Anti-Static wrist straps

[htid]

I've never built a PC before but will be trying it for the first time when i get my stuff through from scan.

Just reading about it, it says you should always wear some sort of anti-static device when building. Does anybody do this or what? If so what kind of things do you use and do you nkow where i can get some from?

Cheers.

[blueball]

In an ideal world we would all wear them every time we are inside our PC. However, that doesn't always happen. You can get them from Maplins, PC World and loads of other places. The main thing is to prevent ESD (Electro Static Discharge) the way to do that is to ensure that you and the computer are at the same "potential". Sounds difficult but you can do it by touching the metal part of the case before shoving your hands inside - I also tend to lean my elbow on the edge of the case while I am working inside as this serves to keep you at the same potential. Basilcally I'm too lazy to get my Anti Static strap out of the cupboard

[Lakeuk]

I normally plug the case into the mains (with power turned off) and touch the metal frame often as well as handling the componants carefully

[kempez]

I normally don't bother. As long as you ground yourself and make sure the PC is turned off (at the PSU switch). Most parts will be fine as long as your not silly with them and make sure you don't place themm on surfaces that attract static

[BubbySoup]

Wrist bands-shmist bands!

Been building PC's for at least 15 years now and never worn one. To date, the only thing I've blown was some laptop memory - and it was a crappy laptop anyway so it doesn't count

[Woodchuck2000]

I used to in my younger days, but the more you fiddle with PCs, the more you realise that hardward is actually quite tough...

Keeping your chassis grounded is the easiest way to avoid problems but it's actually quite tricky to damage components just by touching them, especially if you only handle the PCB edges...

[Azza]

You can get them from Maplin, you can also get mats from there aswell. I only use mine because im paraniod about damaging something.

[jamin]

Hmmm! Might not matter if you blow £30 worth of generic ddr, but if you are working with highly tuned optical circuit packs capaple of 10g which I do, then I prefer to keep my job and spend 3 seconds putting it on and plugging it in than getting the sack!

Hence I always wear one, no matter what type of components I'm working with at home or at work, its just too much of a trivial risk for no time saved!

Maplins and RS components are good, I believe you can also pick them up at PC world. If not, I have a few of the Cisco disposable ones that come in just about every box they send out! Drop me a PM and I'll bung one in the post mate...

[harry1]

lol, i have never had this problem, niether has my bro who pulls pcs aprt all day lol its so rare people are over causois, its worth gettin a good rubber matt though.

[htid]

Oh well thanks for your replies everyone. I went to maplin and got one today, rather not take the risk when i've just spent over a grand on my stuff

[Steve B]

PC building guide rule #1:
Dont wear a shell suit whilst building your pc

[XA04]

I've been building computers for about 5 years now, and I've never used them.

As long as you don't rub your hands on the carpet like crazy before you start fiddling... you should be ok.

[htid]

So what i was planning to do, have the case on the carpet in the living room, have the components in their anti static bags on the carpet, and just build it like that. Is that ok do you reckon? If i wear the anti static wrist thing (which i might as well since i bought it ) What am i supposed to clip it too?

Cheers.

[Koolpc]

I have an Antistatic wrist strap but i have never worn it. Built loads of PC's too.

[Splash]

So what i was planning to do, have the case on the carpet in the living room, have the components in their anti static bags on the carpet, and just build it like that. Is that ok do you reckon? If i wear the anti static wrist thing (which i might as well since i bought it ) What am i supposed to clip it too?

Cheers.

Just attach it to the bare metal of the case. If you're anything like me it'll soon be in the way and removed . Also don't forget to drink half a case of lager before starting the build, it makes the PC run faster if you do.

EDIT - ooh, just realised I passed the 1000 posts mark - me FTW!

[Atomic]

So what i was planning to do, have the case on the carpet in the living room, have the components in their anti static bags on the carpet, and just build it like that. Is that ok do you reckon? If i wear the anti static wrist thing (which i might as well since i bought it ) What am i supposed to clip it too?

Build it on a table, trust me its easier as you can lean over and see inside... and less chance of static buildup too id guess.