Originally Posted by
Scrapette
Please forgive me if this has been discussed elsewhere - but what about the danger of an electrical shock from tvs and computer crts? I've seen videos on how to discharge the electricity but the tools they use are hard to see. Does anyone have a quick and easy homemade tool and process to e? Or a good link? A friend of mine who used to repair computers told me that she wouldn't touch the crts because they have as much electricity as a bolt of lightning.
Use a coaxial cable (steel one will do, no need to waste a copper one) stripped at both ends to reveal the naked metal wire but leaving the insulation in the middle as theres no need to make more effort than needed, wind one end around a long flat blade insulated screwdriver and earth the other side to something metal. If at home a radiator or something nearby will do. If you strip yours on the scene then attach it to any old heavy lump of metal and place this on the ground. At the back of the CRT you will notice a round rubber flap. Slip the screwdriver under there and touch the metal prongs underneath it. If it is charged you will hear a small pop, if not then no charge is stored and it's safe. Either way it is now safe.
Some people will just use insulated wire cutters and think this is fine. It isn't. CRT's are capable of holding a very large charge, enough to arc from the metal cutting piece, over the insulated handle and into your hand. Then out your foot.
You can use the same tool to discharge capacitors in microwaves.
Please be careful, spend the few seconds to to prepare and scrap safe. You won't come across many, but you may only need one.
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