I’ve got a 5 yr old C2700 preamp with the factory tubes still in it and am upgrading to Rays tubes. I have removed the case top and metal securing strip so they are fully accessible to remove, but when I pull on them they won’t slide out. I’m using a cloth glove and unplugged the unit but is there any trick or tool I need to buy to pull these things out? I feel like I’m on the verge of breaking them, then I’m screwed, and maybe cut. I even tried wiggling them a little to try and break the bond but no such luck. Any tips welcome and appreciated.
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Welcome to AK!!
My experience with tubes is they are pretty robust and can take a good pull with no damage caused. I've had a few tube amps where it felt like the tubes were glued in place. Pulling straight out with some gentle rocking in a side-to-side or circular motion should do the trick. You could try wearing rubber cleaning gloves or use a rubber jar gripper pad on the tubes to get a better grip. You should also see if the tubes have tube retainers or tube clamps holding the plastic base of the tube. Those need to be pushed down and spread apart to loosen as needed before pulling up on the tube.
Here's a good video to watch:
My experience with tubes is they are pretty robust and can take a good pull with no damage caused. I've had a few tube amps where it felt like the tubes were glued in place. Pulling straight out with some gentle rocking in a side-to-side or circular motion should do the trick. You could try wearing rubber cleaning gloves or use a rubber jar gripper pad on the tubes to get a better grip. You should also see if the tubes have tube retainers or tube clamps holding the plastic base of the tube. Those need to be pushed down and spread apart to loosen as needed before pulling up on the tube.
Here's a good video to watch:
Last edited:
Logan_Nolag
Active Member
I just replaced the tubes in my C2700 and yes they are quite tight. I found that the best way to get them out was to grasp the tube at the bottom near the socket and very gently rock it back and forth. Not a lot just enough to get it out. Pulling straight out didn't work at all.