Grounding Pads
- Thread starter XtR-X
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Despite unbelievable carelessness in dry enviroments with shaggy carpet, I've yet to "zap" anything.. This encompasses scores of repairs and dozens of systems. I guess it happens, but probably only when you purposely rub your feet on the carpet. 
At work we use a slightly safer method than what I do at home, but nothing like "grounding pads". This entails hundreds of repair jobs, most of which have been administered without proper grounding techniques aside from breifly touching the case before working. No problems yet!
At home, to avoid problems, I usually lie the board on top of the bag it comes in.
At work we use a slightly safer method than what I do at home, but nothing like "grounding pads". This entails hundreds of repair jobs, most of which have been administered without proper grounding techniques aside from breifly touching the case before working. No problems yet!
At home, to avoid problems, I usually lie the board on top of the bag it comes in.
olefarte
Posts: 1,314 +13
I believe that. I bought an Audigy one time at Best Buy, and got home, installed it and couldn't get it to work. I thought I had done something wrong, (translate dumb as dirt), so I took the whole works in and they put another card in, about five minutes, real simple. They said they thought I had fried it with static electricity, but I know I was real careful, didn't do it. I think it was dead when I bought it.
acidosmosis
Posts: 1,310 +0
That is actually a bad idea. Those anti-static bags only protect what is inside of them, not outside. Placing your motherboard on the outside of the bag can possibly allow it to get more static than it keeps away.
I know that probably sounds weird but it's actually true.
XtR-X
Posts: 829 +0
Originally posted by acidosmosis
That is actually a bad idea. Those anti-static bags only protect what is inside of them, not outside. Placing your motherboard on the outside of the bag can possibly allow it to get more static than it keeps away.
I know that probably sounds weird but it's actually true.
Yeah, I think your right for the ones that have all those lines on them.
But, I think the little baggies (hehe baggies) that are all silverish looking have a coating of some kind of metal so I think that's safe, inside n'out.
young&wild
Posts: 896 +0
I tried placing my components on the plastic bag itself many times and so far have not fried any one of them. But it is really true the outter side provide mininum protection from static.
I think a antistatic wristband touching your metal case grounds the static charges occassionallyand a little bit of common sense is very sufficient. No need to waste money on the mat
I think a antistatic wristband touching your metal case grounds the static charges occassionallyand a little bit of common sense is very sufficient. No need to waste money on the mat
Nic
Posts: 1,519 +1
Why don't you treat the carpets with anti-static carpet shampoo for extra safety?
Here's an example ...
Dual Guard Shampoo and Wick-up Guard
As with Rick, I've worked on computers for years without causing damage by static. Just make sure you touch a grounded object, such as your computer case (if grounded by being plugged in at wall socket), before handling components, and you should be fine, depending on your working environment of course. Also try and avoid touching any of the chips on circuit boards and handle only by the edges away from components and circuit tracks.
Something that many don't realise about static is that components will often be weakened by static discharge, and will not neccessarily fail immediately (unless they have been subjected to a strong discharge). They may fail a couple of months down the road and you won't realise that static damage was the cause.
If you live in an environment prone to static (dry, cold, synthetic carpets everywhere, etc.) then taking precausions is wise, and will certainly help reduce the risk of damage by static.
Justin
Posts: 914 +0
I just nail extra parts to my wall and rip them down when I need them.
I assemble/repair all my machines on wood or cement floors/desks, I have yet to destroy a part via static discharge .... though I've seen it happen.
The environment you work on has a big impact on the risk. As nic said, Cold and dry are prime breeding grounds for static build up, and the clothing you wear can affect it too.
Just be cautious... and remember to ground yourself before touching anything, and try to handle them as little as possible.
I assemble/repair all my machines on wood or cement floors/desks, I have yet to destroy a part via static discharge .... though I've seen it happen.
The environment you work on has a big impact on the risk. As nic said, Cold and dry are prime breeding grounds for static build up, and the clothing you wear can affect it too.
Just be cautious... and remember to ground yourself before touching anything, and try to handle them as little as possible.
SNGX1275
Posts: 10,615 +467
I have my comp sitting on carpet, unplug the mess of wires in the back, drag the comp out a few feet from my desk along the carpet, pull off the side, lay it down, sit on the carpet, and proceed to sometimes use a magnetic tip screwdriver. Never fried anything.
Guess I'm lucky OR everyone else is just too paranoid.
Guess I'm lucky OR everyone else is just too paranoid.
Nic
Posts: 1,519 +1
Taking precautions is good so don't worry if some (self included) feel they are excessive. You can never be too safe. Some components are easier to damage than others, so if it makes you more comfortable to use an anti-static mat, then do it. Many of us here are just too lazy and try to get away with the bare minimum precautions. We've been lucky so far and will probably continue to work the way we do. With all those carpets in your house you certainly need to be carefull, especially if you tend to drag your feet when you walk :=).
wicka_wicka
Posts: 107 +2
Originally posted by ---agissi---
I dont use any 'protection' at all
Haha dude, words to live by
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