ESD Safe Hand Tools

[Tony R]

So I came across some ESD safe screwdrivers, pliers and other simple hand tools, of course being ESD safe the price was inflated from that of normal tools. But I must ask, are they worth it for a hobbyist, or even industry?

http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-27390-Phillips-Screwdriver-Precision/dp/B001AN16QI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1PPKG0MSNCLXZ&colid=2ZN3HX2L4S0UZ

http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-32790-4-Piece-Plier-Custom/dp/B000T9XVF8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322055264&sr=8-1

[steaky1212]

Tony,
I wouldnt have thought you would need ESD tools. We only have anti-static wristbands and pads at work, but generally if you ground yourself out before touching anything you should be fine.
In fact, when working on hobby stuff at home I dont have any antistatic stuff - just try to ground out.

Saying that, apparently Wiha are a decent make... but I'd save the money for a decent DMM

[Rufus]

So I came across some ESD safe screwdrivers,

What the hell is an ESD safe screwdriver? Ever killed a screw with static?

That said Dave seems to poke everything with a screwdriver, makes me cringe sometimes. For example around 5:20 in the recent Kindle Fire tear down where he pokes the contacts of an FPC he suspects is connected to the battery.

[sonicj]

So I came across some ESD safe screwdrivers,

What the hell is an ESD safe screwdriver? Ever killed a screw with static?

That said Dave seems to poke everything with a screwdriver, makes me cringe sometimes. For example around 5:20 in the recent Kindle Fire tear down where he pokes the contacts of an FPC he suspects is connected to the battery.

ditto! every time i see that screwdriver flying around the screen i'm tempted to forward a set of spudgers to OZ.
-sj

[steaky1212]

Dave mentions about a little plastic screwdriver thing when talking about calibrating one of his new scopes

[don.r]

Ceramic screwdrivers are great for adjusting pots and variable caps as they are both non-inductive and non-conductive. Only a couple of $ on eBay and you don't need more than 1 or 2.

[Tony R]

Saying that, apparently Wiha are a decent make... but I'd save the money for a decent DMM

I already have a Fluke 87, but this is more a general question.

What i am understanding is that they are more of a gimmick, sure they do what they say they will, but does one really need it.

I myself cannot see me buying a set any time soon, but how 'bout in industry? is there a benefit there?

[alm]

I guess there may be a point to removing anything that might create an electrostatic discharge from the bench. One thing I don't understand is ESD-safe tweezers. How can a regular pair of steel tweezers create an ESD?

[nukie]

is antiESD tools a part of ISO certification requirement?

[Zero999]

is antiESD tools a part of ISO certification requirement?

Yes which means all the tools have to be marked as ESD safe and brain dead auditors will pull you up on it if they find non-ESD tools in your toolbox even it shouldn't apply to them.