Anti-static bags. Where you get them?

[dr_ml422]

Ok. Might be trivial, but where do you guys go get any anti-static bags should you need them? Been to google. There's a crazy amount of places listed. Just need a reliable or common source for lack of a better word right now.

[doctorhardware]

Here is a link to Jameco for anti-static bags. hXXp://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ParametricSearchResultsView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&jameco_page=46&dri ll_parents=category_root%24%2460%24%246010&drill_c hildren=60%24%246010%24%24601010&drill_displays=Te st%2C%20Tools%20%26%20Supplies%20%2F%20Tools%20%2F %20Cases%20%26%20Bags

[dr_ml422]

Here is a link to Jameco for anti-static bags. hXXp://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ParametricSearchResultsView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&jameco_page=46&dri ll_parents=category_root%24%2460%24%246010&drill_c hildren=60%24%246010%24%24601010&drill_displays=Te st%2C%20Tools%20%26%20Supplies%20%2F%20Tools%20%2F %20Cases%20%26%20Bags

I'll get on this. Thnx. BTW is it really necessary to use them for storage or just a good precaution?

[doctorhardware]

In past life I was a field service engineer, I have all my motherboards and assorted interface cards in antistatic bags that are not being used. I learned a very valuable lesson always use them. I blew up a very expensive motherboard. So an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[dr_ml422]

i'll get them then I guess. Lots of differing takes on this. Guy at Circuit City said the hd would be ok in a cardboard box. I don't know about that, especially coming from some so called techie or w/e at Circuit City. Lol...

[copyless]

If and when you bag something you also need to make sure that you place inside the bag a dry pack (moisture absorber). This is a very important part of storing.

Your HD will be fine wrapped around one way with bubble wrap ( not enclosed) and placed in the box and put in a ventilated area so the box can breath. If you are going to store in an area such as a dark closet, attic, basement, or such an area that does not have good ventilation or a controlled environment, then again you want to bag it with the dry pack.

Anti Static bags are needed for motherboards, Ram, etc., things that use IC's that are susceptible to very, very low voltage spikes, such as the static from your body. These items also have circuitry that is exposed and bare, so it is easily touched by mistake.

[dr_ml422]

Thnx for this tip copyless. I have the HD totally wrapped in bubble wrap. By one way do you mean just cover the circuit part or wrap the bubble wrap just around the HD width wise and don't completely cover it? I also have it in a box w/other hardware, cables, adapters and stuff that are in closed zip bags, bubble wrap and loose but tied w/twisties also. Should the drive be in a box by itself?

[copyless]

I mean take a piece of bubble wrap 2-3 inches longer than the longest measurement of the HD. Then wrap around the HD with the bubble 1" or so over both edges, tape it in the same direction you wrapped, and leave it like that. This is so the air can circulate through the wrap and keep condensation from building. The extra 1" on each side will act as protection when moving the box around, as long as you are not shipping it, but only moving by hand, since you know your not going to be playing football with it.

The drive should be fine in the same box with your other stuff.

I don't like to store anything in sealed bags without dry packs, again this can cause problems with condensation and corrosion, especially when sealed for a long time in places like I mentioned before. I am sure you have noticed that almost anything you buy that is wrapped has these dry packs sealed in the wrap with the item. The packs do actually serve a purpose, even though alot of people do not believe so.

[doctorhardware]

My question is, if an anti-static bag on a hard drive was not necessary, why do the hard drive manufacturers use them. It is due to that the chips on the drive are also static sensitive, and the board is exposed.

[dr_ml422]

I'll get the bags anyway. Jameco just has 5x7 and 4x6 pink anti-static bags right now. no pic available. I'll call 1st see what they have, shipping costs, and then either pull the trigger by phone or online.

@copyless So basically just cover the exposed board side w/the bubble wrap correct? Or does the enclosed side need cover also? I understand the 1" on each side just not if both sides should be wrapped.

[doctorhardware]

If you have the bubble wrap that is anti static bubble wrap, that would be ok also. The anti static bubble would be pink in color.

[dr_ml422]

If you have the bubble wrap that is anti static bubble wrap, that would be ok also. The anti static bubble would be pink in color.

doc they're so cheap. 10 cost about 42 cents. shipping is where the cost is. $8 ups ground. 10 is more than enough and they only have those sizes. I'll get the 5x7. How many you usually get? Also it's mainly the exposed side that definitely needs protection correct? Or can the other enclosed side be at risk also? Thnx.

Ordered 20 bags. Should be here couple of days. Better to have some xtra anyway.

[dr_ml422]

doc the bags are here. Just put the HD in and close it? Copyless's suggestion seemed practical also about leaving the width open for air. 1st time at this so as trivial as it sounds direction/suggestion is warranted. Thnx.