Hi all.
I need to make up a couple of connectors for top cap G1 connections for 6J8 and 6G8 type valves.
I was thinking of cutting up a tinned food can. Making some narrow strips and bending them into shape, or soldering a couple of solder tags together and bending them around. I do not have any original ones.
I am sure some of you would have made some up out of common household stuff.
Regards Jimb

Hi the originals have a bit of spring in them, a softer type of metal like a can may work loose over time, but, I've used tin cans for valve shields, top cap connectors and all sorts of applications. The best metal would probably be brass sheet but go ahead and snip up a can!
Fred.

The best actually may be beryllium-copper if you can get it, a high strength alloy good for springs. Beryllium is however toxic so take care. But as Fred says tinplate from a can should do if it is reasonably resistant to bending ie will hold its bent shape for a good contact. Beware though that many tin cans are actually tin free steel (chrome plate) and won't solder- usually a grey rather than white metal. Most will be lacquered as well which can be scraped off with a copper coin, or removed with a DC current through a washing soda or bicarb solution.

Thank you Fred and STC830

I though new were still procurable, I have bought in the past & salvaged from various sources. EVATCO have an encapsulated (insulated) type intended for valves like 6CM5 that have the Top Cap as the Plate.

I though new were still procurable

Can be found in the USA, e.g. :

https://www.rfparts.com/tubes/tubes-platecaps.html

-- but with the exchange rate and shipping, would need to buy in bulk to make it worthwhile.

Hi Marcc and GTC.
I have seen the insulated types on ebay however from memory the 6CM5 top cap was a larger diameter, and I don't want to wait for stuff to come from overseas.
Regards Jimb

Phosphor bronze would also be a suitable material without the toxicity issue.

I have 6J8 & 6CM5 from memory it is a standard octal: 6D6 & co have the big Top cap, however, not relevant.

I have two encapsulated EVATCO ones in stock & they fit a 6J8: They have others. The only issue "might" be with a shield. On that basis I can't see any major problem.

You might be able to use small springs salvaged from VCRs or DVD players. Bend the spring into a loop that could encircle the top cap. If you're lucky, you might find a spring that has a not quite large enough diameter that could grab the top cap. Hopefully the metal will accept soldering to a wire.

I've used an alligator clip on one of mine.

"I've used an alligator clip on one of mine". Won't that have an effect on the AGC attack?

Valve cap clips are available from a seller on Ebay. They are white plastic with the metal part inside. I am not sure if these are available in the size you need though. Worth checking in the valve radio section of Ebay collectables.

A solderable source thin sheet metal for end caps of various diameters for a one-off job might be flat alkaline cells. The body shell of these is nickel plated sheet steel. The side wall might be a bit thin though as they are drawn and ironed to shape so the side wall could be very thin. An AA or AAA base might be close to the right diameter for a valve cap though. With a bit of work with tin snips would be easy to find out.

Any metal that is otherwise suitable can be wire brushed to get any nickel or chrome plate off. Being steel underneath, a higher temperature and some extra flux should get the solder to take.