Would a rubber band or bracelet work as an anti static wristband

[cluedude2210]

Title says it all. Would it help at all?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I have never used an Anti static wrist band in over 3 dozen builds. Technically not needed. Static damage is super rare.

 

[cluedude2210]

I have never used an Anti static wrist band in over 3 dozen builds. Technically not needed. Static damage is super rare.

Okay thanks. I’m going to be building on wood on a table and I’m going to ground myself so I should be fine

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Yes you should , I build on a wood table too.

 

[shrapnel_indie]

A rubber band would make a horrible anti-static strap. If you really want one, they can be had for about $10 USD.

That said, static electricity damage isn't as common as some make it sound. In all of my builds, I just take some basic precautions and I'm good.

Don't pet the cat or dog and immediately work on/touch the electronics or PC components.
Don't drag your feet on the carpets.
etc.

I usually try to work where there is no carpet to prevent that part.

Touch the chassis before moving components into it (to bring it to the same level)
Work in an area with decent humidity.

Simple stuff that won't cost you a dime

 

[cpams322]

Anti-static bands are as low as $0.78 USD directly from china on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_sop=15&_nkw=anti-static+strap&rt=nc&LH_BIN=1

Find a seller with feedback above 97% and you're good. Delivery to USA will take 15-30 days after shipment so patience will be needed when ordering from China.

I don't think they are needed most of the time but on a new build I don't take chances.

 

[shrapnel_indie]

Anti-static bands are as low as $0.78 USD directly from china on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_sop=15&_nkw=anti-static+strap&rt=nc&LH_BIN=1

Find a seller with feedback above 97% and you're good. Delivery to USA will take 15-30 days after shipment so patience will be needed when ordering from China.

I don't think they are needed most of the time but on a new build I don't take chances.

The only issue I have with direct from China, without a name brand that is known to be good, is the chance of fakes or flawed units are higher. But, on the premise they are good, it's good to see them so cheap.

Do I think they are really needed? Not if you follow some common sense precautions. While following those precautions isn't bulletproof, it does a lot to knock the odds down considerably.

 

[AlexKichukov]

I bought an anti static wristband just to be on the safe side. Is it a problem if I don't work on a wooden table, though?

 

[cpams322]

I would not work on a full metal table but as long as the top is not made of metal or fabric, I don't see a problem with it.

 

[cpams322]

Anti-static bands are as low as $0.78 USD directly from china on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_sop=15&_nkw=anti-static+strap&rt=nc&LH_BIN=1

Find a seller with feedback above 97% and you're good. Delivery to USA will take 15-30 days after shipment so patience will be needed when ordering from China.

The only issue I have with direct from China, without a name brand that is known to be good, is the chance of fakes or flawed units are higher. But, on the premise they are good, it's good to see them so cheap.

I understand your concern. But as long as there is a 1M Ohm resistor in the band button assembly or inline somewhere on the lead between the button and the alligator clip (most common placement for the cheaper straps), you have an ESD strap that will most likely help to protect your PC from ESD while you're working on it.

NOTE: Checking for continuity from the metal skin contact plate on the back of the strap to the tip of the clip is not how to test an ESD strap. In fact, on a real ESD strap, you will get no continuity from the skin contact metal plate on the back of the strap to the alligator clip. You have to check for 1M ohm resistance, not continuity.

You can find exact instructions on how to test an ESD with a multimeter here...
https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/276280/how-would-i-test-the-continuity-of-an-anti-static-wrist-band

About 2 or 3 weeks ago decided to order a cheap $0.80 strap on ebay from a Chinese seller. Once I get it, I will test it and post results here.

I ordered this one...