The wristband works by redirecting the static discharge through a cord which then follows an antistatic mat or another grounded conductor to the ground.
Do i need a anti static building mat and wristband.
I wear one on my ankle.
I alwyas build mine on the carpet floor while sitting down and i never use an anti static wristband even though i know i should.
By redirecting the static these wristband devices assist in properly grounding your body balancing out any electrical charge differences between you and electrical parts.
The grounding cable is what connects the anti static mat being used as a work surface to the electrical outlet.
You do not need an anti static mat or wrist strap.
Dude an esd safe mat with a grounding cable and a wristband costs like 30.
It is best to have it plugged up and unplug the power connector off the motherboard.
Unless 30 40 is really gonna cause some problems you might as well own one.
You can buy mat spray and take care of it and use the same one for pretty much the rest of your life.
However having the mat and the wrist strap grounded at the same point does keep them in electrical balance.
The difference between using grounding cables separate for a mat or wrist strap as opposed to a common point ground is primarily ergonomic.
I am very careful though and a perfectionist so i handle each piece.
I am a field tech and have never carried around a mat or strap.
Make sure you have one hand or your forearm touching some metal part of the case while working.
They are normally used along with an antistatic mat that are placed on the working bench.
There s pretty much no reason not to own one.