should I cut the tension band or mounting hardware on a 25GP22?

[ohohyodafarted]

The correct answer is DO NOT REMOVE THE TENSION BAND WHILE UNDER VACUUM

I watched Scotty at Hawkeye do some rectangular tubes for bowling alley monitors. The band was removed only after the crt was at atmospheric pressure. After the tube was rebuilt and under vacuum, the final step was to replace the tension band using steel strapping like is used in strapping wooden crates. A special tool is used to apply the tension on the steel strapping and then another tool is used to place a clinch fastener to hold the bands tight. All done while tube is under vacuum. When I saw Scotty fasten the new band and tension it, I was afraid it would implode, but actually the tube is more likely to implode with the band removed.

I would use a high speed carborundum cut off wheel to saw the ears and remove them.

Bob