Power Tube Retainers!

Don't like the bear claw (trap?) in general, and even less with larger tubes. Spring retainers are it.

 

I'm in full agreement with Jonathan.

 

i actually prefer the bear claw type. the dual spring types with the cap can often rattle against the tube if your head is on top of your cab. one of my Traynor YBA200-2's rattled like crazy until i slipped some silicone (RC fuel line) tubing over the springs. my favorites are the old 6550 band spring clips that they used in the old SVT's.

 

I agree with John, the Birtcher spring clip retainers are hard to beat. The bear claw clamps do a great job. I have them in a number of old Fender amps and they hold on to those tubes really well. It limits you to tubes that have a base big enough to use them. The spring retainers ones like on the current SVT's can rattle. I also wonder if they impede even tube cooling, especially when they are covered with dirt as I sometimes find.

While we're at it, for small signal tubes, I like IERC type tube shields/coolers that are often used in military equipment. There are fins inside the shield that contact the glass envelope and help wick away the heat.

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David

 

It might be worth contacting Surplus Sales of Nebraska (the link above). You never know what they have in stock or can get.

Birtcher is still in business but would probably require a substantial order.