RCA, GE, or Sylvania boxes, along each
dimension), and are well packed inside with protection.  (BTW, does
anyone know what "BVA" indicates?)

But when I put them into my SB-401 sockets it is like one of the hardest
things to do.  They look normal, as tubes, but I am betting that the
BRIMAR 6146 tubes must have slightly larger pins.  I put them in without
breaking anything - but with great difficultly.  They delivered high
power, all right and they were working just super-fine.  Then I had to
remove them to check a set of American tubes I had.  At this point, I
could barely get them out of the sockets!  I was watching from above and
below since the cabinet had been removed and I was sure that at any time
the wobbling movement, and obvious real strain on the Heath original
6146 sockets was going top break them in half --- really it was weird.
I was able to thankfully remove them as I sweated each hard pull and
wiggle to accomplish this.

What's going on here?  Are these tubes made for different sockets?  Are
there 6146 'military sockets' that support slightly larger pins so the
tubes won't vibrate out on the battle field - or what?  Or, is this tube
just meant to fit in 'regular sockets' but super tightly, for the same
reason.

Has anyone ever experienced putting a BRIMAR 6146 tube into say, a
SB-401 socket, and experienced what I did?  I am almost afraid to
re-insert those things it feels totally odd, if not dangerous :)

I have been told that these are very high quality tubes by people that
know these things, but that still does help me.

Cheers,

--- Rob VE3 JQL

 

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