Anti Static Strap, do they Work?

JohnSwift10

I get a static shock every time I leave my car, unless it's raining.

If I manage to get out without getting a shock by leaving the car door open and letting my wife shut the door I get one when I touch my house door handle.

Are these anti static straps any good or are they just a gimmick?

BOWFER

Absolute bunkum, proven to be nonsense many times.

Ditzy_Mitzy

JohnSwift10 said:

I get a static shock every time I leave my car, unless it's raining.

If I manage to get out without getting a shock by leaving the car door open and letting my wife shut the door I get one when I touch my house door handle.

Are these anti static straps any good or are they just a gimmick?

They do work, but only if you fit at least two in conjunction with beaded seat covers, triangular caravan reflectors, funny fingers on the bootlid and your choice of Feu Orange air freshener, toy Garfield or 'Fat Willy's Surf Shack' sticker.  

[Deleted User]

Anti-static straps need to be earthed to discharge hence the ones in labs etc are plugged to a mat which is plugged into a wall socket

AdrianC

Utter gimmick.

When you get out of the car, get a firm hold of bare metal before putting your foot on the ground. That way, you'll discharge any static via your feet, not your finger tip.

And buy better undies, then you won't get charged up.

facade

It is most likely the clothes you wear rubbing on the seat fabric as you slide out.

You can get anti-static fabric sprays, use fabric conditioner on your clothes, or try antistatic footwear- ESD footwear is available from workwear suppliers and is designed to slowly discharge you and prevent damage to electronics.

I'd give the seat a spray first.

The anti-static straps and chains are supposed to discharge any static gathered on the bodywork of the car as it moves through the air, but this won't be your problem.

born_again

AdrianC said:

Utter gimmick.

When you get out of the car, get a firm hold of bare metal before putting your foot on the ground. That way, you'll discharge any static via your feet, not your finger tip.

And buy better undies, then you won't get charged up.

Unless you have rubber soled shoes...

OP needs to look at the cause, which will be something they are wearing that is causing the static build up.