[Texasrocker]

... I usually carefully pry the loctal type tubes up just abit out of the socket far enough to install a good ol Blackcat ® brand firecracker. Insert firecracker between censor side of tube base and socket, lite the fuse,... stand back,... and when she blows, I try to catch the tube before it hits the floor. Works like a champ!... if I indeed catch the tube midair barehanded!? I have missed several times also! Whew!,..guess we do it different in Texas? Those loctal types tubes are tough little rascals in design!!
I always remember to clean all the tube pins & socket connections before reinstalling the tube(s). Never hurts to spray some WD-40 in those old tube sockets either! The whole *firecracker* tube removal process kinda sounds like a reversed mounted filter-cap going *bang*, but it is alot more fun to watch!! Jus kiddin ya'll !! Best of luck on all your vintage radio restorations!! ol Txrocker!!