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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 05:01 PM
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static charges

how can i stoped by being zaped by static when getting out of my car .. its worse in the winter i know becuse the air is dryer.. but how can i stop this with out draging chains behind me to discharge the energy lol... thanks to all for a great site ..



its never to late to have a happy childhood..
 
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 05:26 PM
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Wrap yourself in foil or wear a suit of chain mail.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 05:26 PM
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I got in the habit of touching everything with a key before touching it with a hand, threw some pretty good arcs... I was welding for a living, so that just made me get more charge built up as well. I touched the glass instead of the body to avoid being zapped, then discharged with the key. Took a little while to remember, but after enough shocks, it sticks... Can't offer much better advice unfortunately. I had been told to use drier sheets in my pockets, but that didn't work for me.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 07:09 PM
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At local gas stations, they have sign warning of static electricity upon leaving your vehicle. To tell you to discharge it before operating the pump.

I have heard horror stories about static electricity and gas stations. With the bolts that leap from my fingers to the truck, i sure remember that upon filling up. I just hope others read the sign when filling up at the same time as me.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 07:23 PM
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spray the seats with Static Guard, you can pick it up at your grocery store, Wallyworld, etc.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 07:26 PM
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i can remember at the old gas stations they had signs that reminded you to shut off the motor for that reason.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 08:09 PM
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Originally Posted by gdawghereiam
i can remember at the old gas stations they had signs that reminded you to shut off the motor for that reason.
I still leave the truck running when I fill up. There's a better chance of a spark at start-up than there is while it is just running.

Just before our Aerostar died, the starter went. On every start (for I dont know how many months (or years?)) it would send a huge spark that would arc all the way to the asphalt or transmission!
 
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Old Dec 1, 2005 | 08:22 PM
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Try touching metal (edge of door) before you slide out of your seat... I find it's that sliding out that builds up the most, and by touching the door first, you don't get zapped.
 
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Old Dec 2, 2005 | 06:56 AM
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Attach chains to the frame of your vehicle that drag on the ground. That's what the old fuel trucks used to do. Actually, there's a different type of product out there that is just rubber strips of some sort. My BIL has a set on his truck because they're supposed to reduce the static charge so that the truck doesn't attract as much dust.

Jason
 
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Old Dec 2, 2005 | 08:01 AM
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If an old fuel truck dragged chains on the ground, wouldnt there be more of a chance that the chains would spark and ignite some fuel fumes? I know its kinda off topic
 
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Old Dec 2, 2005 | 08:57 AM
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thanks for all the replys .. im gonna try the STATIC GUARD.. not much for putting softner sheets in my pockets .. id hate for a beer can to come crashing down on my head lol ... i know it was silly but its been driving me nuts .... russ


its never to late to enjoy a happy childhood ..........
 
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Old Dec 2, 2005 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by preppypyro
If an old fuel truck dragged chains on the ground, wouldnt there be more of a chance that the chains would spark and ignite some fuel fumes? I know its kinda off topic
Yes. Every fuel truck I've seen had a rubber strap sort of thing. I'm pretty sure those straps have metal wires imbedded in them to carry the static charge to ground. The straps were so light they just flapped around when moving. But when the truck slowed down they dragged on the ground and discharge the static.
 
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Old Dec 2, 2005 | 01:54 PM
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The way I do it, is when I get out of my car, I hold some metal part of the car like the handle and tehn stomp my foot on the ground before I get out. The foot takes the zap but since you stomped, you won't feel the zap.

When I approach things, I flick it with my finger tip. This also gets rid of the charge without felling it.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson
 
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Old Dec 2, 2005 | 02:46 PM
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Oldsmobiles were bad about that...
 
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Old Dec 2, 2005 | 03:39 PM
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2 things:

Holding or pushing the door closed by touching the glass may not work because tented glass (any tent) has lead in it and it will transfer the zap!
Static light gas vapors at the gas tank! I peronaly watched this happen at a gas station on a warm summer day!
 
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