Degaussing An Lcd Monitor: Simple Steps To Success

Degaussing is the process of removing unwanted magnetic effects that can build up in a computer monitor, causing image distortion and colour changes. While modern monitors often degauss automatically, older monitors may require manual degaussing. It's important to note that LCD monitors do not need to be degaussed as they are not CRT-based.

Degaussing methods and when to use them

Degaussing is the process of removing unwanted magnetic effects that can build up in a computer monitor. It is important to note that this only applies to CRT monitors, as LCD and plasma monitors do not need to be degaussed.

When to Use Degaussing Methods

If you are experiencing image distortion or discoloration issues, particularly around the edges of your CRT screen, degaussing will most likely fix the problem. You may also want to degauss your monitor if you are getting rid of it to ensure that your personal information cannot be accessed.

Degaussing Methods

• Using the Monitor's Settings: Turn the monitor off and on again. Most modern monitors will degauss automatically when they are powered on. If this does not work, look for a "Degauss" button on your monitor. If you cannot find one, bring up the on-screen menu and select the degauss option (usually indicated by an ohm icon).
• Using a Soldering Gun: Hold a soldering gun towards the screen so that the tip is facing away from the screen at a 90-degree angle. Place the gun in the center of the screen, keeping it near but not touching the screen, and turn it on. Slowly move the gun to the top edge of the screen, then move it around the outer part of the screen until you return to the top. Keeping the gun on, slowly pull it straight away from the monitor until there is no more distortion visible.
• Using a Plugpack Transformer: If you don't have a soldering gun, try using a plugpack transformer. Follow the same steps as you would with a soldering gun.
• Using a Rigged Drill: Get a magnet and tape it to the end of a high-RPM drill. Hold the drill about 2-3 centimeters away from the spot on the screen that needs to be fixed. Pull the trigger, and you will see the screen blur rapidly. While the drill is running, slowly pull it away from the screen.

It is important to note that degaussing a monitor repeatedly can cause damage that is more severe than the issues the process is meant to solve.

How to identify if your monitor needs degaussing

If your monitor is displaying a distorted image or the colours are off, it may need to be degaussed.

Degaussing is the process of removing unwanted magnetic fields from an object. It is particularly important for CRT monitors, as magnets can cause problems with the electron gun, resulting in a fuzzy image and distorted colours.

Distorted Image or Fuzzy Screen

If your monitor is displaying a distorted image or a fuzzy screen, it may be due to the build-up of magnetic fields. Degaussing can help clear these magnetic effects and improve the image quality.

Colour Issues

If the colours on your monitor are not true or are displaying incorrectly, such as areas of red appearing yellow or magenta, it may be a sign that your monitor needs to be degaussed. Magnetic interference can affect the intensity of colours, causing them to appear distorted.

Proximity to Magnetic Devices

If you have electrical devices such as speakers, radios, cell phones, or other monitors nearby, they may be causing magnetic interference with your monitor. Try moving these devices away from your monitor to see if the distortion changes.

No Automatic Degaussing

Most newer monitors automatically degauss themselves when turned on. If your monitor does not have this feature, it may be an older model that requires manual degaussing. Check your monitor's documentation or look for a "DEGAUSS" button to initiate the process manually.

How to degauss without a degauss button

Degaussing is the process of removing unwanted magnetic effects that can build up in a computer monitor, causing image distortion and discolouration. Although it is rarely necessary, degaussing can sometimes improve picture quality.

LCD monitors do not need to be degaussed as they are not affected by magnetic fields.

If you are experiencing issues with your LCD monitor, first try turning it off and on again. If this does not work, check for any nearby electrical devices such as speakers, radios, cellphones, or other monitors or TV units, and move them away from the monitor. You can also try turning the monitor 90 degrees to see if the distortion changes after a few hours.

If the problem persists, you may need to use a different type of monitor, as some issues are specific to CRT monitors and cannot be solved by degaussing.

How to degauss with a soldering gun

Degaussing is the process of removing electromagnetic buildup from a computer monitor's screen. While it is rarely necessary, it can slightly improve picture quality.

Please note that this process only applies to CRT monitors. LCD and Plasma monitors do not need to be degaussed.

Using a Soldering Gun:

• Ensure that you are using a soldering gun and not a soldering iron.
• Hold the soldering gun so that the rear of the case is facing towards the screen, with the tip facing away from the screen at a 90-degree angle.
• Place the gun in the center of the screen and turn it on, keeping it near but not touching the screen to avoid scratching.
• Move the gun slowly to the top edge or any edge of the screen.
• Slowly move the gun around the outer part of the screen, staying in front of the glass, until you return to the starting point.
• Keeping the gun on, slowly pull it straight away from the monitor until the distortion is no longer visible (usually 3-4 feet), then turn the gun off. It is helpful to create a full-screen white image as this makes the discoloration very easy to see.

How to degauss with a drill

Degaussing is the action of removing unwanted magnetic effects that can build up in a computer monitor, causing distortion and discolouration. This is particularly an issue with older, CRT monitors. LCD and Plasma monitors do not need to be degaussed.

If you are experiencing issues with your monitor, first try turning it off and on again, as most modern monitors degauss themselves automatically when powered on. If this does not work, you can try to manually degauss the monitor. Check your monitor documentation to see if your model has a degauss button. If it does, simply press it.

If your monitor does not have a degauss button, you can try using a high RPM drill with a magnet taped to the end. Ensure the magnet is held in place very tightly with duct or packing tape. Hold the drill 2-3 centimetres away from the screen, pull the trigger, and slowly pull the drill away from the screen. The screen will blur rapidly, which is normal. You may need to repeat this process due to magnet strength and drill speed.

You could also use a small electric fan instead of a drill, as the motor creates the same magnetic field.

Frequently asked questions