Hoovering the inside of a computer

barneysplash

Hello All,

Anyone out there use a hoover to clean the innards of a
really dusty desktop?

Apparently you're not supposed to do it, as it can build
static charge and damage components.

I've done it loads of times, and never had any bother.

Thoughts?

MunsterCycling

If the hoover has a metal pipe then yes I'd be wary of using it insode a machine but plastic hoses are more popular, I have just finished 14 PCs and have another 20 or so to do in the next week or so and all will be sparkling inside when finished.

Krieg

Ive done it a few times, never had any problems. I never let the hoover come into direct contact with any internal components
Not really sure how else you're supposed to clean. I know you can buy the compressed air cans, but surely they run the same risk of static discharge

uberpixie

barneysplash wrote: »

Hello All,

Anyone out there use a hoover to clean the innards of a
really dusty desktop?

Apparently you're not supposed to do it, as it can build
static charge and damage components.

I've done it loads of times, and never had any bother.

Thoughts?

Chap on a while ago that hoovered inside his case and was wondering why his harddrive stopped working straight after doing this... :pac:

Can happen. Would stick with compressed air myself but there ya go.

barneysplash

I try to be careful, and use the little brush head attachment
on the hoover when I'm hoovering the inside of a computer.

The next time I have to use a hoover, I think iI'll make
an ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) strap for my hoover.

A nice bit of insulated copper wire from a mains cable
and two bits of tape should do the trick. I'll tape one end
of the copper wire to the end of the hoover nozzle and the other
end to the radiator. Should help.

I have the compressed air cans, but I find that these
can blow dust into very hard to reach places.

I don't like the fact that the can will sometimes eject propellant
on it's own without the air, depending on the angle you hold it at.
This is butane, I think, and goes all over the components.
It evaporates straight away, but it thermally shocks any surface
it comes in contact with i.e. can of lynx under the arm after P.E.
in secondary school ow!:)

Poly

Be very very very careful your Mrs doesn't see you using the hoover!!!

TouchingVirus

I use a nail gun air compressor with the air-gun attachment. Higher pressure than airduster cans, reusable and doesn't cost a fortune

sebastianlieken

MunsterCycling wrote: »

If the hoover has a metal pipe then yes I'd be wary of using it insode a machine but plastic hoses are more popular

'scuse me?? no no no, you're much more likely to build up a static charge with a plastic tube than with a metal tube. that's the magic of static electricity!

and uh yeah, i've recently had a problem, i always hoover the innards of my pc. recently I physically saw and heard the jolt from the <plastic tubed> hoover to my motherboard. had to replace it.

if you do wanna keep hoovering (as i still do) turn off pc, leave it plugged in (earthed), hold the hoover by the nozzle part, and keep your other hand on the metal case. that should do ya.

cherryghost

Kids - Can of compressed air and Anti-static wristbands, for the love of god! You can take the chance, but it's your own fault if your PC breaks down

Lu Tze

For the cost of the cans of compressed air you would be better off getting a little compressor

barneysplash

cherryghost wrote: »

Kids - Can of compressed air and Anti-static wristbands, for the love of god! You can take the chance, but it's your own fault if your PC breaks down

So you say no using a hoover at all?

I use an anti-static wristband, and an anti-static mat when I'm
working on any computer. They are a basic requirement, should
have mentioned it in my original post.

ressem

You can get ESD vacuums for about 300 quid, with fairly fine static dissipative nozzels.

http://www.cleaner-systems.co.uk/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=34&gclid=CPqByMDx7aICFR4B4wodxjuFbA

PogMoThoin

Lu Tze wrote: »

For the cost of the cans of compressed air you would be better off getting a little compressor

Thing is, air contains water (especially in this damp wet country). You have a bleed hole in the bottom of a compressor tank for You to let out the water, You'd be suprised how quickly it builds up too. Cans of air contain alcohol which evaporates instantly being the best option.

Solitaire

ressem wrote: »

You can get ESD vacuums for about 300 quid, with fairly fine static dissipative nozzels.

http://www.cleaner-systems.co.uk/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=34&gclid=CPqByMDx7aICFR4B4wodxjuFbA

Only the cleanroom-certified models are that pricey, the portable anti-ESD models are €150 and up

gu10

I like the sound of the fan when you put the hoover on it

I used to have a fan with blue LEDs in it and it would light up if i put the hoover on it

gu10

gu10 wrote: »

I like the sound of the fan when you put the hoover on it

I used to have a fan with blue LEDs in it and it would light up if i put the hoover on it

Lol, i was only doing that the other day with my golden orb, Hit some top speed with the hoover, and the LEDs lighting.

Ah come on lads, no need for ESD vacuums and the such, hoovering gently around without whacking anything and there's a very small chance anything detrimental will happen.

Terry

Sorry to bump this, but does anyone know where I can buy cans of compressed air on-line?

Groinshot

Terry wrote: »

Sorry to bump this, but does anyone know where I can buy cans of compressed air on-line?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=compressed+air&x=0&y=0
that wasn't difficult. it's just as cheap to buy it in shops here though.

Flaccus

Which shops sell them here ?

Maplins and PC World charge up to 23 euro for a small can of compressed air!!!! The PC World ones are also crap. Very little pressure and run out quickly.

Though lately Maplins have a sale on and are doing a jumbo can for 22. Buy 1 get 1 Free. Still a rip.

Shiminay

I *think* Viking Direct have them...

Edit - found it

€15.99 a pop though, down to €14.99 if you order 5 or more.

There's also a smaller one (200ml can) but it's only €2 cheaper a can.

wait4me

Tesco (the bigger stores only I think) stock cans of compressed air. I got one recently in Maynooth- €5.99 (once again - I think!).

Gunmonkey

I got a can for €6 in Tesco Tullamore, though its quite a big store so maybe not in every one.

Groinshot

Right click on dawson street have them for 7 euro (I think)

Tea_Bag

where can you get an air compressor for cheap online?

slave1

When Im getting stuff from Kenable, I generally get one of these, need 'em for the PJ

Funkiwi75

€6.90 at IT Direct

Sasquatch76

A little OT, but I use a rocket blower myself. Not as powerful naturally, but never runs out! Avaliable from any camera store.