How to safely remove a picture tube

[old_tv_nut]

Use a metal screwdriver (preferably long and thin) with an insulated handle. Add a clip lead from the metal shaft of the screwdriver to the metal chassis. Poke the point of the screwdriver under the anode cap and touch it to the anode. If you hear a spark, there was a charge. In this case, wait 30 minutes and discharge again, as CRTs can build up a new charge a second time. If you make contact and there is no spark, there is no charge left.

CRT charge is generally not deadly, but is painful and startling and can cause you to drop the CRT, which can be a bigger problem.

If the set has been off a long time (like a month), it probably has no charge left anyway.