TO-5 sockets, cheap/best version

[jwin615]

I noticed Brian, at least in the two builds docs I checked, likes to mouser Mill max 917-43-103-41-005000 which has CeBu contacts. CeBu has not benefit to us(mostly used in areas where magnetism is an issue, like MRIs, etc) and may be detrimental, as CeBu corrodes pretty nasty.
Smallbear carries 917-93-103-41-005000, which are gold contacts. Much better, but $1.69 a pop. Even digikey is $1.51/ea at 25+ qty. Not ideal.
Buuuut.  917-47-103-41-005000 uses gold plated contacts, best I can find(Mill max data sheets are all over the place) and are only $1.03/ea with qty of 25+ at digikey.
I know this isn't a huge issue, but for those that build frequently or even small batches, knocking $2-3 off each pedal cost is a big deal.
Also, if anyone wants to tell me this assessment is incorrect, please do so. Just hoping to help the community out and save a few bucks. At $2 each, I get why some here are 3d printing them, but at $1 each, maybe it will save them some time and effort.
Happy building.

Link:
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/917-47-103-41-005000/7364145

[jwin615]

Mouser link. 0.99 at 10+
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mill-Max/917-47-103-41-005000?qs=5aG0NVq1C4yC9o%252BthDKG8A%3D%3D

[mauman]

Here's my favorite, 64 inline for $7.28 which is about 11 cents per pin.  I cut them to make sockets for TO-5, TO-92, caps, DIP8 when I need the center open, etc.  Tin and gold plating, but the best thing is they're low profile and add very little height, sometimes that matters a lot in 1590A or B enclosures.  https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/575-31543164

[jwin615]

Here's my favorite, 64 inline for $7.28 which is about 11 cents per pin.  I cut them to make sockets for TO-5, TO-92, caps, DIP8 when I need the center open, etc.  Tin and gold plating, but the best thing is they're low profile and add very little height, sometimes that matters a lot in 1590A or B enclosures.  https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/575-31543164

Have some of those as well. Got mine from AliExpress.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0mo0hE

[oeslicoalfin]

I use these 40 pin SIP sockets from Tayda (https://www.taydaelectronics.com/connectors-sockets/sockets/sip-sockets/30-pin-dip-sip-ic-sockets-adaptor-solder-type.html). At $0.39, the price can't be beat. I know the link says '30-pin' but they're 40s.