Just wanted to forewarn everyone, just incase someone decides to use a CRT that was semi-recently powered on.
As a high-voltage technician, I can attest to the need to be alert, aware and most of all, safe when working on electronics. A 15" CRT can hold a capacitance of over 14 kilovolts, and a 21" can be upwards of 27 kV.
Never work on live equipment, and never work on equipment that has been plugged in, powered on or not in the past 10-15 days... unless you are familiar and certified to be working with CRTs. Many people only think that a CRT builds one charge, and do not seem to realize that it can actually build up a secondary charge, even after being properly discharged!
If you aren't familiar with working with high-voltage, leave the monitor that you plan to use unplugged for AT THE LEAST 2 weeks beforehand. And ALWAYS, ALWAYS keep one hand behind your back when touching anything inside the monitor, that prevents the current from passing over your heart which could stop it from beating.
Also... always keep someone present just in case something would happen. Make sure they aren't standing close to you as well.
I'm not trying to scare anyone, just want you all to be safe while trying to enjoy your hobbies! If you follow these rules, you should be much safer than without.
Sincerely,
Raithan O. Ellis
P.S. I hold no responsibility for anything I have stated, nor for anything you may do. You are at your own risk.