Transistor Socketing and heat shrink tube

[Drlufk00]

If you are socketing transistors on a build, does the general consensus seem to be that once you settle on a pair to remove the sockets and solder in the chosen transistors? Does this help improve the circuit in any way? Desoldering is not a strong suit of mine and I avoid it at all costs. Also, I’ve seen several build photos where the legs of germanium or silicon transistors have shrink tube on them above the socket/pcb portion. Transistors are notorious for not liking too much heat, how do people accomplish this without damaging the transistors (Ge especially). Use a heat sink?

 

[Diynot]

Sockets can become unreliable. With multiple transistor switch outs the sockets can become loose and you run the risk of the transistor falling out of the socket down the road. As far as heat shrink I have never applied heat to the shrink wrap, I have some really small stuff and it’s really just there to prevent the legs from contacting each other especially if you have to twist them to match a pinout.

 

[lowpitch]

It's more to prevent the transistor from falling out of the socket. I've soldered transistors directly into their sockets before when I couldn't be arsed to remove the socket. It's fine and doesn't require much heat and solder.

 

[gonzo]

Hot glue gun. They'll stay put. I've had them pop out right before shows. I usually avoid the sockets for transistors nowadays unless it's something I might swap out down the road.

 

[Erik S]

Transistors are notorious for not liking too much heat

I thought that too when I started, and it was one of my excuses for using transistor sockets.

I've seen that advice repeated on the internet, but never heard from anyone who actually cooked a transistor by overheating.

I have personally had issues with transistors making intermittent contact in their sockets, and seen others dealing with that problem.