The MAC MANIAC!
Well-known member
I'm only 14 (yes really) and I've handled multiple CRTs in my spare time. I know the dangers and issues that can occur while around these screens. The first issue is that they can hold sometimes lethal charges. Its sometimes debated over how "lethal" these charges can be. But its generally agreed that its better safe than sorry to take the proper protective measures for your own safety. There is no reason to be scared of CRTs as long as you obey the safety rules and NEVER work on these CRTs while they are turned on, DON'T handle a CRT by the neck of the tube, ALWAYS handle it by the base with a good grip, and finally treat the CRTs with care. To be sure the CRT is discharged/grounded out I always like to wait an hour or more if the CRT has been powered on recently to allow it to discharge, but you can always wait longer if you like. Next, you're going to need a CRT discharging tool, you can find them online, I've even seen people use screwdrivers and high voltage wire. When you're ready to use a CRT discharging tool Connect the probe to the ground and slowly slide the sharp part under the Anode cap. Touch the metal part of the discharge tool to the metal clips/ prongs under the cap. Touch them multiple times to ensure a good ground. If you hear nothing than the CRT has discharged itself over the time its been turned off. Sometimes if you hear a click than the CRT was not discharged on its own over time. After doing this you will want to pop the anode cap off, there are many videos on how to do this online, I also recommend that you look up how to take apart the CRT past this point as not all are the same. Now pull lightly on the cables on the top of the CRT until the pull off the pins. As for the others. Most are removable by unplugging from them from the board itself. After doing so if you are removing it always handle the CRT with caution. Treat it with respect and grab it by the bottom with your thumbs reached around and over to ensure a good grip. Pull up and set on a rag or towel. Use a rag or napkin to wipe the part of the tube you normally don't see. Use a wet microfiber cloth wipe the part of the screen you look at while in use. DONT set the tip down to clean, as the tip of the tube is glass and very thin. You can use a blade to (Very carefully) scrape the pins of the tube clean pressure is not needed for this to work. CRTs don't have air in them and so are not safe to break because they will implode and then explode releasing toxins into the air. And possibly kill you in the future. When ready to put back in pick the CRT up in the same way as before and put it back down and ensure it is turned the correct orientation. Now put the anode cap back in the same way as taking out but in reverse. And plug-in the cables the correct way as before. Double-check all the connections before going any further. Then power it on for the smoke test! If somethings not right then try troubleshooting. "Did I connect everything the right way?" "Did I plug it in?" "Am I sure I reconnect all the cables?" After you find a cause or find out what's wrong then your good to go!
The Mac Maniac
The Mac Maniac
Last edited by a moderator:
