I visited my local computer supply store where the have actual tech\'s working on systems instead of just selling whole computers. They told me they serviced more than 4,000 computers per year. None of them were wearing ESD wristbands or using ESD mats. I even tried to purchase a wrist band and a mat so I could safely take my older system appart (in preparation for CompTIA exam)... They don\'t carry the mats or wristbands anymore.

They explained that with \'modern equipment\' it is not necessary to use ESD protection. All you need to do is touch your power supply before you work on your system. I know that comment is true.

I live in a mild climate part of the country where the air is humid all the time and the temperature doesn\'t get extremely cold very often. Summers are Humid and hot, but always humid.

Were the mats necessary in the past but not so much now? Would you buy from a store where you knew they were not using ESD protection when they service their customers equipment. Anyone have an opinion?

This is the only store close to me that I could buy the equipment I would need to build my own system, I want to know if I should trust them or not.

You can buy ESD wristbands online. I also typically plug in the PSU into a wall-grounded power strip with the power turned off on the strip.

I wouldn\'t worry about the grounding mats, though. Just use some common sense like never work on a computer in a carpeted area, wearing only socks; never wear clothing that is susceptible to gathering static charge.

Do we know the same people? The only difference in "modern equipment" over the older computer components is that the individual component prices have dropped. If server memory modules were still $10,000, they\'d use wrist straps at every turn. Physics haven\'t changed, and static discharge will still damage electronic components - regardless of age.



Touching a piece of exposed metal on a computer case is a good best practice, even if you\'re already wearing a wrist strap. It\'s only going to protect you temporarily, though. If there\'s a change in your electrical potential after touching the exposed metal, then you are putting your electronics at risk.



You don\'t need to be electrically grounded through a central ground point to minimize ESD, and it\'s a best practice to completely disconnect all connections to electrical sources while you work on your computer. I don\'t want to see anyone accidentally shock themselves!

There\'s an Antistatic Wrist Band included w/ Fellowes Premium 30-Piece Computer Tool Kit (which is a pretty good kit). There\'s also a 55-piece or 100-piece kits, if you\'re looking to get a complete set of tools.

Tool Kit Specs:
30-piece computer tool kit
w/ durable, zippered carrying case
3-claw parts retriever
Reversible action tweezers
#1 Philips screwdriver (long handle)
1/8\" flathead bit
3/16\" flathead screwdriver (long handle)
3/16\" flathead bit
Fully flexible ratchet driver (3-way latch)
Torx driver bits (T8, T10, T15)
PC Adapter bit for ratchet driver
4mm and 6mm (1.4\"inch) slotted bits
#0 and #2 Philips bits
2-in-1 combo nut sockets bit holder
Flashlight with clip
\"AA\" batteries (2)
Antistatic/antishock wrist band
Diagonal wire stripper
Long-nose pliers
Small brush
Spare parts and container
Bonus: surface wipes (4)

First off (since this is my first post)... Thank You, Professor, for an incredible site. I plan on taking the A+ exams within the next few weeks and this site has been an excellent resource.
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My question... While I know these aren\'t needed, what\'s the feeling on wearing gloves during PC work?

I\'m a bit concerned / paranoid regarding oils and sweat. Not that I plan on running a marathon before working on a PC; just would feel more comfortable.

Also, wondering whether or not rubber gloves (with no powder) would be able to help eliminate ESD. I\'ve also seen anti-static gloves and wondered if they made a significant impact. Finally, if gloves are a good / ok idea, any recommendations?

Thanks all.

I am very paranoid about that too, i decided to remove a lot of the oil by scrubbing my hands with soap and brush then drying my hand with a really dry towel and holding them over the blow dry for about a minuet.

Of all of the things you need to worry about, oil probably isn't a concern:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8shVDvMdo4

I know i'm really late on this post but I have never seen it before, But that video of the Motherboard/ power supply being submerged in oil, thats just crazy. I thought we were never supposed to open a psu, they had it open and were handeling it while it was pluged in. Not smart from what i've learned...

Personally, if I took my laptop or PC to a repair shop, and didn't see a single ESD tool for sale, I'd be concerned and ask to see the tech area...

If I found out they company didn't use ESD prevention, I'd be taking my device elsewhere for repair

If you kept going to repair shops until you actually caught a tech using an ESD wristband, you may never find one! Realistically, how many techs really use these things?

Yeah, that hurts!

This bloke should be banned from attempting a mod