How to ground oneself properly?

[michaelj]

Hey all

Building my first gaming pc tmrw and of course I am slightly worried about frying the whole lot!

Information on the net seems to clash for example some say plug the psu in and touch that while it's off and others say that will result in certain death.

Some info: I will be building on a clean table made of wood although, beneath my feet will be carpet. No way around that.
Also, my case is completely painted white so no chance of touching something metal on the case.

The screws are metal (I guess!) on the HDD bays but would they be sufficient?

Any simple tips that I can use without wrist strap that will stop me feeling like I have the hands of Zues!

Thank you!

 

[Jokester]

Have your PSU plugged in at the wall, switched off, and touch the body of it.

 

[Shadz]

To be honest I have built a lot of PC's and always forgot to ground myself.

Now a days things are a lot more resilient again being fried.

But......

when I 1st started out I used to rub my hands on the radiator, if it helped or not I dunno
but never fried a system yet.

 

[michaelj]

Excellent and just to confirm the 'Off' logo on PSU's = O ?

and on is the |

Thank you again.

 

[Jokester]

Even if it's switched on it won't make difference.

 

[michaelj]

But obviously not plugged on at the wall right? Sounds good. I think I'll keep it set to off when putting all the other bits in and keep touching the body while doing so.

 

[Jokester]

Even switched on at the wall it won't make any difference.

 

[michaelj]

Right you are, I'm taking your word for it!
If I die you'll be the first I'm haunting haha.
Thank you once again.

 

[Johnmcbob]

I just fitted the psu first and had it switched off and also had an anti static wristband

then again my room is carpeted and i'm paranoid as hell so a £5 band was nice reassurance

Deffo take it slow and just enjoy it, it's a great feeling

 

[panyan]

Have your PSU plugged in at the wall and touch the body of it.

+1 quickest and easiest way

 

[SouthEastBlue]

To be honest I have built a lot of PC's and always forgot to ground myself.

Now a days things are a lot more resilient again being fried.

But......

when I 1st started out I used to rub my hands on the radiator, if it helped or not I dunno
but never fried a system yet.

Still do that now if I ever have to take bits out of my PC - never killed anything in any of my computers in 4+ years.

 

[michaelj]

Hmm I don't really have the classic uk radiator.

I live in a flat and kind of have a big heater.

It is made of metal though...HOT metal!

 

[Purgatory]

You can ground yourself on the metal taps or metal sink or any pipes in the house ..

 

[Razargh]

You could also purchase an ESD Strap. (if you want to do it the proper way) but if you cant be bothered or afford it then it doesn't really matter if you do or don't ground yourself.

 

[cammy5477]

i just touch the radiator pipes just to get rid of any static

 

[Snot man]

I don't have anything constructive to add, but when I read this:

"Information on the net seems to clash for example some say plug the psu in and touch that while it's off and others say that will result in certain death."

It made me laugh really loud in the office, haha.

 

[michaelj]

Ok well, I have taps. I think I'll get a strap too I can stretch to that.... just.

Thanks all.

 

[j.col]

Have your PSU plugged in at the wall, switched off, and touch the body of it.

this is also what i do

 

[scottomus0]

i built my pc today ungrounded and everything went fine.

just be cautious and youll be alrite

 

[Unicorn]

If u cant be bothered with a strap just do what ive done and get some cable, strip a long end and wrap it round ur wrist afew times, attach other end to a radiator If u gotta buy ur cable dnt bother tho. Straps cheaper XD Free cos im a sparky