Carry an Old Battery in Your Pocket to Stop Static Shocks
Here's a simple tip: keep an old battery (like a small AA/AAA cell) in your jacket pocket and touch it to metal door handles first to reduce annoying static shocks when the season is dry.
Why this works
When you carry a small battery and touch its terminal to a metal surface first, the charge on your body discharges through the battery terminal instead of jumping directly from your hand to the metal, which can prevent the sudden spark that causes the shock.
How to use it safely
- Use a single small cell (AA, AAA, or similar) that you no longer need.
- Hold the battery by the insulated sides so you don't short the terminals with your fingers.
- Touch the metal surface with the battery's terminal before your hand makes contact—this lets the tiny static discharge occur via the battery rather than through you.
- Don't try this with large car batteries or damaged cells; stick to small household cells for safety.
Other quick anti-static tips
- Keep skin and clothing slightly moisturized—dry air increases static buildup.
- Touch a grounded metal object (like a metal railing that contacts the ground) with your bare hand before touching sensitive metal surfaces.
- Wear shoes with less insulating soles when possible to reduce charge buildup.
Final note
This hack is a practical, low-effort trick many people use during dry seasons to avoid the surprise of static shocks—use small, safe cells and handle them carefully.
