How to SAFELY Discharge and Release the Vacuum from a TV / CRT / Computer Monitor Display tube.

[@ToddMcMahon]

I should have used a sharper Ice Pick.... But I guess you get the idea. ;-)

[@mystfoundung3362]

I have a crt that works but is dusty and had a spider on the bottom. Do you think it’s worth opening up to clean? Like would their actually be bugs inside? I really don’t want to open it up, but I also don’t want to bring it in the house lol

[@ToddMcMahon]

You ask if I think it's worth opening up an old CRT to clean it? In short, my answer is "probably not" (in my humble opinion). Flat panel displays are so cheap these days; they take less room; and they cost less to operate. The ONLY reason I would consider opening any CRT these days is for disposal and recycling purposes. Additionally, I wouldn't do this in my house, even if I knew there were no bugs. My patio, my garage, or simply outside... that's where I would do this work. Good luck with the spiders!! ;-)

[@lucasclaeys7474]

@@mystfoundung3362 i would do it those crt tv’s can be really good for retro gaming and i stil have one to

[@alter5102]

Hello, I've just find a CRT TV without the electronics inside. To not waste it do you think if I put a lamp behind the phosphor glass from the inside I will have a green light? I would like to transform it in an ambiance light

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@alter5102 I don't think so - not without breaking open the back of the tube - which I would NOT recommend (toxic and dangerous). I think that the SAFEST thing to do would be to remove the whole tube (and discard it safely), and replace the tube with a sheet of clear plastic or glass - cut to fit into the opening, and then use Spray Paint of your desired green color on the inside of this new screen. Light it up from the inside using an LED bulb so it doesn't generate much heat. This is what "I" myself would do if I needed something like this. Let me know what you decide to do! :-)

[@hiparifu6889]

I had absolutely no clue tube TVs were this dangerous to dismantle. Like a couple of others in this comment section, I plan on making an aquarium for decorative purposes, and bought a TV off of Facebook marketplace (that apparently doesn't work anymore). I was going to try and destroy the screen with the hammer and bare handedly pull out whatever was inside, but I am so glad I googled how to do it, because I might have died doing so. Thank you so much for this, and I've now learned my lesson to be cautious of the things I don't know. - Coming from someone who grew up around flatscreens and is now fascinated by technology of the late 90s and early 2000s

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hello, and thanks for the comment. Several people have expressed an interest in turning a TV into an aquarium, and some even want to use the front glass of the TV as the front of the aquarium. I have never seen this done successfully, and the ONE that I saw which appeared successful, didn't have any fish in it. It is my belief that it would be very difficult to make it non-toxic enough for the fish to survive for long. I imagine people spending a lot of time and money trying to make something that looks cool - but only end up killing their fish. If you DO attempt this, be sure to document everything and share what you learned! :-)

[@hiparifu6889]

@@ToddMcMahon Hello there! I've followed your instructions and successfully discharged the electricity and released the vacuum in a safe manner! The screen however might need some unscrewing to do, since it's latched onto the inner body of the TV. I'm only building this aquarium for decoration! Keeping a live fish in there would be extremely harmful and abusive to them 😓. Not to mention the laborious effort needed to properly waterproof the structure.

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@hiparifu6889 - I'm glad to hear that you were successful doing the discharge and the vaccuum release! 🙂Yes, the picture screen/CRT itself is typically held in place to the front bezel with 4 or more screws or bolts - usually in the corners. Good luck! :-)

[@amandainsalaco9864]

did this work safely for you?? Would love an update

[@vaughnstinebaker5707]

Thanks for the help! I have a friend who got injured following an unsafe disassembly video, so finding correct information for safety was awesome! My tv head helmet will soon be a reality

[@ToddMcMahon]

Thanks. If this video helps keep ONE person from getting injured, it will have been totally worth the time and effort to film and post this information! :-)

[@daft_mervy]

Used this method to discharge an old tv for a costume. It worked like a charm!! Thank you for prioritizing safety. No costume is worth risking injury for.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Happy to help! :-) How did your costume turn out?

[@daft_mervy]

@@ToddMcMahon Awesome! I used a Sylvania television almost identical to this one and gutted it for a TV head costume. It looks sick! I also salvaged the wires and copper from inside for other crafty uses.

[@justapineapple8464]

@@daft_mervy ooo could I see it? And how did you make it, what tv did you use, and could you make a yt vid on what it looks like?!

[@daft_mervy]

@@justapineapple8464 I could make a vid about it in the future if I have time. Here's a short explanation in case I dont: Like I said, the TV is nearly identical to the one in this video, Sylvania brand. Once the innards were removed I cut a hole for my head in the bottom. I used a large piece of flat plastic (such as one from a storage box) and tinted it with car window tinting. I put that in the place where the bulb once was, and painted the exterior in bright paint spatters. I also put some foam inside to help it sit on my head. The plastic 'screen' can be seen through by you but not others if you use dark tint, and looks just like a real tv. I decorated mine like the TV's seen in Twenty One Pilot's newer music videos for SAI. Also, save cords or cables that come in the tv to use on the exterior for a messy, cyborg-ish look. I even kept the main plug to glue to the back! It's very fun but a little cumbersome to wear (I would use a smaller tv in the future) It's perfect for Cons or Halloween! Good luck if you decide to make your own!! :)

[@Vexcenot]

Dude cosplaying as pyrocynical

[@sahaimom9918]

I was skeptical of breaking the glass to pressurize the TV. Your method worked amazing, thanks for sharing the information!

[@ToddMcMahon]

I am happy it worked for you! :-) I am glad you were skeptical about breaking the glass. It's simply yet another example of how just because a lot of people do a certain thing a certain way, that doesn't mean that they are doing it the RIGHT way. Unfortunately, this holds true for many aspects of life! ;-)

[@waxxo]

I just did this yesterday for a project I have making an old tv into an aquarium. I was really worried about how to do it safely and this video was a tremendous help. I saw a ton of different ways people were doing including wrapping it in duct tape and smacking it with a hammer! I just wanted to say thank you for your video explaining everything you were doing and why you were doing it.

[@ToddMcMahon]

You are very welcome. Thank YOU for the nice comments! There have been a couple people making an aquarium from an old TV or Monitor - but I have yet to see one myself. I wish you luck. Why not make a KZbin video of your project? I'd love to see it! Good luck! 🙂

[@waxxo]

@@ToddMcMahon I didn't shot video throughout the project but I did take pictures. I will link you when I am all done.

[@sgtreznov9869]

why.. why you had to ruin a tv to make an aquarium?

[@waxxo]

Because you touch yourself at night @@sgtreznov9869

[@varnk]

This video was fantastic! I have an old 35" TV tube that I needed to make safe before throwing it out and didn't know how to do it. I followed your procedure and it worked like a charm! Electric capacitance discharged and vacuum released successfully and safely. I used a hammer and nail instead of an ice pick. It worked great! I was really worried about properly disposing of the tube so that it wouldn't harm anyone. I feel much better now that I know the danger has been removed.

[@ToddMcMahon]

I have discharged the electrical current, and released the vacuum on dozens of monitors over the years, and I find those sounds to be very satisfying. 🙂 It actually feels GOOD when you know you are doing something the correct way, and that your actions might help keep others from getting injured. Thanks for the comment! 🙂

[@chrisherod4890]

Thank you for sharing this video!! I learned the hard way and got shocked by one of those old TVs and that hurt and the worst I've ever been shocked!

[@ToddMcMahon]

Trust me, I understand. It has happened to before as well when I worked as a technician. Little shocks for the most part here and there, but once got a serious jolt when I was adjusting the contrast on the main board of a high resolution 21-inch monitor that was powered on. Hot day, and my hand was wet with sweat. We were supposed to be using plastic or fiberglass tools, but I couldn't find any (another tech had taken them all for a service call), so I used a regular metal screwdriver with a plastic handle. I figured it would be safe enough. My hand was sweaty, and when I leaned forward to look at the picture screen while I was adjusting a potentiometer - my hand slipped off the handle an onto the metal shaft of the screwdriver. My hand jerked, and the tip of the screwdriver hit some live contact. My forearm was leaning on a metal RFI Shield, and I was shocked severely from my hand, and thru my wrist. The jolt was strong enough for my metal watch band to arc against the RFI shield, and both were discolored by the spark that passed between the two pieces of metal. My hand and forearm were completely numb, and I was shaking like I was suffering from too much caffeine, and my arm was more-or-less useless for days. I can only presume that the sweat on my skin allowed the jolt to pass over the surface of my skin instead of deeper thru my arm (maybe?). I consider myself fortunate to have survived, and with no lasting effects.

[@dandur7124]

Wow, watched a few videos before this trying to find the safest way to release the vacuum, and this is the first I see with this method. A lot of people stand back and hit the electron gun with a hammer. Thanks for putting this out!

[@dandur7124]

Just did it. No mess, super easy. Thanks again.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi Dandur! Thanks for the comments. Yeah, I know what you mean. I was looking at videos for copper recovery, and smelting, and every single one of the videos where they took deflection coils from CRTs - IF they even bothered with discharging the electrical current and releasing the vacuum, their processes left a bad taste in my mouth. I had the opportunity to work for a company that had this one department which manufactured very high resolution CRT displays for military AWACS airplanes, and I learned a lot from those technicians.

[@dandur7124]

Todd McMahon I’m glad you put it out here. I searched on google afterwards, and found some people who suggested your method, but very few. And they were buried under a plethora of answers and comments discussing where to break the glass and how to protect yourself from the resulting mess. I started learning about electronics last year with a beginners book and a breadboard to build small circuits. I learned a lot from that book, unfortunately I reached the end and think getting a new book will be my next step, since information on the Internet is so varied. So glad I saw your video, because finding the best solution can be difficult at times when only reading them, but seeing them can make the winner very clear.

[@noahsathletics]

When I was a teen I never knew this and I got shocked like I have never felt. Was shaking for a hour after I got shocked from what I remember. Felt sick too. Never been shocked so hard and deep than that felt.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Sorry to hear that. Yeah, it pays to be careful. Even after I had been trained on how to safely discharge that stored electricity - I managed to STILL get shocked on a couple of occasions, because I wasn't being careful enough! Glad you're OK!

[@redbeacon4871]

😂

[@Cat_loaf20]

That makes me feel so much less scared about opening one

[@tatumhoffman590]

Just used this today for an old 1970s Montgomery Ward television. I used a nail instead of an ice pick. It worked like a charm. I had only heard of the method where you shatter that small piece so I'm glad I came upon your video. I was completely safe. Thanks

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi Tatum! Thank you! I'm glad you found the information useful! How big was that Television? Was it one of those built into a piece of wooden furniture? :-)

[@Scornfull]

You probably could have sold it for far more than the copper is worth even if the television itself is broken LOL

[@stalkershaw]

Nowadays in 2024 people was searching for CRT to play retro games.. i mean it was good to see CRT being loved once again.. since some consoles like playstation and playstation 2 was designed to be played in CRT.. people started noticing that playing in emulation or in bigger flat LED TV gave ps2 bad picture and motion Lag that lose some of it charm compare to playing it directly in CRT so many people nowadays start picking up CRT TVs😁

[@ToddMcMahon]

I understand this. However, once a CRT (TV or Display) is broken, it is sometimes hard to justify the cost of repairs. Once the decision has been made NOT to repair a CRT, that is when the information I provide here becomes important. These devices are TOXIC and can cause a decent electrical shock, and need to be disposed of properly.

[@mitkoprakov1296]

back in 2010, we were excited to get a hand on LCD or plasma TV and throw the CRT out, nowadays we are excited to get a CRT :D how times have changed. Growing up with only CRT in late 90s/early 00s was amazing.

[@jromhek2070]

Thanks a lot , today for the first time I used your way to release vacuum of an old tv and it worked very well with the ice pick . Keep up the good work .

[@ToddMcMahon]

Having worked at a place where they manufactured high-resolution CRTs for military use, I was able to learn a lot from the technicians who built and repaired them. I am happy to be able to share this knowledge. 🙂

[@YerMate]

Excellent and informative video, I've got an old CRT I want to convert into a fish tank and didn't like the idea of smashing the tube at the end like other videos showed

[@ToddMcMahon]

Sounds like a cool project! Please send me an image once you have it completed! :-)

[@Scyth3934]

Seems like a really cool idea!

[@goodbye8995]

The glass is leaded to absorb X-rays.

[@alexmihai22]

I just paid last year 20$ for an IC to repair one TV like this. It feels a little sad to see these TVs, which I once wanted in my childhood, to go to the bin. Also considering that they are reliable compared with newer ones.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi Alex, I typically get my electronic components from DigiKey. With one exception, they have always had the components I needed, and at reasonable prices.

[@kirks.2565]

I heard always "one hand behind the back" just in case. You don't want voltage running through your chest. Eye protection just in case? Thank you for the video! Very hands-on!

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi Kirk! You're right - those are both great points. One hand behind the back for anything with LIVE power for sure - especially if you are unfamiliar with the device or process. In this case however, we are dealing with "residual" power, and it's probably not deadly unless you have a pacemaker or a some other heart problem - it sure will hurt though! As for eye protection, you caught me there, which is sad as I am a true proponent of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). I suppose that because I have done this a hundred times or more, I'm a bit more "lax" about it. Good catch though! 🙂

[@ZT_1234]

I never thought I'd see a lobotomy done on a CRT

[@ToddMcMahon]

LOL! Yeah, well I guess that is somewhat accurate. The goal was to show people easy and safe ways to discharge the stored electrical current and release the vacuum of these large tubes. Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@gogos869]

Thank you! I am an idiot! I knew looking at the wiring that there were things I "did not know" that I did not know. I released the vacuum the stupid way, and thought the T.V. was going to blow up! That is a very frightening noise! Providentially, I was wise enough to learn more before proceeding! (Thank you Holy Spirit!) I did not know anything about discharging! Yikes!

[@ToddMcMahon]

I am glad to hear that you didn't injure yourself! On the up-side, if you ever have to do this again, you know more than you did before!

[@hellboy3756]

I had the exact same experience it was sooo scary but luckily i didn’t get hurt

[@karlwknc]

Great tip on releasing the vacuum…worked great!! Very happy when I heard the benign hisss!!!

[@ToddMcMahon]

:-) I am glad that the information helped! So many people just don't know what they are doing, and end up doing something that can be quite dangerous.

[@daveyskuzzlejones274]

Like the video but wish I could see more of closer look of exactly how you discharged it

[@ToddMcMahon]

Yeah, good point. My arm is covering that part a bit. Take a look at this photo I found on the internet. Just take a couple screwdrivers; place one under the ground strap; place the other under the rubber "Anode Cap" (with the screwdriver touching the metal clip under the cap); then short it out by touching the two screwdrivers together. www.electronicrepairguide.com/images/anode%20cap%20discharge.jpg

[@SydTheSpoon]

Very good video, I’ll be using this when I make my Halloween costume this year!

[@ToddMcMahon]

I'd love to see it! 🙂

[@bennetstariha]

YOU KILLED IT.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Yep. 😁

[@ZT_1234]

He performed a lobotomy on it

[@drininix]

Thank you very much! I was looking for a video on how to safely manage the internals of a crt, I would like to turn one into a helmet for a halloween costume which requires safely stripping a crt down to only the shell. Most of the tutorials I found about making the helmet didn’t cover removing the internals as extensively as I would have liked, or they reccomended unsafe measures like the ones in the videos you mentioned. After hearing stories of people being shocked and potential retained electricity in crts, I want to be sure I know what I’m doing first. I have one question surrounding the capacitors that are on the motherboards of crts. Some sources I’ve seen highlight being sure not to touch them when removing the internals from the shell. Is it safe to just wear gloves and avoid touching them or would you reccomend anything else surrounding managing them safely, or tips surrounding taking all of the components out in general? Thank you!

[@ToddMcMahon]

I suppose that wearing thick rubber gloves like a dishwasher in a professional kitchen would wear could probably provide a decent amount of insulation, but personally I think that the reduction in manual dexterity would make it too cumbersome to be worthwhile. Alternatively, while wearing one or two layers of thin rubber gloves like a medical professional might wear could provide a minimal amount of protection with improved dexterity, they would tear easily. My suggestion would be this: If you can gain access to the "solder-side" of the boards where the capacitors are mounted, all you would need to do to ensure that the capacitors are discharged is to ball up a wad of aluminum foil, grab it with some pliers, and press it against those solder points. The capacitors would discharge immediately, but there would probably be no sound. No gloves required, in fact, the pliers are optional. Hope this helps! 🙂

[@gamesbeforedames]

Good afternoon Todd, I hope you're doing well. I was wondering if I can ground to a nail in a piece of wood, or does it have to be a larger piece of metal. I noticed my my small 12 inch crt does have the grounding wire, but I was wondering if it is possible to ground to something outside of the television, like a nail, screw, small pipe, etc.? Thank you, again. Kaz

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi Kaz! :-) The grounding wire that stretches across the back of the tube is your best choice. Grounding to something outside of the device electronics is a bit problematic - as it is not part of the electronic circuit that you are attempting to discharge. Grounding to a nail in a piece of wood is a waste of time, as the wood is an insulator. Just use the grounding wire that is inside the CRT. The point that you are grounding to must be part of the circuit.

[@contactben]

Great demo - very helpful. Thanks!

[@ToddMcMahon]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video! 🙂

[@porkzilla6856]

Great vid! Thanks for the lesson.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Thanks! Glad you liked it. Hope you found it informative! :-)

[@BlaykeMiller]

when i connected the 2 screwdrivers to discharge it i didn’t hear a sound or any pops… the tv is broken but i turned it on 2 days ago to see if it’d turn on which it didn’t. Because it didn’t make a pop sound is it still okay for me to continue taking it apart? is it already discharged?

[@ToddMcMahon]

Yes, it sounds like it is already discharged, if you were making good contact. Just be careful, and maybe do it again just to be sure.

[@Number1ikeafan]

i'm hopefully gonna try this on my grandparents huge old crt so i can turn it into a shelf for all of my electronics equipment and components so thanks! i was quite afraid of the crt somehow killing me when opening and closing it so i'll do this and try and fit a flat screen in there.

[@ToddMcMahon]

@Flam1ngo - Sounds like a fun project! Good luck! Just be careful. 🙂

[@BigHead2615]

I have a Sylvania from, I think it was manufactured in 2003, that I use for all my classic and "retro" video games, and I think the a/v jacks need to be fixed on it (both the inputs on the back and front are loose when either plugging the cables into the TV or otherwise just jiggle about, the screen dims and both brightens and dims as jiggled about etc., the jacks on the front cause the display to black out when jiggled, etc.) Do I need to discharge the TV in order to simply open it and attempt any repairs on the input jacks myself? Also, would I be best off finding someplace to get the TV repaired instead of doing it myself? I live in the LA county of California, and don't know of any places or who I could trust with the TV...

[@ToddMcMahon]

Unfortunately, there are very few (affordable) electronics techs these days, and most of them only do board swaps. It is uncommon to find a repair shop where they are willing to do component-level replacements. Based on your problem description. it sounds like a simple contact problem. To answer your question though - "YES" - it would be wise to discharge the electrical current in the tube before working on it. This being said, some monitors/tvs have a "bleed resistor" that allows the tube to discharge over time once it's powered off... I'd still attempt to discharge it first though. Better safe than sorry! I think your biggest issue will be where to buy the replacement connectors. Good Luck! 🙂

[@shorty5346]

Thank you I learnt more precious knowledge on tv's I was mainly for a video on replacing my cathrode tube as my screen has lost colour and is in green mode colour I really want to fix it as I love crt tv's I'm not a plastic tv fan

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi Kevin, Replacing the cathode ray tube might not be the answer. Many times, a bad solder joint is the problem. Can you solder? If not, do you know anyone who can? I have often seen bad solder joints on the circuit board(s) where things get very warm. Remember to unplug and discharge the tube like I showed in the video. Look at the connection at the back end of the tube, sometimes you can find bad solder joints there. Check any areas that look like they are getting hot - often discoloring the circuit boards; Check the contacts of the Fly-back Transformer; Check all resistors for discoloration, and all capacitors for bulging. Also use your nose and sniff the components to see if they smell burnt. You wouldn't believe how many things I have repaired just by doing these few diagnostic checks first. GOOD LUCK!

[@shorty5346]

Thanks Todd I been over a tv licence if repair centre telling me The cathode tube has packed up I did some soldering on minor crack joints on circuit boards and circuit board behind the cathode tube made no difference seen a video mentioning the capacitors need replacing the 400v 180 uf

[@shorty5346]

@@ToddMcMahon sorry I meant tv repair centre

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@shorty5346 - No worries, Kevin. I was able to understand.

[@sonyx5332]

Do you have any recommendation of electrical gloves for handling the discharge part of the CRT tube? also, I don't think I need to release the vacuum if I plan on continuing using the CRT, correct? and for putting the anode cap back, would I need to seal it with some sort of silicone glue? I bought a nice CRT not long ago for arcade/retro gaming and would love to clean it inside (maybe do some RGB modification in the future), but the discharge part and the possibility of breaking off the end of the yolk/glass part worries me. As for cleaning the inside of the CRT, would you recommend something like the [WD-40 Specialist Electronics and Electrical Parts Cleaner]? Thanks.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Do NOT release the vacuum if you want to ever use the CRT again. Personally, I think gloves get in the way. Just be careful and do not touch anything metallic.

[@copyshy]

Do you still need to discharge it if you know it hasn't been use or plugged in well over several years? I thought about doing a project with an old tv like this but now I'm a bit nervous 😅

[@ToddMcMahon]

While you still need to discharge the "Vacuum", discharging the electrical current might not be necessary any more after such a long time. This being said, it is a simple thing to do, so why not go ahead and do it just to be sure?

[@copyshy]

@ToddMcMahon thank you for the reply 😊 I probably will do it just in case then. Thanks for the easy to follow video too. Hope you have a good rest of your weekend !

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@copyshy You're welcome! 👍 I'm glad you found the information useful! 🙂

[@BelloDrac]

is the purpose of releasing the vacuum for recycling or will the display still work after the vacuum is released sorry if I missed the answer in the video

[@BelloDrac]

Also this video is the most helpful video I've come across thank u sm

[@ToddMcMahon]

The display will no longer work once the vacuum is released, and it will be much safer to dispose of or recycle because that big vacuum tube can no-longer implode. Be sure to discharge any stored electrical current first though!

[@russojap1864]

Is there still a risk of being electrocuted if the TV set hasn't been plugged in for at least 20 years? It's probably been more like 40 years since it was plugged in. Also, I'm a little leary of trying to release the vacuum working so close to the TV, my idea was to tie l long rope around the neck of the tube, and yank on the rope, causing the neck to snap off. What is your opinion of this scenario? Thank you.

[@ToddMcMahon]

After so much time has passed (20 years!!) I am confident that the electrical current has dissipated. This being said, the Vacuum will still be a safety issue, and if not released in the manner I have shown in this video, there will be a LOT of hazardous waste and shattered glass that will be a pain to clean up properly. Yanking on a rope could simply cause the CRT to tip over or fall to the floor and shatter, causing an even bigger problem! Be careful.

[@russojap1864]

@@ToddMcMahon Ok, thank you! I think I could try your method, but I will cover the tube with a blanket or something, in case something goes wrong that should protect me from flying glass shrapnel.🤔😅

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@russojap1864 - That should work fine, although probably not necessary. The glass in that area is very thick for that reason. Just be sure that your hammer doesn't hit the yolk (neck) and you will be fine.

[@finnishsnow3182]

I am trying ro do this for a small two inch crt so that i can do sort of kf a cut away for my students showing how an electron gun works. Anyway going about it ? Its a very small diameter tube that is russian

[@ToddMcMahon]

WOW! That is a VERY small CRT! Well, first of all, simply because of the toxic nature of the contents of the tube, I would recommend doing this. This being said, if you are going to attempt this anyways, please keep in mind how thin the glass is in the neck area. Remember to release the vacuum before you do ANYTHING. I did happen to see a video of someone cutting glass bottles using a string, wetted down with a flammable liquid. The string is lit on fire, and the bottle rotated to even-out the heat distribution, and then while the burnt string area is still hot, the bottle is dipped in cold water, and the glass fractures along where the string was. Here is a similar video: kzbin.infoXMwB0HcRs5g?si=CHKFUgR_Uhc_vHGV Please note that the water will become contaminated by the contents of the CRT, as well as whatever bucket or pan you use to hold the cold water. These items should be discarded as toxic waste in such a way that there is ZERO chance that anyone might use them again. I have no idea how to clean any of these items well enough to make them non-toxic, and I certainly would not allow anyone other than yourself to handle the open tube - do not let students touch it. Wear thin rubber gloves and a dust mask when handling these items. Again, I think using drawings, diagrams, and photographs from the internet would be the better and safer choice. Either way, please let me know what you decide to do, as I am very curious about this!! Good luck!

[@finnishsnow3182]

@@ToddMcMahon thank you very much for your help!!! Will keep you posted !!

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@finnishsnow3182 - You are very welcome. I'm looking forward to hearing back from you.

[@audreyellacho]

Hi i never turned my tv on, so i dont know if it works or not, but if i dont hear the pop sound what does it mean? I got this from the sodewalk of a house so i dont know how long it has been since it has been plugged in.

[@ToddMcMahon]

A lot depends on how OLD the TV is. Older TVs were really good at keeping their charge, and that charge would help the tube power-up much faster. Newer TVs do not take as long to power up, so they started incorporating a "bleed resistor" to slowly discharge the tube. Either way, if you discharge the current like I show you, you should be fine, even if you do not hear a "pop" from a spark. To be sure you can short it out for a longer amount of time. Long story short - just be careful what you touch - and avoid touching anything metal.

[@audreyellacho]

@@ToddMcMahon Thank you so much! I really didn't expect you to respond so fast!

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@audreyellacho - My pleasure! 🙂

[@goofsoup7151]

This will help me with my computer certification.

[@ToddMcMahon]

That's great! :-)

[@goofsoup7151]

@@ToddMcMahon Yes'r. Learned a lot, very useful.

[@jp3585]

THNXS SIR, VERY INFORMATIVE 👍

[@ToddMcMahon]

My pleasure. Thanks for the comment! 🙂

[@dalekcat]

9:58 did some sort of field affect the sound for a moment when you put your hands around the coil?

[@ToddMcMahon]

Sure sounds like it, doesn't it? Fortunately, the electrical charge was shorted to ground already, so there was only minimal current remaining. :-)

[@skinnyway]

how did you get the assembly loose from the tube? At mm 10:34. mine is disassembled to there but the thing wont loosen & come off. I dont see any missed screws. thanks.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi Patty! Right there at 10:34, you will see that I am using a screwdriver-bit in my drill , and I am loosening a silver-colored metallic clamping ring which holds the defector coils in position. The position of this assembly needs to be "adjustable" in the factory, so it will have a clamping mechanism of some type. I am sure that if you keep looking, you will find it. It might be covered by a plastic shroud (etc.). Good luck! 🙂

[@WillowThomkin]

Ah! I wish I should’ve known about this earlier. Well, I just punctured the metal cap of my dead CRT and now letting it de vac to destroy it further to throw it out.

[@ToddMcMahon]

It's safe, and SIMPLE. Once you know what to do. :-)

[@WillowThomkin]

@@ToddMcMahon for certain.

[@notthesameman]

Went all over and found a crt tv for 10 bucks thoses newer hdtv, was worth it

[@ToddMcMahon]

I am happy for you! However, when it is time to dispose of that CRT, please remember how to discharge the electrical current and the vacuum to make it safe! :-)

[@randyracos198]

Thank you for this video sir! I wondered about this.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi Randy! I am happy to be of assistance. :-)

[@josephbailey5660]

Hi, I have recently been given an old tele that hasn’t been used in years and has had every single wire cut and the plug pulled out of the back of the glass. I want to separate the front curved screen of glass from the big bulky bit at the back to make a fish tank. How do I go about making sure it is fully safe to disassemble now that everything has been cut and unplugged? Hopefully I’ve explained that well enough to understand 😂

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi Joseph. Unfortunately, there is no practical way to accomplish this, due to the toxicity of the inside of the tube (your fish will die, because you would never be able to clean it well enough), as well as the dangers involved with cutting the tube open. If you WERE able to safely open the tube and gain access to just the thick glass front, it still would not be advisable because of sharp edges of glass, as well as the tube components up near that front glass. Besides the very poisonous hazardous waste (mainly phosphorous), there is also a "Shadow Mask", a screen, as well as an inner magnetic shield that you would have to remove. Each of these provides an opportunity to injur yourself, or break the glass. I recommend that you keep the tube intact - except to vent it as shown in my video, and then try to come up with an alternative for the front glass. Maybe you could get some plexiglass, or some other form of clear plastic, and mould it over the tube, using it as a "form". Remove the tube from the tv cabinet and support it with the front glass pointing UP; heat up the clear plastic in the oven (research this part), and then lay it on top of the tube. Not sure if it would work, but it is worth a try. Be sure to clean the inside of the tv cabinet extreemly well, and rinse thouroughly several times. You will also need LOTS of "Aquarium Safe" (100%) Silicone. Other sealants will have acids and other chemicals for curing which would also be deadly for your fish. I hate to sound so negative, as it would be a pretty cool aquarium - I just do not think that using the actual picture tube will provide a good environment for the fish. My guess is that you would spend a lot of time and money, and then just kill the fish. Please let me know what you decide to do! This could still be a fun project! 🙂

[@jamesrussell3225]

hi! if we follow the instructions here and release the vacuum, is there a way to safely remove the tube at the back after this? i have a long-dead tv with the wires cut out of it that i’m trying to turn into a decoration but the tube makes the whole thing too bulky, so i was hoping it would be removable (as to make it sit flat against a wall) but now i’m not so sure!

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi James! Before releasing the vacuum, you should discharge the electrical current as I did in the video before I pierced the tube to release the vacuum. The tube is "fairly" safe to remove at that point. There are typically four large screws in the corners of the tube holding the tube against the bezel of the TV housing - but remember that the back end of the tube is made of thin glass, and it will still shatter and make a mess if dropped (but if the vacuum is released first, at least it will not IMPLODE on you). It is probably important to mention that if you remove the tube, the whole thing comes out. there is no additional piece of glass or plastic, so there will be a huge HOLE where the picture tube once was. Good luck! 🙂

[@MeWantHoneycomb]

need to discharge a 40" CRT, do you recommend a chicken stick? (modding it for RGB). i was thinking PVC pipe from hardware store with a screw driver tightly taped to it (very tight for stability). and then doing the alligator clip/wire from screw driver to grounding strap. any chance the electricity will go up the pipe handle? heck i was thinking of even using fiberglass wall insulation as a handle cover of the pipe lol

[@ToddMcMahon]

As long as the CRT is powered off and unplugged, if you can short out the High Voltage Anode to ground, it should be safe enough. I doubt that you need a PVC pipe. Just be safe, and don't touch or hold anything metal as you do the discharge. I'm curious about this modification for RGB you are doing. Why are you making this modification?

[@NickMicallef]

@@ToddMcMahon for retro gaming

[@skttrbrain]

hi thank you for this ! i opened my tv, its not been turned on in over a decade maybe even 20 years, kept in my friends parents attic and when opening it the wire that looks like it should be the ground it splits into two sections, clipped at the top before the split to a black wire that goes up into the yoke. one has a spring & the other just goes down, which one do i wedge the screwdriver in ?

[@ToddMcMahon]

Typically, there is a bare wire running across the back of the tube against where the glass of the tube is painted black or dark grey. You want to short out between that bare wire, and the connection that is under the rubber cap on the tube. This being said, 20 years is a long time, and there is probably no electrical charge left. Your biggest concern will be the Vacuum inside the tube.

[@skttrbrain]

​@@ToddMcMahon thank you ! I'm trying to remove the parts to turn it into a costume, after connecting to this braided bare wire will is be safe to cut other wires around the motherboard out ? without touching the capacitors of course : )

[@skttrbrain]

​@@ToddMcMahon I got in contact with the friend I sourced it from & it was about 12 years not 20 ! is it still most likely safe anyway ?

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@skttrbrain - Nice! Yes, once the "Annode" connection of the tube (under the rubber cap) has been shorted to ground, you should be OK to touch and remove the electronics safely. Just remember to also release the vacuum inside the tube so that it doesn't implode.

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@skttrbrain - Yes, once the "Annode" connection of the tube (under the rubber cap) has been shorted to ground, you should be OK to touch and remove the electronics safely. Just remember to also release the vacuum inside the tube so that it doesn't implode.

[@pauljcampbell2997]

I was always taught to snip the glass nipple under the plastic cap at the end of the electron gun. Not correct?

[@ToddMcMahon]

Unfortunately, no, due to the glass shards this can create. MANY people do it the way you describe because it is EASY. Being easy does not mean it is correct, nor safe. If you insist on breaking the glass nipple, be sure to wear safety goggles and use a thick cloth rag over the nipple to catch the glass - and then throw the cloth rag away. However, I would HIGHLY recommend that you use the method described in this video (just use a sharper ice pick!).

[@pauljcampbell2997]

@@ToddMcMahon I appreciate your reply mate. Never too old to learn. Thank you very much!

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@pauljcampbell2997 My pleasure! 🙂

[@colinwhite4710]

My crt hasn't been plugged in for 7+ months but I'm still nervous I'm going to injure myself because I've never worked with anything electrical in my life.

[@ToddMcMahon]

@Colin White: Some CRTs have a slow-bleed resister that will discharge the electrical current over time, but unfortunately, there is no way to tell without first looking at a schematic. I think it is best not to risk it and follow the processes I outline in this video. If you are cautious, and not touching anything metalic, or any of the electronic components, you will be fine I'm sure. If you are still nervous about it - ask a friend to watch this video (AND SUBSCRIBE ;-) and then ask if that friend would be willing to help you out!

[@colinwhite4710]

@@ToddMcMahon thanks friend!

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@colinwhite4710 My pleasure!

[@adgadadfa8881]

hello.I has some CRT TV and I want to repair some of them,I already know how to discharge electrical current in CRT with screwdriver and alligator clip,But Is It really need to release the vacuum from CRT before I tear off PCB of CRT TV in order to repair work?

[@ToddMcMahon]

NO. If you release the vacuum the CRT will no longer work. These instructions are for recycle and disposal. NOT for repair.

[@NunYa953]

I prefer the AR-10 method.

[@ToddMcMahon]

A buddy of mine suggested we take another TV out to the desert and do exactly that! LOL! While it would indeed be fun, the clean-up would not be, and I'm not the kind of person who would just leave toxic waste out in the desert.

[@nocks9837]

Is there somewhere specific I should dispose of the bulb/innards?

[@ToddMcMahon]

The tube is actually considered Hazardous Waste, and needs to be disposed of correctly. It seems that every City does things differently, so it would be best to try to find out what you need to do from your City's waste management office, or environmental services department. Just remember that these days it is usually not only Illegal to dispose of them improperly, but it will typically involve a huge fine as well.

[@nocks9837]

@@ToddMcMahon awesome, thank you!

[@volvoguy804]

I have to get to the control board that has buttons for volume, channels, menu etc. located on outer portion of the top of the tv. I'm guessing that taking the back cover off alone (as long as I'm careful) is pretty safe? I just need to see inside of it and see how that board is connected. Volume is at 100% and I can adjust using the remote but it immediately increases to 100%. Guessing that said board at the top is bad.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Be sure to unplug the power cable from the wall first. If it was powered on recently, there could be residual voltages inside, and some of them are powerful enough to cause injury. You can increase your safety level by wrapping the exposed metal of tools (like screwdrivers, etc.) with electrical tape. Perhaps wearing rubber gloves could help as well. Just be careful.

[@volvoguy804]

@@ToddMcMahonThank you so much for the reply. I won't be touching anything. I'm just removing the back cover and just getting an idea of how that button board is connected. Hopefully, it's not soldered in there.

[@SolidNate99]

I'm wondering if I can just unplug it and if it will discharge itself in about a month?

[@ToddMcMahon]

A lot depends on the electrical design of the monitor/tv. Older models, which take a while to "charge up" before an image appears will tend to bleed off the built-up electrical charge over time. In later years, consumers wanted a tv that displayed an image quickly - and these models are able to do this because the circuit design retains an electrical charge for a longer period of time. So I guess the short answer is "maybe"? I know that doesn't help much - sorry. In my own opinion however, the discharge of the tube really is fairly easy, and it's not difficult to do this safely. Will you be releasing the vacuum inside the tube as well?

[@SolidNate99]

@@ToddMcMahon Thank you for your response! I appreciate it! I have probably 3 crts with a vcr or dvd player in them and they are all broken down. I bought used and they've been unplugged for a number of months. Just trying to make sure I do this safely. I didn't know about the vacuum until today.

[@SolidNate99]

I want to see if I can repair the vcr or dvd player.

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@SolidNate99 - Sounds like a cool project! Good luck! :-)

[@wateroforange]

I'm interested in just keeping the case of the CRT for a project I want to do, is there a way to safely remove the tube and glass from it?

[@ToddMcMahon]

As explained in the video, you should discharge the electrical current stored in the picture tube by shorting it to ground; After this, you should release the vacuum by piercing the thin metal of the anode contact (where the cable from the fly-back transformer connects to the tube) using a nail or sharp ice pick. What is the project you will be working on?

[@schaltnetzteil495]

Can you also use a screwdriver to puncture the metal and release the vacuum? I will get an old crt tv sometime and I just want to make sure that I'm safe when releasing the vacuum.

[@ToddMcMahon]

I would NOT advise that. Please use either a (sharp) Ice-Pick, or a Nail that cn be held easily by hand or with a pair of pliers - and strike either of these with a hammer to pierce the thin metal plate. Better safe than sorry!

[@schaltnetzteil495]

@@ToddMcMahon Ok thanks

[@alexzeta3763]

But.. Can u use the tv after that?

[@ToddMcMahon]

HaHaHa! :-) Maybe as a Door-Stop?

[@Trtlman]

Can't you discharge it by pushing the power button a few times?

[@ToddMcMahon]

The short answer is "no". While that might hold true for other types of devices, most Monitors and TVs are specifically designed to retain and preserve this stored energy to speed-up the power-on process in order to be able to display an image that much faster.

[@subtlesedukshun8412]

Tv has been unplugged for months. Is there a charge still?

[@ToddMcMahon]

Many TV makers (but not all) add a resistor to the circuit between the High Voltage power and ground to very slowly bleed off any residual electrical charge. But why risk it? It's a simple thing to do, so just discharge the current in the tube to be safe. This being said - there WILL still be a large amount of Vacuum in the tube - so be sure to release it! Better safe than sorry!

[@2crayz]

So if u discharge it is it free to bring to the dump

[@ToddMcMahon]

Discharging the electrical charge, and releasing the vacuum as I demonstrate in this video makes it "SAFER" to dispose of, however, it still contains hazardous materials which require special handling so that these hazardous materials do not enter the environment. So "NO" - It should NOT simply go to the dump. Whether or not it would be FREE to dispose of depends on your city or state environmental programs. Here where I live, things like monitors, TVs, microwave ovens, florescent tube lightbulbs, electronic-waste - basically anything bad for the environment are free to dispose of at hazardous waste disposal centers, just to keep them out of the landfills. Anyone caught disposing of hazardous waste incorrectly are charged HUGE fines. It makes sense to dispose of such things correctly.

[@hydroxan1508]

I'm sorry, but why the frick would you ever want to destroy a working CRT TV/monitor?

[@ToddMcMahon]

Where did you get the idea that this TV was fully functional? Besides, it was way overdue for an UPGRADE! ;-)

[@festeezy]

@@ToddMcMahon My CRT TV that I use for retro gaming is starting to shut off by itself randomly usually once per night. Also the video sometimes ripples across the screen. I just want to repair my CRT. Do I need to discharge the electrical charge and vacuum to disconnect the motherboard safely? I just want to replace all the capacitors.

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@festeezy Hi Mike! Do NOT discharge the vacuum of the tube if you ever want to use it again!!! This DESTROYS the tube's ability to function! Discharge of the vacuum is ONLY done prior to Disposal or Recycle. Yes, you should discharge the electrical current before working on it. With regards to the repair, be sure to check for bad solder joints, and carefully resolder anything that looks "dull" and not bright. Be careful not to over solder, or allow one solder joint to bleed into another. Just remember that repair of a CRT is actually the work realm of a trained and experienced electrical technician, and should not be attempted by a novice unless you are willing to sacrifice or ruin the device you are attempting to repair in order to gain knowledge. Just be careful.

[@Dipplers]

I always thought there was some sort of non breathable gas inside crt tubes, not just a vacuum

[@ToddMcMahon]

There are some manufacturers who would first fill the tube with an inert gas (like nitrogen) before applying vacuum, but most just warm-up the tube then apply vacuum and suck out the air before sealing the back of the tube. The dangerous part is primarily the phosphor coating inside the tube, however, the GLASS itself is also hazardous waste, as the glass contains a mixture of several heavy metals (primarily lead, but several others including mercury). Either way - it's nasty enough to warrant extra care and propper disposal!

[@Dipplers]

@@ToddMcMahon now that’s pretty scary, I used this video to take apart a bigger crt tv and the only thing I haven’t token apart is the crt tube. I’m worried since the tube is so big, it will implode when I use the nail

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@Dipplers - Use a SHARP Ice Pick or Awl - and tap it with a hammer until that metal plate has punctured, in the place where I show you, and you should be fine. The glass around that metal contact is thicker and it is made that way exactly for this reason.

[@Dipplers]

@@ToddMcMahon ok, that sounds easy, all I want to do is remove the electron beam gun to look at it closely and throw all the glass away

[@ToddMcMahon]

Just found this video that shows how CRTs are made. I found it very interesting. Brought back some memories as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6SwpI2XiN9mfM0

[@WilliamDaGalloway]

"end of the yolk" ?

[@ToddMcMahon]

Technically, the "yolk" starts where the deflection coils mount on the back of the tube; which then tapers into a longer and more narrow "neck". So I guess I could have said the end of the neck? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@WilliamDaGalloway]

@@ToddMcMahon Technically, the deflection yoke isn't even part of the tube. Evacuation is done through the stem.

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@WilliamDaGalloway - I guess you win the internet for the day. Congratulations. It's kind of hard for me to remember details from 40 years ago at my age.

[@hyakin7818]

The retro gaming community doesn't like what you did

[@ToddMcMahon]

I know, right? I guess I neglected to state that the TV was defective - which was the whole reason it was being replaced in the fist place!

[@hyakin7818]

@@ToddMcMahon i hope it was the flyback or the tube itself most other things are easily replacable

[@ToddMcMahon]

@@hyakin7818 - You know, I didn't even try to find out. This defective TV was in the guest room at my Mom's house - and she wanted it REPLACED. That kind of ends all debate on the matter as far as I was concerned, and since I could use the copper, the decision to scrap it was an easy one.

[@marialantsman7081]

My friend could've had that.

[@ToddMcMahon]

Hi Maria, I hope he (or she) is OK?