Do I need a static strap?

[webguy]

Hi.  I am building my first pc.  I have started ordering the parts and am wondering do I need a static strap?  If so do you have any you recommend?  I was looking at this one Vastar ESD Anti-Static Wrist Strap Components, Blue on amazon for $6.00.

 

When watching people on youtube build pcs I rarely see any of them wearing one.

 

Do you use a static strap when you build pcs?

[Aimi]

It's useful if the area you're building at has potential for static buildup (ie carpet flooring). Wrist straps aren't necessary though.

[Dedayog]

3 minutes ago, webguy said:

Hi.  I am building my first pc.  I have started ordering the parts and am wondering do I need a static strap?  If so do you have any you recommend?  I was looking at this one Vastar ESD Anti-Static Wrist Strap Components, Blue on amazon for $6.00.

 

When watching people on youtube build pcs I rarely see any of them wearing one.

 

Do you use a static strap when you build pcs?

Absolutely not.  I just built my Plex server on my carpeted floor in flannel pj pants and in socks.  With a very wooden house (meaning dry).

 

You're fine.  Treat parts with care and go about your biz.

[r2724r16]

6 minutes ago, webguy said:

Do you use a static strap when you build pcs?

No... spend that money on an LED strip or something.

[AirSocial]

8 minutes ago, webguy said:

Hi.  I am building my first pc.  I have started ordering the parts and am wondering do I need a static strap?  If so do you have any you recommend?  I was looking at this one Vastar ESD Anti-Static Wrist Strap Components, Blue on amazon for $6.00.

 

When watching people on youtube build pcs I rarely see any of them wearing one.

 

Do you use a static strap when you build pcs?

Do you NEED it? No. But with anything you are always taking a chance. Youtubers sometimes wear it on their ankle so it dosent distract and get in the way. I bought one first off since its $6 and can make me sure not to worry about it. What you could do is just always touch the inside of your case when building if you are that worried.

[SenKa]

I haven't used one in ages, never killed a system via static (and I build systems almost daily)

[webguy]

Thank you everyone.  I think I will try touching the case from time to time while working on it instead.  How often do I need to do that?  Do I need to have one hand on the case at all times during build?

[hello_there_123]

31 minutes ago, webguy said:

Thank you everyone.  I think I will try touching the case from time to time while working on it instead.  How often do I need to do that?  Do I need to have one hand on the case at all times during build?

1. Every 30 minutes

2. No

[CodeNova]

6 hours ago, webguy said:

Hi.  I am building my first pc.  I have started ordering the parts and am wondering do I need a static strap?  If so do you have any you recommend?  I was looking at this one Vastar ESD Anti-Static Wrist Strap Components, Blue on amazon for $6.00.

 

When watching people on youtube build pcs I rarely see any of them wearing one.

 

Do you use a static strap when you build pcs?

umm.... yeah, buy one and use it. I used to nuke chips all the time with my magic touch. Its well worth 6 bucks. Just make sure you use it right, otherwise just buy a cheap wrist watch and pretend physics isn't real.

wow, I just read that back to myself, guess I am a negative person, pun *zapp*.

 

Edit: The one I stole from work was a DESCO.

Spoiler

 

[Crunchy Dragon]

It's not a 100% requirement, but it's good to have for new people that are really concerned about it.

 

If you just make sure to ground yourself every now and then, it won't be a problem. Also try to avoid handling components via PCB if you can, that will also reduce the risk of something dying.

 

Personally, I used an ESD band once when I built my first rig, never touched it for any other tinkering I've done with any system since, everything works fine.

[Ankerson]

It's not really a NEED.

 

Never used one in the 25 years plus I have been dealing with PC's.

 

However it is good to use one if feel you have to.

[NineEyeRon]

 

5 hours ago, hello_there_123 said:

1. Every 30 minutes

Rather than time I suggest doing after every time you do something that could have built up charge, like walking across carpet.

[webguy]

Thank you everyone.  I think I will not get the static strap and will instead just touch the case every few minutes.  I will be on carpeted floor.  It is better to not wear socks then?  Does the case need to be metal for that to work?  I am getting the cooler master h500.  I think it is metal.  Does the case have to be touching metal or does just touching the case enough?  Thanks.

[Dedayog]

2 hours ago, webguy said:

Thank you everyone.  I think I will not get the static strap and will instead just touch the case every few minutes.  I will be on carpeted floor.  It is better to not wear socks then?  Does the case need to be metal for that to work?  I am getting the cooler master h500.  I think it is metal.  Does the case have to be touching metal or does just touching the case enough?  Thanks.

Socks are fine to wear.  Your case is metal so it's good.  Also, just build.  You'll naturally touch the case as you work in it, bumping it with your hand or arm, it's enough to discharge the tiny buildup.

 

Basically, just build the machine.  Don't living room dance, or rub balloons in your hair while doing so.  Just build

 

 

[webguy]

4 hours ago, jstudrawa said:

Socks are fine to wear.  Your case is metal so it's good.  Also, just build.  You'll naturally touch the case as you work in it, bumping it with your hand or arm, it's enough to discharge the tiny buildup.

 

Basically, just build the machine.  Don't living room dance, or rub balloons in your hair while doing so.  Just build

 

Haha sounds good then.  Thank you.