Anti-static stuff

[Trademark Wahlberg]

I could have looked this up from wiki, for sure, but since I haven't posted anything else before this (I'm new), I decided to give it a try. 

 

So Linus always talks about his anti-static wrist strap and static free workstation (the "mat" he puts on his table) on his build guides. I know what anti-static and static free means, but are those accessories nececcary? Do I have to get one of those static free "mats" so no magical electricity can pierce through my table and ruin my components? Does the anti-static strap control the electricity in me so the components do not get ruined?

 

But for real, I need to know, it bothers my mind! 

[flibberdipper]

No. I rebuilt my netbook on my bed. All is fine with it.

[MegaDave91]

You don't need either of those; just a little bit of common sense. Work preferably on a hard surface (ie not a rug) and periodically ground yourself by touching a piece of metal on or within the case (ie power supply). 

[Jodomcfrodo]

You don't NEED them but it is always safe to have them. I picked up an anti static mat and strap for $10 at radio shack. 

[Clyne]

You don't need a anti static mat, but you should get a anti static strap. Just work in a table with your anti static strap attracted to your case and mobo.

[Trik'Stari]

Touch the mounting screw on the nearest socket to you before beginning work, that's what I always do and it works for me. Although I am a generally sweaty guy and that seems to keep the static down because even though I live in a carpeted house, I never get static shocks.

[NeCrOmAnCiN]

The odds of static messing up ur hardware is sooo low... You would have better odds getting hit by lightning

[KemoKa]

You don't need anything. I work on sensitive electronics in my dusty, staticky bedroom all the time. Both my rigs were built on carpets.Just make sure you aren't wearing socks and that whatever you're working on doesn't conduct electricity. If you aren't sure about your desk then just grab some news/paper and work on that. My desk is made of MDF and steel and I have a chair mat so that sets me up. If you take precautions then you will be fine.

[CaptainRagu]

Ive taken apart two laptops with no precautions and they both work fine. Just avoid carpet, large wooly sweaters and contact with other people walking around the house and youll be fine. Can even constantly ground yourself on metal items regularly while working to avoid build up.

 

That being said, when I start my new build next week ill have a wrist strap on. 10$ is worth being safe with your 2000$ worth of parts.

[TheKDub]

I've rebuilt my laptop and other computers on a carpet plenty of times without grounding myself first and everything still works perfectly.

[rustybucket]

Live on the coast with shag rug, Havn't had any problems yet. First build I was super carefull, floor mat, making sure to touch the case and the psu and whatnot, after that havn't taken any precautions really. Components are fairly hard to kill through accidental static, as long as you dont slide along carpet with socks on you should be good.

[Trademark Wahlberg]

Alrighty then, thanks for the help ppl!