Tube Socket Savers, why?

I must agree with @tablejockey. If you are just a component owner I would not consider them. We are constantly trying to make the fewest connections and most direct path for the electronic signal to preserve sound quality. I have owned tubed equipment for decades and never had a socket problem. I would not introduce something unnecessary.

On the other hand if you are like @2psyop it would be something to consider. Mostly for the grip he can get on ancient tubes.

Thanks you all. 

Socket savers are a wise idea for tube testers.

I use socket savers to raise 2 of the 4 Linlai Global E 6SN7. This allows them to fit in a preamp that has too close spacing for such huge 6SN7s. Each tube is 2" in diameter.

Thanks,

aldnorab 

Like Aldnorab, I've used them to raise tubes for fit.  I noticed that they fit so tight that it is hard to leave them installed and pull the tube out of them.  Struggling to get the tube out of the tube saver puts stress on the socket.  

If somone designs a quality socket saver that fits snugly into the socket and tubes can be removed more easily, that would make sense.

Here is where a socket saver is useful:  If you roll old tubes a lot and don't like to spend 10 minutes cleaning the corrosion off the pins with steel wool.  The corrosion on the pins is abrasive and will wear out your socket and cause poor connections.  your socket ends up cleaning the pins. 

Jerry