Anti-Static Computer Tools Useful or Useless?

HeavyMetal · Post by **HeavyMetal** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 3:55 pm

Are a special set of tools and an anti-static strap really needed to build a PC?

I've heard that even computer repair places don't really use them.

I'm building a pretty bitchin (really bitchin) PC so I don't want to short a part. On the other hand the only local place that sells the wrist strap includes it in a $30 kit full of small screw drivers and things. I have tools so 30 bucks for a wrist strap would suck.

madbunny · Post by **madbunny** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 5:41 pm

don't bother with the strap. Just don't use magnetic tools, and make sure you ground yourself so you don't zap any thing.

I've build lots of computers, and never needed a strap.

madbunny · Post by **madbunny** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 5:41 pm

don't bother with the strap. Just don't use magnetic tools, and make sure you ground yourself so you don't zap any thing.

I've build lots of computers, and never needed a strap.

Kariudo · Post by **Kariudo** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 6:34 pm

when I built my rig, I didn't have anti-static mats/wrist straps.
I just used the anti-static bags the HDs and Mobo came in (to put stuff on prior to assembly)...that and I took off my socks, made sure my feet were always in contact with the metal legs of the table I was using...and touched my psu (or my case) every now and then.

I even had to work on my cpu so it would fit into the socket(bent pins...that's what I get for buying used from ebay, but I got it for $40 less than retail). Ended up using my fingers and a screwdriver to get the pins in line (I wasn't too hot on the idea of touching the pins...but I didn't fry it, and it works great)

Gox777 · Post by **Gox777** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:53 am

A regular philips screwdriver and a wood dinning table to work on has always been fine for me. My computer still owns all my friends's brand name computers so I'm happy.

Willen · Post by **Willen** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:59 am

Depends on how paranoid you are. I used to use an anti-static strap until I misplaced it. But working on a wooden table and touching the power supply occasionally helps (technically, it's better if that PS was plugged in so any charge you may have has an actual ground to go to, but IMO it's better that a part gets fried than you get fried).

Computer repair places (at least the better ones) don't use straps since the workstations and work areas are already designed to minimize and neutralize static electricity (anti-static mats on the floor and grounded work surfaces).

bum · Post by **bum** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 9:03 am

madbunny wrote:don't bother with the strap. Just don't use magnetic tools, and make sure you ground yourself so you don't zap any thing.

I've build lots of computers, and never needed a strap.

Say that in any respectable commercial IT environment and you'll get slaughtered. Problems caused by static can take months to appear and may often start of as occasional intermittent problems before kicking into anything major. Best stay protected and spend $10 on a strap. If someone who builds, controls and maintains the servers for Acer's oceanic headquarters enforces the use of anti-static wrist straps, it's a good idea to follow his example.

oldwrench · Post by **oldwrench** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 9:53 am

The wrist straps are cheep and pretty good insurance. I have built quite a few computers and haven't used any. If you are working in a carpeted room, you will have more static buildup. Also plastic chairs are bad for it. Just make sure to touch something that is grounded before you start to work. The third hole, the rounded one, in an electric outlet is a ground, or if you have copper piping in your house, that is a ground.

As for magnetic tools, the only thing that might be affected would be the hard drive and you would need a very strong magnet. I use magnetic tools all the time working on my system. The hard disc is far enough inside a metal container to be pretty safe. Floppy discs would be ruined by a magnet but who uses them aymore? Every fan motor in your computer has magnets in it, and there is lots of EMF inside the case so the hard drive has to be pretty well shielded.

madbunny · Post by **madbunny** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:34 am

So I guess there you have it. Straps are cheap, but most people in the 'real' world don't use them. Don't bother spending 30 bux on a tool kit because it has one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6899888207

just get the cheap one, it's not like it's high tech or anything.

Personally, I consider them a waste of time, but obviously, others dont.

oldwrench · Post by **oldwrench** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:17 pm

If you have a Radio Shack store near by, they have wrist straps for $6. You can wrap a piece of wire around your wrist and attatch it to a ground. This is ok if you are not working with any live electrical device. Wrist straps have a 1 mega-ohm resister in line to ground to protect you in case you come into contact with a live electrical circuit. Strap = conductive strap, 1meg resistor, wire, ground clip.