AntiStatic Straps perished

[johnh]

Going through a box of accumulated stuff

Came across these, there were 10 of the wrist straps, seven had perished

Thought it strange that most had perished but a few had survived

Salvaged the crocodile clips  and the lugs with snaps

[james_s]

I'd have expected the elastic to deteriorate rather than the insulation but I suppose it's down to the composition and storage conditions. Is it possible one of those is older, or was exposed to UV, or ozone?

[james_s]

I have a love/hate relationship with plastic. It can be wonderful stuff, but it can also be a real pain and start decomposing for no apparent reason. It's a real problem with with older cars as trim pieces shrink and get brittle. I had a TDS3000 scope that was in great shape but became super brittle and started crumbling. Nothing I could do about it but eventually found a broken scope with a good housing.

[Halcyon]

I had a TDS3000 scope that was in great shape but became super brittle and started crumbling.

Same thing happens with old white plastic Cisco Aironet access points and the old green Catalyst 10/100 switches.