do I really need an anti-static wrist strap?

[Louds3]

Hey all, I am tackling my first build in the coming days and i am very excited. How necessary do you guys think an anti-static wrist strap thingy is? I think I am getting one on christmas but I can't remember if i told anyone to get me one.... Anyway, I will be doing the basic out of the box assembly at first to make sure I get it to post and whatnot, I'll avoid the sneakers on carpet thing but should I really get one of those to be sure?

steve

p.s 1) thanks for all the great stuff i've learned here thus far...2) Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday to all!

[blue60007]

You could if you want to...otherwise keep yourself grounded on the case or something.

[blade13432]

I have never used one. I just touch and un painted part of the case.

[comp615]

But again it does make you look a little cooler when your making it

[LoC]

you dont really need one but what if spending $10.00 could save you the agony of torching a $200+ piece of equipment? plus having to wait for a new part and that extra cash you could NOT have spent. thats my two cents at least.

[RevCLB]

I was afraid of getting into my computer to upgrade RAM. Got a wriststrap at RadioShack for under $6.00. Better a Cheap strap then a 6-pack of beer which could cause mistakes. It is a good investment, even if for just the confidence factor. And you can keep it for years. My opinion is get it. RevCLB

[coldplay055]

For me its hands down get it. I work on pcs and i tell the customers that it takes less then three volts to fry an electronic piece of equipment and the shocks that you get from touching a doorknob is 30.

[Zelpo]

At work I use one (& an anti-static mat), but at home I just ensure I'm grounded before I go ham-fisting puter components. Haven't fried anything ... yet.

[peekaboo]

Originally Posted by coldplay055 For me its hands down get it. I work on pcs and i tell the customers that it takes less then three volts to fry an electronic piece of equipment and the shocks that you get from touching a doorknob is 30.

Where did you get those values?

[kstatefan40]

I have one, but I rarely use it. To me, its too much of a hassle as much as I move around when I build stuff. The new house is very staticy though, so I did do my last repair with it on. I'd recommend you take your socks off if you are walking around in them

[blue60007]

Originally Posted by coldplay055 For me its hands down get it. I work on pcs and i tell the customers that it takes less then three volts to fry an electronic piece of equipment and the shocks that you get from touching a doorknob is 30.

I would think the parts can take a few more volts than that, since you can have up to 12V running the system. Whenever you experience ESD, you are discharging thousands of volts, much more than 30. But yes, it won't take much to zap expensive components.

It won't hurt anything to have a anti-static braclet to be on the safe side.

[Louds3]

yea, i guess it is worth the few bucks. i'll definitely be getting one, thanks

steve