# How much do anti-static wristbands differ? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 19, 2015, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-anti-static-wristbands-differ/737998 "2015-11-19T18:22:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-anti-static-wristbands-differ/737998/1 "2015-11-19T18:22:43Z")
I’m seeing anti-static wristbands for 50USD and others for 5USD. 50USD: [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3FP2RM6112&cm\_re=anti-static\_wrist\_strap-\_-9SIA3FP2RM6112-\_-Product](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3FP2RM6112&cm_re=anti-static_wrist_strap-_-9SIA3FP2RM6112-_-Product) 5USD: [Rosewill RTK-001 Premium Anti-Static Wrist Strap - Newegg.com](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0722KG3244&cm_re=anti-static_wrist_strap-_-99-261-001-_-Product) What gives? Is there such a thing as a premium anti-static wristband? Does it just have a longer cord? Is it just a seller hoping that someone falls for it? Also, when using an AT wristband, I can just turn off the computer, shut off the power supply while leaving it plugged in, put the alligator clip on a bare metal surface and that’ll ground me, right? ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-anti-static-wristbands-differ/737998/2 "2015-11-19T18:56:39Z")
It’s literally just a wristband with a snap that holds bare metal in direct contact with your skin, and a cord with an alligator clip, or a banana clip if you’re using an anti-static mat. I can’t imagine why one would cost $75. I wouldn’t buy a 50 cent one, just because I’d be concerned the alligator clip spring is crap, but a $5 should be perfectly adequate. Back when I worked on satellite components, costing millions, we used cheap straps. You should unplug the PC. Just turning off the power may actually leave parts of the PC powered, depending on which switch you use. But yes, just attach the clip to bare metal, and keep the strap tight enough that the metal button stays firmly on your skin as you move your arm & wrist around. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-anti-static-wristbands-differ/737998/3 "2015-11-19T19:18:03Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > You should unplug the PC. Just turning off the power may actually leave parts of the PC powered, depending on which switch you use. Wouldn’t that compromise the grounding? I turn it off with Windows’ “Shut down” then I flip the PSU’s switch off. Power can still get through? Is a mat worth it if you’ve got a wristband? What are the good brands? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-anti-static-wristbands-differ/737998/4 "2015-11-19T19:19:10Z")
My employer uses ionizers that hang from the ceiling. I’ve always wanted some of those for the house but I’m sure they cost a fortune. If you can even buy those things commercially. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-anti-static-wristbands-differ/737998/5 "2015-11-19T19:26:52Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > Wouldn’t that compromise the grounding? I turn it off with Windows’ “Shut down” then I flip the PSU’s switch off. Power can still get through? > > Is a mat worth it if you’ve got a wristband? What are the good brands? Grounding is a slippery term. You don’t need to be connected to an earth ground to avoid a static discharge. You just need to be at the same potential as the equipment you’re working on. So if you’re grounded to the case, a potential cannot build up between you and the equipment. I wouldn’t bother with a mat, it’s overkill for PC components. I’d work on a table on a smooth floor, not carpet, just to avoid building up a bit of potential as you move your feet around. ---
**Author:** ![Krouget](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b38774/32.png) [@Krouget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krouget)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2015, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-anti-static-wristbands-differ/737998/6 "2015-11-19T20:32:18Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > It’s literally just a wristband with a snap that holds bare metal in direct contact with your skin, and a cord with an alligator clip, or a banana clip if you’re using an anti-static mat. I can’t imagine why one would cost $75. I wouldn’t buy a 50 cent one, just because I’d be concerned the alligator clip spring is crap, but a $5 should be perfectly adequate. I agree and this has been my experience. I wouldn’t get the absolute cheapest one out there (been there, done that), but a relatively solid strap around the $5-15 range does the job. They must have added an extra digit in OP listing or something…I’d sooner just remember to periodically ground myself, than part with that much for a strap.