Taking apart a CRT?

[HotDog-Cart]

Hey guys.

I'm fully aware of the danger of opening a CRT monitor.

Yet, I'm in a tough spot.

I'm doing a photography shoot, and I need a CRT monitor case for use as a Helmet. (Gonna have me in a nice tux, with a computer monitor for a head.)

All I need is the case (and plexiglass for the "screen", as I cant use the glass from the CRT.)

I have a CRT monitor, which has not been turned on for about 15-ish days. Is it safe to take this apart? Or am I gonna get fried?

[bicostp]

If you absolutely have to open it up, stay away from the flyback transformer and the end of the CRT.

You can safely discharge it following this tutorial. I suggest adding a pair of heavy gloves (gloves designed for stick welding will be safest) for good measure.
http://www.wikihow.com/Discharge-a-CRT-Monitor" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[HotDog-Cart]

Wont it discharge by its self over a period of time?

Also, thanks for the linky.

[bicostp]

It will discharge over time, but slowly.

However, I take no chances with CRTs.

[marshallh]

It will discharge very slowly. There's no way to know for sure, and its too great of a risk to ignore.

When working near stuff like this keep one hand behind you and use the other for whatever.

[kibble]

Just to add a bit to the convo; If you discharge a CRT and leave it alone for a time, eventually it'll recharge itself, probably not to the same level as a non discharged CRT, but enough to give a shock. It has something to do with the glass itself.

[nevermind1534]

I've taken apart two with my friend. One had a broken CRT, and the other worked fine. We mounted the good CRT with all the other internals in out MAME cabinet. I shorted the leads on the capacitors and such, but actually so no sparks. Before opening it, the best thing to probably do would be unplug it while it's turned on.