ESD wrist strap?

[ironzombie99]

Who uses a ESD wrist strap to protect your components when you work on your computer? Where do you get these and are they nessecary? Is there any homemade subitutes?

[HAL9000]

I have never used one. I usually make it a habit to touch bare metal on the case first to discharge static.

[Confused]

Here in the derby it is plenty humid in the summer that I don't use one, however in the winter when the gas heat is on, I have one I got from Radio Shack for I think about $2.99.
Chas

[HackinCowboy]

I only use one when I'm working in very dry conditions or if the flooring is loose carpet. It's best to just get in the habit of touching something grounded before you start working. I've never had a problem with static though.

[Atomic282]

I imagine you could make one if you cant find one. I guess you could just use a big piece of metal and put it around your wrist. But i dont know here in Ohio its not very dry:)

[Colonel Sanders]

mayber I'm braver(or just dumber)then most of you, I recently assembeled my PC, I didn't use any sort of ESD except for touching the side of the case when I opened it up. Most of my work was on a tile floor, in fact I accidentally have so far touched mose of the components in my PC. Everything is working good still.

I remember my step-father has a box of old MOBOs as old as some 8086s, he didn't seem to care at all about ESD with those. Maybe he just didn't consider them too great...

Logan

[bailey]

to be honest with you, I have never used one in my life time, been doing electronis service and repaire on some very sensitive equipment over 30 years, don't even own one, but if you are not well trained and experienced, I would highly recommend one for safty of the equipment.