Does anyone have any good anti-static wrist straps to recommend? I just realized that ESD may have been what killed my graphics cards previously, and I want to avoid that the next time I muck around inside.

Hmm, just ground yourself next time. I have been fiddling with my PC without an anti static band.

I used to do that, but I went Googling and realized that grounding yourself still carries a risk.
By the way, when you say ground yourself, do you mean rubbing arms with the casing, or just merely touching it with hands/fingers?

I've been tinkering with PC's for about 5 years now including building two and i've never used one of those straps. Seriously just leave the PSU plugged in but switched off and touch the case. Job done.

Take your pick . . . =)
I wear one when working on someone's system, on my own I ground myself before going in each time . . . I guess I have been lucky so far . . . * grounds on wood * . . . opps
Edit: I do like the kind with the snap connection . . easy to pull a box off the bench without that precaution.

Do I need to rub the entire surface area of my arms, or just touch the case with my fingers? I used to ground by rubbing my arms, but I never verified if that was ever the right thing to do lol.
I searched through Amazon just now, but I don't know how to tell one from the other, based on the price differences. They all look the same to me, so I'm interested to know if there's any way to tell whether one is better than the other or not in terms of quality.

I'm sure your local hardware emporium will have some you can pick up.

I have used several brands and found them all to be cheaply made. So much so that none stand out as the "best". I like the ones with the velcro band and the snap for quick release. Forgetting you have it on is the biggest negative since turning to walk away will pull a laptop to the floor . . . even with the snap release on occasion. I would check with a local supplier since the availability of any one brand will vary with location.
I firmly grasp the metal case with my hands before entering the case . . . it has served me well but I won't risk it on someone else's box . . just stay mindful that you are "attached" . . . =)
Edit : If going in with a card / etc . . . I touch the mounting plate to the case as well . . . even if I have a strap on. NOT THE EDGE CONNECTOR . . . =)

You just need to touch your finger to grounded metal thats all. If you have any static build-up it will be discharged. Also wearing sensible clothes is recommended. No fleeces or anything with polyester or nylon.

Whenever I ground myself, I have the power cable plugged in (switched off at the wall, of course), and tend to lay a hand on my PSU and the other on the side of the case.
You're supposed to do this everytime you move, though. So I've read in one of my motherboard manuals. I've built three complete systems over five years or so using that method without any trouble.
Not to mention the absurd amount of tinkering.
Would be good to know if these wrist straps are a bit of a myth (hello Y2K bug), as I've seen techies strip PCs with neither the strap or grounding. That's not to say that I don't believe static will destroy hardware.

Cool, thanks for the tips. I'll probably just get a cheap one just to be on the safe side then.

Actually that would probably work and be a lot cheaper. Actually forget the crocodile clips. Just use tinfoil.

And the excess can be used to make stylish and thought protective headwear!
I've been building, rebuilding, recycling and modding PCs for over a decade (I've even worn polyester pants whilst working!!), I've only used a wrist strap once and all it did was restrict my movement. The PSU grounding is all I've needed, hold for a second and let any static discharge over the case and out through the cable.
To put it another way, I expect to recieve $2500 worth of top of the range hardware early next week and I'm sure not going to use a wrist strap

When I ground, do I need to make sure the PSU is on too? I turned off all the power before grounding - and by grounding, I mean unscrewing the side of the casing lol.