This isn't technical so I put it here...

I'll be shipping some RAM. I have one case that I can ship one module in, but I don't have a second case, and I don't have static bags. Where can I get a static bag or what is a safe way to ship RAM w/o a static bag and case?

Thanks!

fry's electronics sells them i believe. i'll make smash post just in case. he'll know for sure.

Originally posted by HB Tigger Fan
Where can I get a static bag or what is a safe way to ship RAM w/o a static bag and case?

Fry's or CompUSA should sell the anti-static bags you are looking for.

Thank you!

ERrr! Netiher Frys or CompUSA has anti-static bags! Both places went so far as to try to get me to buy more memory so I could use the anti-static bags they came in. I said no thanks.

Are there any other ways to ship RAM? Any ideas?

Well, putting it in a small ziplock bag, then wrapping up the ends of the bag should work as long as you don't let anyone handle it wrong. You could also buy something like a cheep ($5) sound card, then use the bag in that (maybe even use the card) :)

Hummm...

Wrap the ends of the bag in what?

One of the modules has the case it came with, the other one is what I am really worried about. I have small priority mail boxes that I will be using so they will be protected that way.

I would NOT use any type of commercial plastic bag or wrap, as the static from those could fry the module.

If you really need to send it and cannot get an anti-static bag, then you COULD just wrap the module in a couple of paper towels and gently rubber band it so it stays together, then mail it.

But that would be only as a LAST resort.

-Demigod

PS - an old TYVEC 5 1/4 disc sleeve would work ok if you have any really old floppy discs!

I really need to send it, I'm selling them on ebay and they both sold. I didn't think it would have been this hard to get ahold of anti-static bags.

I guess I'll have to do the paper towel method for one of them. ugg.

I'd use major caution about shipping them to Ebay buyers using the paper-towel method, unless you don't mind ending up with negative feedback. At the very least, I'd recommend contacting the buyer and letting him/her know you plan to ship it that way and offer an opportunity to back out or get a refund if the memory ends up being damaged. Honestly, the earlier suggestion of buying some sort of really cheap PC card and taking the anti-static bag from that might be the safest bet here.

I did just do a quick online search for "anti-static bag" and found a whole bunch of online retailers that have them for sale. Unfortunately, most seem to only sell them in large quantities for $50 or more. The time it would take to get them shipped mail order would also probably be too long for an ebay sale.

-Jeff

Yikes! I would only send them that way if it was to a friend or someone that knows me.

Yes, please advise the person you are sending the memory to and ask them if that is ok - they may want to wait for you to get the bags.

-Demigod

Good point Jeff.

I pretty much decided I'd buy some new memory for my new computer (at a different retailer) and then ship the memory in the packaging. I was just irritated at the salespeople for suggesting that as the only way to get anti-static bags.

Now another question.

One of the modules came in a plastic container, but not in a anti-static bag of any kind. Thats how I was going to ship that one, is that acceptable?

Originally posted by HB Tigger Fan
One of the modules came in a plastic container, but not in a anti-static bag of any kind. Thats how I was going to ship that one, is that acceptable? Yes. I've seen many computer components packaged from the factory in those hard plastic containers. They work just fine.

What can I use to safely pad the box? I don't want it to rattle around like crazy. The PO has paper (back side of labels) that they'll give to you but I think it's full of static. They will either be in anti-static bags or the hard plastic cases for protection.

If the memory is already in a case or antistatic bag, then you can use whatever to pad the box. Bubble Wrap is a good one.

-Demigod