Is it worth buying an antistatic wristband?
September 5th, 2013
As long as you touch the computer case you should be ok, as this will bring your body to the same as the parts. Same as how the lead works.
If you really want to be safe buy the lead, but really is not necessary unless you work on others computers and you just want to be safe.
Just put your hand on the computer case, and hold it there for a second and that should be enough.
http://www.wikihow.com/Ground-Yourself-to-Avoid-Destroying-a-Computer-with-Electrostatic-Discharge
I would never gamble with static electricity for the sake of a few £$. Some people are more prone to it than others.
It can destroy components.
Grounding yourself before you touch any parts and then a prayer just in case, might be enough if you like gambling.
thanks guys just to be on the safe side ive ordered one
Grounding yourself beforehand and not doing stuff that builds charge is good enough imo. Use common sense like not wearing sweaters, socks and not taking apart components on the carpet. Btw a wristband in itself wont do you any good unless you ground it somehow. It’s too much of a bother.
-paroxysM^ replied: Grounding yourself beforehand and not doing stuff that builds charge is good enough imo. Use common sense like not wearing sweaters, socks and not taking apart components on the carpet. Btw a wristband in itself wont do you any good unless you ground it somehow. It's too much of a bother.
lol are you saying i should build it naked? and i dont know what you mean not taking components apart on the carpet and not wear a sweater? would i be ok if i wore a tshirt with jeans? and what do you mean ground it? its not too late to cancel and its not gonna come before christmas thanks
You don’t need to cancel it. I’m just saying that if you use some common sense you wont really need one.
They only cost a few Euros, better safe than sorry.
built mine without one, just make sure you hold the case, its mainly the ram, mobo and processor that you need to be careful with, the others are coated with plastic all round, but for first built just buy one to be safe.
thanks ive bought one and do i have to attach it to the case?
pspdoggy replied: thanks ive bought one and do i have to attach it to the case?
Yes, a metal surface.
you can also rub a radiator i did that and i didnt blow anything on my pc (i hope)
I’ve built dozens of computers and worked on the internals of a few hundred and I have never used any anti-static wristbands or whatever else. I’ve always just touched the case and never encountered a problem that didn’t already exist.
-paroxysM^ replied: Btw a wristband in itself wont do you any good unless you ground it somehow. It's too much of a bother.
I was taught to have it grounded to the case (metal part) itself. Leave the PC plugged when putting the “roach clip” (aka alligator clip) or whatever you wanna call it then unplug it. Grab ahold of the metal inside the case for a couple more seconds and you’re good to go.
Of course if you’re putting the PC together, just put the clip on the metal part for a few seconds and “Grab ahold of the metal inside the case for a couple more seconds and you’re good to go.” This is what I did when I built my PC and when I have to work on the inside and never had an issue.
Where was I taught this? I went to a Tech School while in High School where they trained us to become A+ Certified. Of course this was an optional class.
I’ve working on hundreds of computers myself, and I’ve never used an antistatic wristband.
Then again, maybe you conduct electricity well, so you’re better off being on the safe side,
if you’re mucking with expensive equipment, you can’t replace easily.
Otherwise, don’t wear clothes that produce static, like woolen sock or sweaters. (point well made -paroxysM^)
though, in the case you only ever wear sweaters and socks and you’re uncomfortable doing it naked,
then I suggest doing it when no one is around, in a rubber soled boots or maybe consider wearing pants while working on your new beast.
HTH
pspdoggy replied: thanks ive bought one and do i have to attach it to the case?
For most effect, the PSU is the first thing to fit to the PC. Then plug it in to the mains but make sure it is switched off at the switch on the PSU but on at wall socket!! Attach the strap crocodile clip to an unpainted section of the case. That way any static has a path to ground via the PSU and as the PSU is attached to the case, the case is also grounded. Without that, your relying on randomly grounding of the case through paint, plastic fittings etc to the floor through carpet etc which isn’t very reliable IMO.
My brother got a wrist strap and meticulously wore it for his first build but forgot to plug the PSU into the wall which counteracted wearing it in the first place. I laughed when he told me but he was lucky, nothing adverse became of it.
Without plugging the PSU into the wall you would be better off building the PC naked as recommended in this thread so far!!!
As I have already said, some people are far more prone to static than others. Some people are like magnets to the stuff. I am very prone to it and always have been, so I take extra precautions. I have got shocks off department store escalators, shelving, car door handles and many other things.
Chances are that you might be okay without wearing one, however because of a sequence of events that you might not be aware of, static could cost you $£ 200 for a new motherboard or any of the other parts with static sensitive components on them.
No, just touch the bottom of your radiator.
Mighty_Marvel replied: For most effect, the PSU is the first thing to fit to the PC. Then plug it in to the mains but make sure it is switched off at the switch on the PSU but on at wall socket!! Attach the strap crocodile clip to an unpainted section of the case. That way any static has a path to ground via the PSU and as the PSU is attached to the case, the case is also grounded. Without that, your relying on randomly grounding of the case through paint, plastic fittings etc to the floor through carpet etc which isn't very reliable IMO.
That’s basically what I said on first page isn’t it? Except I thought keeping the PSU switch still on (of course the computer has to be off) while hooking the alligator clip to the unpainted area would be better. Some PSU’s don’t even have that switch. Then after a couple seconds, unhook the power cord to the PSU and touch the unpainted area for a couple more seconds and your good to go. Is there a difference between what I said and you said? And why would your way be the better way to do it? I’m just being curious here and not questioning your intelligence
Offtopic: I thought I seen you as a MOD just yesterday
drdaylight389 replied: Mighty_Marvel replied: For most effect, the PSU is the first thing to fit to the PC. Then plug it in to the mains but make sure it is switched off at the switch on the PSU but on at wall socket!! Attach the strap crocodile clip to an unpainted section of the case. That way any static has a path to ground via the PSU and as the PSU is attached to the case, the case is also grounded. Without that, your relying on randomly grounding of the case through paint, plastic fittings etc to the floor through carpet etc which isn't very reliable IMO.
That's basically what I said on first page isn't it? Except I thought keeping the PSU switch still on (of course the computer has to be off) while hooking the alligator clip to the unpainted area would be better. Some PSU's don't even have that switch. Then after a couple seconds, unhook the power cord to the PSU and touch the unpainted area for a couple more seconds and your good to go. Is there a difference between what I said and you said? And why would your way be the better way to do it? I'm just being curious here and not questioning your intelligence
You don’t really want the PSU switched on because you might forget to turn it off or disconnect it which could damage the motherboard when you plug the power connectors to it. You don’t want power going to the motherboard when you attach the ATX power cables to the motherboard or the 4/8 pin Aux power plug.
The way you suggest, unhooking the power cord after discharging yourself, to disconnect the power means that the system is no longer grounded. Plus you might forget to do disconnect it. Chances are it will be okay, however any static build up after that could potentially destroy any components that you accidentally touch.
Having a wrist strap attached to the PC case which is plugged into the mains but switched off, means that the case is always grounded and so is any static build up. As I mentioned, it comes down to personal experience of static and I do tend to be more prone to it than most people even when I avoid wearing synthetic fibres. That is why I take extra precautions which most people can get away without doing.
Not having a PSU switch is probably only for really cheapy power supplies which is not a good idea to use. Maybe there are decent PSU’s without them, however I have not seen them.
Offtopic: I thought I seen you as a MOD just yesterday
Not yesterday, it’s been quite a long time since I gave up moderating. You might of seen the stickies that are in the TV/Movies and Appz forums that I did while I was a Mod.
Mighty_Marvel replied: You don't really want the PSU switched on because you might forget to turn it off or disconnect it which could damage the motherboard when you plug the power connectors to it. You don't want power going to the motherboard when you attach the ATX power cables to the motherboard or the 4/8 pin Aux power plug.
The way you suggest, unhooking the power cord after discharging yourself, to disconnect the power means that the system is no longer grounded. Plus you might forget to do disconnect it. Chances are it will be okay, however any static build up after that could potentially destroy any components that you accidentally touch.
Having a wrist strap attached to the PC case which is plugged into the mains but switched off, means that the case is always grounded and so is any static build up. As I mentioned, it comes down to personal experience of static and I do tend to be more prone to it than most people even when I avoid wearing synthetic fibres. That is why I take extra precautions which most people can get away without doing.
Ahhh ok. Thanks for sharing. I will remember this (hopefully) next time I have to work on the inside of a PC.
Offtopic: I thought I seen you as a MOD just yesterday
Not yesterday, it's been quite a long time since I gave up moderating. You might of seen the stickies that are in the TV/Movies and Appz forums that I did while I was a Mod.
Man oh man. I must be getting Alzheimer’s. It actually might have been from one of your stickies or an older moderated message left on someones post.
As I have already said, some people are far more prone to static than others. Some people are like magnets to the stuff. I am very prone to it and always have been, so I take extra precautions. I have got shocks off department store escalators, shelving, car door handles and many other things.
Not doubting you but how is that even possible? Don’t we all share the same chemistry?
-paroxysM^ replied: As I have already said, some people are far more prone to static than others. Some people are like magnets to the stuff. I am very prone to it and always have been, so I take extra precautions. I have got shocks off department store escalators, shelving, car door handles and many other things.
Not doubting you but how is that even possible? Don't we all share the same chemistry?
Some people tend to gather it more.
But i think it’s the lifestyle you lead, and clothes you wear/what carpets you have in the house that makes the difference.
I know this big fat ol woman, every time she touches you or hands you something metallic it sends a spark giving you a shock.
But i think it's the lifestyle you lead, and clothes you wear/what carpets you have in the house that makes the difference. Exactly the point I was trying to get across.
-paroxysM^ replied: As I have already said, some people are far more prone to static than others. Some people are like magnets to the stuff. I am very prone to it and always have been, so I take extra precautions. I have got shocks off department store escalators, shelving, car door handles and many other things.
Not doubting you but how is that even possible? Don't we all share the same chemistry?
Everyone isn’t the same. We don’t have the same genes so how can we be identical and react in the same way to things?
Some people have more sebum produced by their skin and others have less and I think that might be part of the reason. People who are naturally dryer could be more prone to it and attract static because of it. The greasier the skin, the less prone to static a person will be. Asking a teenager to fix your PC might not be a bad idea if your worried about static.
I don’t wear clothes made from synthetic materials and yet I am prone to it so it cannot really be anything to do with what I wear.
jock_juffalo replied: -paroxysM^ replied: As I have already said, some people are far more prone to static than others. Some people are like magnets to the stuff. I am very prone to it and always have been, so I take extra precautions. I have got shocks off department store escalators, shelving, car door handles and many other things.
Not doubting you but how is that even possible? Don't we all share the same chemistry?
Some people tend to gather it more.
But i think it's the lifestyle you lead, and clothes you wear/what carpets you have in the house that makes the difference.
I know this big fat ol woman, every time she touches you or hands you something metallic it sends a spark giving you a shock.
And when a person isn’t at home and is still experiencing static…..what is causing it then?
mighty_marvel has a good point, we’re all similar but not the same.
this is a link to the patent of the invention of the static wristband
maybe this could shed some light
http://www.google.com/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT4373175&id=G3w1AAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd&dq=static+electricity&printsec=abstract#v=onepage&q=static%20electricity&f=false
Mighty_Marvel replied: -paroxysM^ replied: As I have already said, some people are far more prone to static than others. Some people are like magnets to the stuff. I am very prone to it and always have been, so I take extra precautions. I have got shocks off department store escalators, shelving, car door handles and many other things.
Not doubting you but how is that even possible? Don't we all share the same chemistry?
Everyone isn't the same. We don't have the same genes so how can we be identical and react in the same way to things?
Some people have more sebum produced by their skin and others have less and I think that might be part of the reason. People who are naturally dryer could be more prone to it and attract static because of it. The greasier the skin, the less prone to static a person will be. Asking a teenager to fix your PC might not be a bad idea if your worried about static.
I don't wear clothes made from synthetic materials and yet I am prone to it so it cannot really be anything to do with what I wear.
jock_juffalo replied: -paroxysM^ replied: As I have already said, some people are far more prone to static than others. Some people are like magnets to the stuff. I am very prone to it and always have been, so I take extra precautions. I have got shocks off department store escalators, shelving, car door handles and many other things.
Not doubting you but how is that even possible? Don't we all share the same chemistry?
Some people tend to gather it more.
But i think it's the lifestyle you lead, and clothes you wear/what carpets you have in the house that makes the difference.
I know this big fat ol woman, every time she touches you or hands you something metallic it sends a spark giving you a shock.
And when a person isn't at home and is still experiencing static.....what is causing it then?
You carry it with you.
Especially if you are fat and your parts rub together when you walk.
Alot then comes down to the shoes and materials you wear.
jock_juffalo replied: Mighty_Marvel replied: -paroxysM^ replied: As I have already said, some people are far more prone to static than others. Some people are like magnets to the stuff. I am very prone to it and always have been, so I take extra precautions. I have got shocks off department store escalators, shelving, car door handles and many other things.
Not doubting you but how is that even possible? Don't we all share the same chemistry?
Everyone isn't the same. We don't have the same genes so how can we be identical and react in the same way to things?
Some people have more sebum produced by their skin and others have less and I think that might be part of the reason. People who are naturally dryer could be more prone to it and attract static because of it. The greasier the skin, the less prone to static a person will be. Asking a teenager to fix your PC might not be a bad idea if your worried about static.
I don't wear clothes made from synthetic materials and yet I am prone to it so it cannot really be anything to do with what I wear.
jock_juffalo replied: -paroxysM^ replied: As I have already said, some people are far more prone to static than others. Some people are like magnets to the stuff. I am very prone to it and always have been, so I take extra precautions. I have got shocks off department store escalators, shelving, car door handles and many other things.
Not doubting you but how is that even possible? Don't we all share the same chemistry?
Some people tend to gather it more.
But i think it's the lifestyle you lead, and clothes you wear/what carpets you have in the house that makes the difference.
I know this big fat ol woman, every time she touches you or hands you something metallic it sends a spark giving you a shock.
And when a person isn't at home and is still experiencing static.....what is causing it then?
You carry it with you.
Especially if you are fat and your parts rub together when you walk.
Alot then comes down to the shoes and materials you wear.
I have quite a low body fat and have never been fat or overweight and yet I sometimes get static. I usually wear natural fibres such as cotton and yet I am still a little prone to it. Nothing major, I haven’t really noticed much in quite a while, but I wouldn’t say 100% clear of it. When I was a child, I used to get a static shock from a friends car door handle and no one else experienced the same problem.
I think your comment hits the nail on the head without you realising it. It’s primarily about a persons skin. People who are overweight, as you say, the skin would tend to rub together because of the fat pushing it together and if the skin was low on sebum, static is more likely. Clothing materials could gather static but I don’t think it’s the biggest factor although it could potentially make the situation worse.
I am fairly certain it comes down to sebum on the skin being the primary cause.
[We have been getting a bit off topic in this thread]
It’s absolutely worth getting an antistatic wrist band, you can never really know of the tiny cluster-fu**s of discharge that can damage the microscopic pieces of your expensive equipment, you won’t even be aware it happened, you’ll game for years without ever knowing the tiny damage you did. And you’ll brag here about how safe it is to handle your multi hundred Euro processor in your hand. F**k that. You wouldn’t get within miles of a Microprocessor plant without a wrist band, and you know it. Yeah sure, rub a radiator, but the fact that a band costs a measly few Euros, you’d be a fool not to use one.
Maybe Logic replied: You wouldn't get within miles of a Microprocessor plant without a wrist band,
I have worked in a wafer fab for many years, and have seen inside many more.
Wrist bands are not practical for that kind of environment and as such are not used.
jock_juffalo replied: Maybe Logic replied: You wouldn't get within miles of a Microprocessor plant without a wrist band,
I have worked in a wafer fab for many years, and have seen inside many more.
Wrist bands are not practical for that kind of environment and as such are not used.
Bo**ox mate, my mate work’s with Intel, they’re emphatic with the rules, in fact they have to wear a full body suit before they get into the lab. My other mate works in a repair shop, they don’t get near a PC unless they’re grounded by a wrist band, it’s standard procedure.. I don’t know what kind of shop you’re used to , around his place, they’re protected, it’s protocol. The boards they work on can cost thousands, antistatic wristbands are an absolute necessity.. It’s very easy to give lame advice to n00bs about electricity, sure most won’t have a problem, but many might, because of very stupid reasons, will you be there to buy them a new processor?
Maybe Logic replied: jock_juffalo replied: Maybe Logic replied: You wouldn't get within miles of a Microprocessor plant without a wrist band,
I have worked in a wafer fab for many years, and have seen inside many more.
Wrist bands are not practical for that kind of environment and as such are not used.
Bo**ox mate, my mate work's with Intel, they're emphatic with the rules, in fact they have to wear a full body suit before they get into the lab. My other mate works in a repair shop, they don't get near a PC unless they're grounded by a wrist band, it's standard procedure.. I don't know what kind of shop you're used to , around his place, they're protected, it's protocol. The boards they work on can cost thousands, antistatic wristbands are an absolute necessity.. It's very easy to give lame advice to n00bs about electricity, sure most won't have a problem, but many might, because of very stupid reasons, will you be there to buy them a new processor?
Funny you should say that to a person who works directly in the industry.
You don’t have a clue what you are talking about.
How are you supposed to move around a huge fab with a wrist band attaching you to something…you just can’t. Use some common sense.
Intel fabs are the same.
What is in place is anti static flooring and boots to go with that and a full antistatic suite.
No need for a wrist band.
Here is the inside of a intel fab, and oh look…people are not wearing wrist bands… just like i already told you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVQZWt7lNpI
Next time you should go get your facts straight before talking rubbish.
And here is me inside a fab i’m also not wearing a wrist band.
The video won’t work for me, no YouTube video will tonight, seems to be major down time. In the shop my mate was working in, I’m sure they used antistatic wristbands, they also used gloves, I could be wrong in the technical details man, they used both from what he told me… But it seems you get joy in trying to embarrass me, so go ahead dude, ridicule me, I hope it satisfies your ego making fun of somebody not as involved in the process as you seem to think you are.. I still argue using an anti static wristband is wise advise… ~censored~ you if you think otherwise..
Maybe Logic replied: The video won't work for me, no YouTube video will tonight, seems to be major down time. In the shop my mate was working in, I'm sure they used antistatic wristbands, they also used gloves, I could be wrong in the technical details man, they used both from what he told me... But it seems you get joy in trying to embarrass me, so go ahead dude, ridicule me, I hope it satisfies your ego making fun of somebody not as involved in the process as you seem to think you are.. I still argue using an anti static wristband is wise advise... ~censored~ you if you think otherwise..
I never said he should not use a anti static wristband, so you can stop that talk for starters.
I said wristbands are not used in wafer fabs as you said you wouldn’t get in a million miles of one without wearing one.
Then you post to say i’m talking bollocks without knowing any facts.
Your fault.
Some back room at a computer repair shop is not a “Microprocessor plant”
jock_juffalo replied:
Some back room at a computer repair shop is not a "Microprocessor plant"
Not to you, but when my mate gets a multi thousand Euro PC handed to him, he pays attention. You’re probably used to some Core 2 Duo / Radeon 5000 Series shite, he’s handling i7’s with 2gb graphics cards.. Exactly what I’m building in a few weeks.
Maybe Logic replied: You're probably used to some Core 2 Duo / Radeon 5000 Series shite, he's handling i7's with 2gb graphics cards.. Exactly what I'm building in a few weeks.
There you go again posting without having a clue what you are talking about…
You should really get your facts straight, it’s embarrassing.
Yeh i’m totally used to handling rubbish parts…
I hope you get somebody who actually does know what they are talking about to help you when you build in a few weeks.
Just for your information 2gb graphics does not mean a graphics card is any good, any noob knows that.
jock_juffalo replied: Maybe Logic replied: You're probably used to some Core 2 Duo / Radeon 5000 Series shite, he's handling i7's with 2gb graphics cards.. Exactly what I'm building in a few weeks.
There you go again posting without having a clue what you are talking about...
You should really get your facts straight, it's embarrassing.
Yeh i'm totally used to handling rubbish parts...
I hope you get somebody who actually does know what they are talking about to help you when you build in a few weeks.
Just for your information 2gb graphics does not mean a graphics card is any good, any noob knows that.
I’ll make a decent build mate, I won’t need any help, it will be my third build, an i7 monster. I can’t wait to get the components, I’m very excited..
Your efforts to try to make me feel insecure are fruitless man.. You’re a bit of a WarezBB bully aren’t you, a bit of a know it all, one of those annoying types of personality’s that seems to be involved in many threads, has all the pre Googled answers. You probably would be handy for advice on my next build, but you’d also probably be too condescending. That’s a shame. You might be a good guy jock_juffalo, and we just got off on the wrong foot, If it was my fault, I apologise.. I don’t wish to continue in a neverending testosterone match. So hit me with your last clever insult, and I may respond…
I never bother using one, but I don’t work on carpets or wear woolly jumpers.
I usually ground myself by touching the cold feed on the nearest central heating radiator and also touch the metal chassis of the pc.
When I upgraded the memory modules on my PC I bought a Dynex Antistatic Wristband at BestBuy for $5.99
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex&%23153%3B+-+Antistatic+Wristband+-+Black/6307463.p?id=1074787928256&skuId=6307463
I never bother using one, but I don't work on carpets or wear woolly jumpers.
I don’t even worry about this stuff
touch the metal chassis of the pc.
this all I’ve ever done
and I never touch the contacts of any component I install
built my 1st PC around 1996 (Pentium 133) and have never had a problem with over 60 builds
but, like jock_juffalo, I would never suggest to someone not to use one
and if I was inclined to use something I’d use “latex examination gloves”
Maybe Logic replied: You're a bit of a WarezBB bully aren't you
your the one calling people names & using all those ** words, not jock_juffalo
sound to me like your the (wanabe) cyber bully “Maybe Logic”
Maybe Logic replied: Your efforts to try to make me feel insecure
the fact that you made this comment tells me you already are
multi thousand Euro PC handed to him
and someones way over paying for there PC’s
This thread has been closed to prevent further discussion.