Trimming Germanium Transistor Leads

[geoffrey]

I know the only dumb question is the one not asked, but here's what seems like a dumb one.

Is it ok to trim germanium transistor leads to help them fit better in enclosures? I either read or heard from someone that you shouldn't trim Ge transistor leads because it effects them somehow, so I haven't been even though I've never verified if this is nonsense or not.

So my friends...nonsense or not?

Thanks!

 

[BuddytheReow]

IMO you can trim the leads just fine. I tend not to just in case I want to swap it out for another build in the future. I’m also a cheap @$$ and don’t want to sacrifice germaniums for no reason. For the record I don’t think I’ve swapped it out once I was happy with the circuit.

 

[KR Sound]

Cut!

 

[szukalski]

I always cut unless it's a baby boy. Just bear in mind that you may want to leave some exposed if you're wanting to measure for bias.

 

[geoffrey]

Thanks all!