9 pin socket very tight

[skootx]

What's the best way to loosen it up a bit? I have to use a fair bit of pressure to get the tube into the socket, I'm afraid to really push down hard. The octal behaved like most other sockets I've used, but the 9 pin is really tight.

[diynewbie]

I had this issue.  In my case it was heater wire going attached to A4 and A5.  It's a good idea to leave a little slack to allow for realignment.  It is also possible to have solder or debris get into the socket.  Mine loosened up a bit after re-soldering those connections and inserting/removing the tube a few times.  You may also try cleaning the pins on the tube.

I would think damaging a tube would be unlikely as long as you push straight down and pull straight up - or at least not rock it back and forth to aggressively.