Can you touch the tubes?

I was talking to someone at the tube store about replacing some KT 150 tubes and he said it was perfectly fine to touch the tubes.

I've always thought you're supposed to handle these things very carefully with white gloves or a microfiber cloth.

Handling them with my fingers makes it easier to pull them out , insert them more securely.

Does it really matter if my fingerprints get on the glass or should I clean them off with a microfiber cloth after I touch them?

emergingsoul11-05-2023 5:41pm

mlsstl Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,399 posts 11-05-2023 at 06:38pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I suspect the white glove thing ties back to someone with a bad case of OCD and a good imagination. I've worked with tube gear for over 50 years now -- building, repairing and using -- and never had a problem handling tubes with my hands. No tube failure ever from that, and no appearance issues. Tubes are made of glass, and yes, glass can get dirty, but one can also clean glass. The only time I've ever used a cloth is if the tube needs to be handled while still hot. You don't want to burn your fingers.