Anti static strap or gloves, or both?

[kenner]

When working on computers, are anti static gloves sufficient protection or do I need to also use the wrist anti static strap?

[saphalline]

I've never heard of anti-static gloves, interesting concept...

Still, I think a wrist-strap alone would be sufficient and preferable. As long as you're kept grounded to your computer, the gloves shouldn't be needed. Besides, I wouldn't want to try any assembly with gloves impeding my hands!

[slim]

I am with saphalline, gloves would be hard to work with.

Myself, I always would use the anti static strap after whilst making sure I am properly grounded to the computer.

Slim

[pentachris]

This is not a recommendation, just my personal experience...

I have never used any sort of anti-static device, and I've opened dozens of computers. I simply hold my hands against the side of the power supply with the power supply plugged in for a few seconds (this should discharge any static electricity I'm carrying), and then unplug the power supply before I touch anything else. It's never come back to bite me yet.

As Budfred would say, caveat emptor...

[Budfred]

I have seen a cordless antistatic wrist strap at MicroCenter that is quite a bit more expensive than the usual wrist strap with the coiled cord you connect to the computer ground. I don't know how it works, but supposedly it does the job and it would allow you a lot more freedom of motion....

[Steve]

Keep in mind that if the computer isn't plugged into a grounded AC outlet you're not grounded by touching the case. If you keep the computer plugged into a surge protector that is off and plugged into the wall outlet, you will be grounded when you touch the case.

[pentachris]

On especially dry days (during the winter and it hasn't rained in a few days, when static electricity is most likely) I'll get a can of Static Guard and spray my pants and shirt with it, and maybe even my work area if it's carpeted, before I start.