Is Shed Storage Detrimental To Valves? - Page 3 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

ms660 · 6th Mar 2021, 10:58 am

Some valves used uranium glass for the seal.

Lawrence.

Lloyd 1985 · 6th Mar 2021, 11:32 am

I once dug up a valve in my Nan’s garden, it was a Cossor battery output valve, no idea how long it had been in the ground, but I washed the mud off it and took it to the shed to power the heater, and it worked! Even the Bakelite base was still firmly stuck in place. The pins were a little tarnished but otherwise ok, still yet to try it in a set though.

Regards
Lloyd

David Simpson · 6th Mar 2021, 11:47 am

If folk are seriously into valve collecting, maybe flogging one or two occasionally on eBay, or keeping a reserve stock for your radio collection, or valued bench test equipment - then its imperative that everything is tickerty boo.
Lets say you've got a PX25, or a matched pair of NOS KT88's - prospective purchasers, if they are expected to cough up a wad of dosh, will expect that the pins are as bright & un-corroded as the day they were made, along with any logo's & ID numbers etc., plus bakelite bases must be perfect condition, and so on.
Try flogging a wee E288CC with manky pins, scratched glass & a box covered in damp stains - you'll get SFA. Flog one in a pristine box, bright gold plated pins & all the lettering/numbering perfect - mega bucks !
If folk store valves in a damp shed, then its more than likely that their tools/T/Eq. and valued radios/TV's etc. are also getting heffing damp. DAC90's/Murphy U128's/TV22's/B&O HiFi's/CT160/etc., do not deserve that.

Regards, David

6th Mar 2021, 10:58 am	#41
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Is Shed Storage Detrimental To Valves? Some valves used uranium glass for the seal. Lawrence.

6th Mar 2021, 11:32 am	#42
Lloyd 1985 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coningsby, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 2,819	Re: Is Shed Storage Detrimental To Valves? I once dug up a valve in my Nan’s garden, it was a Cossor battery output valve, no idea how long it had been in the ground, but I washed the mud off it and took it to the shed to power the heater, and it worked! Even the Bakelite base was still firmly stuck in place. The pins were a little tarnished but otherwise ok, still yet to try it in a set though. Regards Lloyd

6th Mar 2021, 11:47 am	#43
David Simpson Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Aberdeen, UK. Posts: 2,853	Re: Is Shed Storage Detrimental To Valves? If folk are seriously into valve collecting, maybe flogging one or two occasionally on eBay, or keeping a reserve stock for your radio collection, or valued bench test equipment - then its imperative that everything is tickerty boo. Lets say you've got a PX25, or a matched pair of NOS KT88's - prospective purchasers, if they are expected to cough up a wad of dosh, will expect that the pins are as bright & un-corroded as the day they were made, along with any logo's & ID numbers etc., plus bakelite bases must be perfect condition, and so on. Try flogging a wee E288CC with manky pins, scratched glass & a box covered in damp stains - you'll get SFA. Flog one in a pristine box, bright gold plated pins & all the lettering/numbering perfect - mega bucks ! If folk store valves in a damp shed, then its more than likely that their tools/T/Eq. and valued radios/TV's etc. are also getting heffing damp. DAC90's/Murphy U128's/TV22's/B&O HiFi's/CT160/etc., do not deserve that. Regards, David