How to Make an Anti-Static Wristband

Static electricity follows the path of least resistance.

Anti-static wristbands are a handy helper to have while working on sensitive electronic components (Reference 1). The wristband diverts the static electricity that naturally builds up in your body from whatever you are touching and grounds you. It works in the same way that a lightening rod grounds your home. The static that would normally exit your body via your fingertips, effectively shorting out the electronic equipment you are working on, is instead attracted to the metal on the wristband, following the path of least resistance down the provided wire and away from your work (Reference 2).

Things You'll Need

• Rubber band
• Small gauge insulated wire
• Wire strippers/cutters
• Alligator clip
• Electrical tape
• Solder and soldering iron

Instructions

1. Strip bare a few inches of the insulated wire to expose the wire beneath.

2. Attach one end of the wire to the rubber band. The wire must have solid contact with your skin in order for the wristband to work. The simplest method is to loop the wire once or twice around the rubber band and then secure it to itself by twisting the end back around itself behind the band.

3. Attach the opposite end of the wire to the alligator clip. Electrical tape works well, or you may solder it if you are versed in the use of a soldering iron. If the clip has a hole in the end, you can slip the end of the wire through the hole and loop it back to secure it. An even more rudimentary idea is to use the clip to attach the loose wire to the surface you are using as a ground, such as the case of the computer you are working on.

4. Place the rubber band on your wrist with the wire pressed firmly to your skin, and ground it using an unpainted portion of the casing of the computer you are working on.

Tips & Warnings

• Inexpensive anti-static wristbands may also be purchased anywhere computer components are sold.

• Touch the computer case before touching any of the components even while wearing a wristband. (Reference 3).

• Don't wear a rubber band that's so tight it limits circulation; find a band that comfortably fits your wrist.

References

• Kitchen Table Computers: Anit-static and Safety Precautions
• Dielectric Characteristics of Materials -- Electrostatic Discharge
• Build-Your-Own-Cheap-Computer:Static Electricity can Damage your Computer

Resources

• Office Safety