EL84 Free Pins As Tie Points?

[tubeswell]

RCA and GE datasheets don't indicate whether Pins 1, 6 and 8 are 'NC' or 'IC'. If in doubt inspect the pins connections inside the base of the bottle at the pin-end of the electrode cage (as per Steve's pic)

[JMFahey]

I have been burnt by such inconsistencies befor, many times.

Often one brand connects nothing to unused internal pins, others find them convenient tie points for internal connections or at least to hold a stiffening wire or two, "no problem because they are not used anyway" ...... think again.