How to Use the Portable Anti-Static Mat

Written By: Alex Diaz-Kokaisl
  • Comments: 0
How to Use the Portable Anti-Static Mat

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

11

Time Required

1 - 5 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to learn how to use a portable anti-static mat.

Anti-static mats help minimize electrostatic discharge (ESD) when repairing electronic devices. They work in tandem with anti-static wrist straps to equalize the charge between your hand and the device.

Note: the iFixit Portable Anti-Static Mat comes with an anti-static wrist strap.

For more information on ESD, click here.

  1. TFDn4OyPAqjTSCUb
    TFDn4OyPAqjTSCUb
    TdOGZy1VXUtWdDdy
    cWLAmKt3FFK3fhlr

    • Unfold your anti-static mat and spread it out on your work area.

    • Make sure the iFixit logo is facing upward.

  2. d1uAXBPv2lLfQrgo
    d1uAXBPv2lLfQrgo
    aqmfaNCSEHRlW6PQ

    • Place the black grounding wire's connector over one of the mat's grounding nodes.

    • Press down on the connector until you hear a click to secure it to the mat.

  3. DVf4eNZMRj6XNINq
    DVf4eNZMRj6XNINq
    CTHUyMuKThAaQkNc

    • Attach the black grounding wire's clip to a grounded metal surface.

    • To ensure a good grip on the surface, pinch hard on the clip's levers to open the jaws wide.

  4. YVhd5Iw3ypkBAaDa
    YVhd5Iw3ypkBAaDa
    Qx2OFQpPA4hgkXEM

    • Before you put on your anti-static wrist strap, remove any jewelry from your wrist and fingers.

  5. TbbFFBkhwVLE3PUh
    TbbFFBkhwVLE3PUh
    ZjIkKkOoMfgYTQX6

    • The anti-static strap should be adjusted to fit snug on your wrist.

    • Pull up on the looped end of the strap to disengage the plastic lock.

  6. lTlNHmOkOaCgbFa4
    lTlNHmOkOaCgbFa4
    HMFPPXnvyI4VTAFi

    • To tighten the strap, pull the looped end away from the plastic slide.

  7. IXP4SCWLjbaZXYEF
    IXP4SCWLjbaZXYEF
    lZwOfOvKeS62PfXW

    • To loosen the strap, pull the main part of the band away from the plastic slide.

    • Re-engage the plastic lock before continuing.

  8. KZYEQpy4b6S3IkkA
    KZYEQpy4b6S3IkkA
    TKeDYOvLxxZhU4BU

    • Slide the strap over your hand and secure it to your wrist.

    • If the strap is still too loose or tight, you can adjust it while it's on your wrist.

  9. aFkorOdY4F3fNj33
    aFkorOdY4F3fNj33
    mp32MCtuh1JFbRla

    • Disconnect the strap's metal clip from the rest of the blue grounding wire.

  10. RyJSKFIGIqdt2DJN
    RyJSKFIGIqdt2DJN
    lsGZyReRQE3vvesv

    • Insert the tip of the blue grounding wire into one of the black grounding wire's sockets.

  11. punidXVO1PnUOsR2

    • Place your device on the mat.

    • You're now ready for repairs!

    • Throughout the repair, keep the device centered on the mat to minimize ESD.

Conclusion

For other general electronics skills guides, click here.

Author

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 16/01/22

54801 Reputation

0 comments