Anti-Static bag replacement

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

I need to mail out a graphics card tomorrow and i don't have any anti-static bags present that is big enough! What are my options for packaging computer hardware without anit-static bags?

 

[John]

Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy
I need to mail out a graphics card tomorrow and i don't have any anti-static bags present that is big enough! What are my options for packaging computer hardware without anit-static bags?

Visit a local computer shop and ask them for some. Most likely they'll give you a handful of them at no charge.

 

[tfinch2]

there is no other option.

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy
I need to mail out a graphics card tomorrow and i don't have any anti-static bags present that is big enough! What are my options for packaging computer hardware without anit-static bags?

Visit a local computer shop and ask them for some. Most likely they'll give you a handful of them at no charge.

Yup. I offered to pay but they wouldn't accept any money. And they did give me a handful too.:thumbsup:

 

[Midnight]

Another option is aluminum foil, not as good as a static bag but still works.

 

[flexy]

what about these freezer(keep-it-cold/warm)-bags you can get in the grocery store ?

 

[Joony]

Originally posted by: Midnight
Another option is aluminum foil, not as good as a static bag but still works.

not a good idea, aluminum is a conductor...

 

[Mday]

Originally posted by: Joony

Originally posted by: Midnight
Another option is aluminum foil, not as good as a static bag but still works.

not a good idea, aluminum is a conductor...

that's the point...

antistatic bags work by conducting which allows charge to be spread. the only difference is, antistatic bags have large resistances allowing charge to disspate on the bag itself.

there are typically 3 types of bags that can be called antistatic: antistatic interior, antistatic exterior, and both. There is a 4th type that actually acts as a faraday cage, but isnt really a 4th type.

 

[amdguy]

plastic lunch zip bags + al foil

or plastic wrap + foil

 

[flexy]

no.....plastic bags == BAD....you're basically ASKING for a statical discharge (-> damage) by inserting/removing a component in/from a plastic bag.

Then better no bag at all and put it in a plain, fitted cardboard box. (I work at a place where we have to conform to all that ESD (electro statical discharge) rules 🙂

 

[Zepper]

As others have said, a complete wrap with heavy duty aluminum foil will do in a pinch as long as the board doesn't have a battery on it (remove any battery and pack it separately so it won't get shorted out). Works like a metal car body in a lightning (a very strong static discharge) storm which will protect the occupants much better than say a wooden house (see the definition of "Faraday cage" as mentioned above)... Once the foil is all around, there is no problem putting it in a plastic bag also - which I would do as most aluminum foil is relatively fragile.

.bh.

:moon:

 

[MangoTBG]

Great thread