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    Where can i buy (The cheapest you can find) Anti-Static Wristband?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by S_P_A_Z, Jun 22, 2008.

  1. S_P_A_Z

    S_P_A_Z Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi guys, this isn't a very important 1, just trying to save a few quid. Just wondering where the cheapest Anti-Static wristband you can find is, i can currently find a Decent, Good Serviced, Well Manufactured, £5.00 Wristband, if you can top that plz post. Thx!
     
  2. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    Why do you even want one? Just do your work on a sheet of cardboard if you're paranoid, but as long as you ground yourself before working, anti static wristbands and mats are no longer necessary for working on computers.
     
  3. MrFong

    MrFong Notebook Evangelist

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    Well, www.thenerds.net purports to sell one at about $4, which works out to well under the 5 quid you seem to be looking for... so I imagine you should be able to find one pretty easily, no? Maybe try shopping at PC World?
     
  4. Alienwarez

    Alienwarez Notebook Evangelist

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    just use a rubber band
     
  5. kobe

    kobe Notebook Virtuoso

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    If rubber bands work then why are they making money off of us by selling wristbands.
     
  6. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    honestly out of all the years ive worked on systems (used to work for ibm as well) i have not yet ever had a single problem without using a anti static band.. just dont work on the carpet and dont rub your feet on one before touching the components lol... i dont believe in them myself
     
  7. didroe

    didroe Notebook Enthusiast

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    Same here, about 10 years of PC building/tinkering without a strap and no problems whatsoever. The most sensitive bits are probably RAM and I usually make sure to hold them by the edges (circuit board) but you'll probably be ok whatever you do. Just tap your hand on a radiator or some other grounded thing to discharge any built up static before you start.
     
  8. Loggie

    Loggie Notebook Evangelist

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    The biggest risk for ESD damage occurs when touching the actual pins of an IC without taking the precaution of discharging oneself beforehand. Wrist straps are just a convenient way of ensuring that the person handling ESD sensitive parts is grounded and discharged all of the time. There are of course other ways to discharge oneself, including touching a grounded metal chassis before handling the parts.

    Static discharge is a real threat to CMOS components. This does not mean that every time one touches a CMOS part without discharging first that the part will be damaged. Often, the ESD diode built into the IC circuitry will become stressed and develop leakage thus shortening the life of the part.

    My advice-why take the chance, when it is such a simple task to discharge oneself before working with ESD sensitive electronic components?