Tube flew out into BHK 250

Audio Components Amplifiers
1

I was swapping out the tubes in my 250 and when I pulled one it seems to have flown off, up and back into the amp itself where I can’t get it. Has this ever happened to anyone? How did you get it out?

2

I use anti static gloves to prevent this sort of mishap. The lid will have to come off.

3

With the tube pins exposed inside the amp…I wouldn’t power it back up…could cause a short and damage the circuitry.

4

If I take the lid of does that void the warranty? Is that the screw on the sides?

I’m dead in the water until I can get that tube out.

5

I hope it’s easier to take apart than the DirectStream Sr :^ /

6

They really need to put a little screen in there so they don’t have that gap right behind the tubes.

7

There should be a how to video somewhere on the PS Audio site. You need to gently flip it over. Usually 4 dark screws on the bottom. I’ve never had mine flipped over. But have been into my other devices and the 4 dark screws secure the top. I use a glass fitters suction device to lift recalcitrant tops.

8

@IanB52 - you might retrieve the tube with a flexible magnetic wand and concentrate on the pins. That $5 device has got me out of a lot of jams.

Here is the tool that would help - Pick Up Tool, DIB2805 Flexible Silver With Tail Needle Retrieval Pen Pick Up Tool Telescopic Handheld Tool Magnetic Extending

The Tool

1 Like
9

Such a tool, plus a mirror on s flexible telescoping rod, are wonderful things.

1 Like
10

Have you tried just tipping it up on its end and see if the tube will either fall out or move to where you can reach it?

1 Like
11

I ended up flipping it over and then tipping it on end and then the tube easily fell out. It was a little tricky with the weight of the amp, but much better option than taking the whole thing apart…

12

I wouldn’t stick any magnets in there without PSA’s blessing.
I have no idea if a magnet could do any harm, but I would ask. Obviously you got it out, so no need.
There are tube pullers, I bought some along with pin straighteners on eBay, many years ago.
I usually don’t need the pullers, but I use the pin straighteners. They really came in handy when I bought 72 tubes. I was able to sort, clean, straighten the pins, test, and match 6CG7/6FQ7, 12AX7, 12AU7.
At the time I had a preamp that used the 6CG7.