Why not wear latex gloves? (when assembling)

[Scurvy]

OK so maybe I'm an idiot - ok scratch the maybe part. But I keep reading all these warnings about taking precautions against conducting a static shock to PCB's while assembling/installing by wearing the wrist strap or staying in contact with a "running" device, etc.

I'm wondering, wouldn't a pair of plain latex gloves effectively insulate you from transferring any such electrical charge?? Also, you would never make actual skin contact with you computer's PCB's, so an added benefit is no chance of getting finger oils and sweat on the little golden fingers.

Just wondering.

 

[Evadman]

Most latex gloves are anything but clean. Also, a chargecan form on the surface, and still transmit that charge to whatever you are handling.

 

[DaiShan]

yeah, I bought a grounding strap for like 4 bucks the other day, great little tool, attach it to the inside of the case and strap it on and you don't have to worry about esd's, if you don't want to do that, you can just touch the inside of the case (unpainted metal) to discharge any static, however there is still a chance that you could build up a charge this way.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

There are special ESD safe gloves that you can use. But latex, being an insulator, can build up a charge on the outside quite easily

 

[DaiShan]

never heard of the safe gloves before, how thick are they, and do they still allow you a good deal of mobility and dexterity (enough to pick up a screw?) I only ask because sometimes my grounding strab cable is in the way, and sometimes it pops off of whatever I have it clamped too and since it is on a spring type thing it could potentially damage a piece of hardware.