Do you REALLY need an anti-static wristband?

Fijut

Fijut

Fijut

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10 Aug 2010
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12
Hello.

I'm planning to attempt my first build soon, the final parts are on their way.

I've read a bit about static electricity and computers, how apparently it can destroy your computer. It looks like a scare story to me, is there any truth in it?

I've upgraded my current computer several times without any special tools, even cut myself opening the case and bled on the motherboard, and it still works. Are these wristbands just gimmicks?

Looking forward to any replies :D

Fijut
 
Wristbands aren't exactly gimmicks, but if you're sensible you can get away without one.

Many people will swear that they never used one, and never had a problem. You also get a lot of posts on these forums with apparently DOA components.

Wrist bands are cheap. Make your own choice whether you can be bothered or not.

PS just connecting yourself to the plumbing with a normal length of wire isn't a good idea.
 
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I've never used one. I take off my watch and wash my hands and thats about it.

If its possible I'll leave the plug in while working on the machine. For components I tend to be careful where I touch.

However, once components get a little old, worth not as much, covered in dust they tend not to get such reverential treatment and just get "lobbed in" the case. Only really had two failures and neither would have been due to static discharge.

Still, makes you look like you know what you're doing I guess.
 
Static damage can reduce the life of components rather than immediately destroying them. That said modern components are obviously pretty tough, and also designed to be handled and fitted by amateurs.

Years ago I used to work with kit that you could take out with static just but looking at them funny.
 
I have never used one in taking mine apart just made sure to be earthed or somewhere less risk of static (usually kitchen as no carpet.)

However when I come to order my new parts I am getting a new tool set which comes with one and as I will then have one I will use it. As the saying goes - Better to be safe than sorry.
 
i've never used one and never will, i've also never had any DOA components (lucky me!).

i take the following precautions before ofening my computer:

- I wear jeans and a cotton t shirt, no trackies or the likes.
- if i'm having one of those days where i get shocks off door handles, other people etc i try to discharge myself.
- i don't let others touch my computer, ever.
- i make use of them anti static bags that come with motherboards etc.
- if i have to take components out and i have no ant static bags, i place them on a duvet or similar cotton item, never a carpet or any metal surfaces!

simple things really, a littlebit of common sense goes a long way.
 
- I wear jeans and a cotton t shirt, no trackies or the likes.
- if i'm having one of those days where i get shocks off door handles, other people etc i try to discharge myself.
- i don't let others touch my computer, ever.
- i make use of them anti static bags that come with motherboards etc.
- if i have to take components out and i have no ant static bags, i place them on a duvet or similar cotton item, never a carpet or any metal surfaces!
Click to expand...
Compared to that list of precautions wearing a wristband looks quite simple!;)
 
I have often shoved my hand into my PC while it's running. No static shocks yet, not looking forward to my first one though. Should probably stop using a magetic screw driver too >.<
 
Do you REALLY want to risk hundreds of quids worth of electronics for the sake of a few quid on a wristband?

Production line workers assemble PCs and notebooks at static safe workstations - would they go to all that expense if it wasn't required?
 
GeezerButler said:
Do you REALLY want to risk hundreds of quids worth of electronics for the sake of a few quid on a wristband?

Production line workers assemble PCs and notebooks at static safe workstations - would they go to all that expense if it wasn't required?
Click to expand...

It's on this basis that I decide whether to use mine. If it's an expensive part then I will, but for anything else I just touch the chassis frequently :)
 
Think of it like an insurance policy, if it turns out you didn't need it in the end, you've wasted a bit of money, but your glad you've got it when you need it (although you won't know you needed it unless you don't have it) So it comes down to if you want to spend a few £ to be safe, or just get on with it, if you don't buy it, make sure to touch your PC case regualarly to discharge any static you might have built up on yourself.
 
Never used one and never had an issue. I just ground myself regular as mentioned above. That said, if a part is broken or 'doa', especially something sensitive like RAM, there's always the 'what if' question.
 
I'm surprised that OcUk don't appear to sell them.

You'd have thought that they'd have to have them available for when they're handling components and building systems.
 
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