Question about the 6080 tube

[emilca1!]

These tubes with the center, shaped black plastic pin that fits into the socket holder? This piece on my Russian 6H13c disintegrated. I have a couple of questions:

1. Does it serve any purpose, beyond guiding the tube to the proper pins to sockets?
2. Can I still use it if the metal pins all look good.
3. So if I mark between the 1st and 8th pin(if I'm looking on another tube, the dimple is between 1 and 8), will it work?

 

[Adrian]

I had something similar happen to me and I just made sure the tube is aligned properly in the socket.
The plastic that broke just ensures proper alignment and serves no other purpose.

 

[Paul Joppa]

You can buy thes adapters:

https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/keyway-replacement-piece-octal-tubes

 

[johnsonad]

Those are cool PJ!  Thanks for sharing.

 

[emilca1!]

Thanks for the link. And the clarification.