Just need some simple info... help is appreciated

[AMGrbaowska]

So I have built three computers for myself and friends since my first build 6 months ago, Im starting to form a hobby : ). I have not bothered with it yet, but want to know how to ground myself. I am going to be assembling another build soon, and well... better safe than sorry you know. Anyways, I was just wondering how you guys ground yourselves, I have heard you can do it without a wriststrap and would rather not buy one unless its necessary.

[glc]

I have to admit I don't do it. However, I do not build in a carpeted room and I use a wooden table with a Formica top. If I have any doubts, I make sure a power supply is plugged into the wall and periodically touch the PSU case.

[AMGrbaowska]

ok, that actually helps alot, but if anyone else has any suggestions they are welcome too.

[barch 88]

What GLC said, other than that, spend $5 dollars on a wrist strap?

[rwest]

While being truely grounded for any repair is an ideal situation, what you're looking for is the path of least resistance for static electricity to take. ESD is what your concerned about, electrostatic discharge.

ESD travels regularly thru life with out being noticed, it's always there. Just because it gets released and grounded once, doesn't mean you're entirely safe. The next time you reach for something, static electricity builds up and gets discharged again until it finds a new path of least resistance or finds ground. The wrist stap is made of a material more conductive than your body, the wire coming from the wrist stap is then attached preferably to ground or to the case, thereby sending the discharge to the metal case and not the componet you are about to grab.

Touching the case before handling components is extremely common and is a decent way of contolling esd, but clearly not the best. Using a wrist strap is and has been the desired way of controling esd by professionals. If you have one, use it. Not only for peace of mind, but because it works.

Is it worth it? Really Depends on who you ask. I always forget to get one when I'm shopping. I'd be more comfortable with one, but I haven't done so yet. But I've never had ESD take a component out for me either. Personally, I am worried about it enough that when I'm building I always keep at the very least the back of my wrist in contact with the case. I set all components within reaching distance of one of my hands. I build on the dining room table and put on shoes.

[AMGrbaowska]

Alright guys, this helps alot, Yeah, like 80% of my house is tile floors so I shouldn't have to worry about static from carpet, and I'm going to build on a wooden table. I think Ill do what glc said and just plug in the power supply and touch it or the case while I'm building.

[systempat]

Nobody is suggesting the aluminum foil hat?
The only thing about the wooden table is it does not give you a place to ground yourself. I admit I don't use the wrist strap either which is probably the right way to do it. My table that I use for system-building is from a failed experiment at dog-grooming. It has a metal frame and legs and is quite heavy. The leg arrangement is adjustable height and I can set it to where I can work standing (and I'm tall). The surface is a ribbed rubber material. Very non-slip. I figure that if I'm in contact with the metal table then I've discharged that static.
The main time to be very careful is when handling the internal components like the CPU (especially), motherboard, RAM and video. Once those are assembled and in the case, then the case can serve as a good object to touch, especially after the cord with the 3-prong plug is run to a proper outlet.
I do strongly recommend a power-strip or better a surge strip where all is 3-prong plugs and it's plugged into a 3-prong wall outlet It's nice to have a switch on the strip so when you are ready to walk away for a while you can shut down the PC if needed and then switch everything off.