ESD Wrist Straps and what to buy?

[parum]

I have found a lot of inexpensive wrist straps on ebay but I'm thinking like most things you get what you pay for right so with that in mind I wanted to ask for opinions here such as "What do you use?" and "What are good brand names?". While I'm at it give me some options on static mats and does anyone use ankle straps? Thanks peeps.

[Gecko]

I myself don't use them for working on computers and I spent years in the electronics design and manufacturing industry.
What I do is ground the system case (ground wire with alligator clip) and then I touch a case screw before I touch anything else.
That will safely discharge any static you may have generated, if you move your feet retouch a screw.

Static mats will only work if your shoes and socks are conductive, tennis shoes are not conductive

Warning do not use magnetized screwdrivers, you can inadvertently change the polarization of some small electrical components if you touch them with a magnet!

[parum]

Thanks Gecko but how do you ground with an alligator clip?

[Gecko]

What I have is an old power cord that I cut the two power prongs and wires off, leaving only the ground "D" shaped connector and wire. I soldered an alligator clip to the open end of the ground wire.
So I just plug the cord into an outlet and I attach the clip to the bare metal of the case, inside. Best grounding you can get!

Warning For USA 110 volt standard three prong receptacle, electrical outlet only

[parum]

Sounds like an awesome idea Gecko but just to make sure I've got you right you take a normal everyday pc power cord and on the end that you plug into the wall you cut off the 2 power prongs leaving only the ground. Then on the opposite end where you would normally plug into the back of your pc you cut that end off and solder an alligator clip to the ground wire only. Is this correct or do I need to strip the power wires back a bit? Thanks for the great relpy!

[Gecko]

I would suggest that you remove/cut the power wires at the end you plug into the wall.
That way you only have the one ground wire left to even worry about.