Anti-static Bags (aka "pink ziplocks")

[Roger Cole]

I've never had a problem with keeping my film holders in ordinary zip-locks from Wal-mart (Hefty Jumbos for my 8x10s) and the San Joaguin Valley is a pretty dry & dusty place (although there are certainly drier and dustier places!) Have you had any experiences that justify the expense of special anti-static bags in your neck of the woods?

I live next door to you (until 1/1/13 that is) in Stanislaus county. Yes, I've had dust issues, a number of times. One thing to keep in mind is that these are actually cheaper unless you are using the super cheap generic 1 mil bags and thicker. I don't use those because they rip. I currently use Ziplock Freezer Gallon bags which average $0.15 each and I don't like to keep more than 2 holders per bag so I end up with a ton of extra bag in my holder cases. The 6x9 bags fit 2 4x5's perfectly, have only 1/2" extra bag on top, are static free, and cost $0.06 each so it's a win win. The only reason I started the thread is that I won't use 1000 of them in 5 years so I hoped to split it with someone.

Pretty much exactly my case, except that I recently went to one holder per gallon size bag and there's even more wasted plastic in the way. I like the locking Riteway holders, but they don't fit in quart ziplocks, and the gallons are way over sized. Plus these are cheaper per bag, and the anti-static properties, well, that may not help but it can't hurt.

[wallrat]

Precisely my thoughts. Even if they were the same price and just as thick and didn't dissipate static, the fit is perfect which actually allows me to fit 1 extra holder in each one of my cases due to less plastic. I just use soft-side lunch pails from target, but they are an exact fit. I can now get 10 holders in each eliminating the plastic from the ziplocks. I'm on the fence as to whether to go 4 mil or 2. I prefer the 4, but I realize the price is higher. I guess it assumes what the budget is of those finally going in on it. I'm ok with the $62 (+ shipping for 500 bags) but I realize others may not be. I'll most likely sell off a hundred or 2 at a slight profit to lower my overall cost (or I may just keep them). The 2 mil is $34 + shipping for 500. $30 isn't a big deal to me but again I realize it may be to others and I'm fine either way. Thanks for everyone's comments and questions. This is a great forum that I enjoy visiting every day!

-Bill

P.S. John, what do you shoot? If you ever want someone to go with you when you go out shooting, ping me I live off 99 and Pelandale in Modesto. I'm moving to Marin county in January though.

[Roger Cole]

That much money isn't a big deal to me either, but part of my mind says "for ZIPLOCKS?? FIVE HUNDRED ZIPLOCKS??"

[wallrat]

I agree which is why I was hoping to get 4 total people. I'll try to sell a couple of "hundred packs" to friends to cut the price in half (i.e. $15 for 100 bags to them)

[Peter Spangenberg]

You might try staticbags.com. Good prices and you can order small numbers or large with a volume discount. On the left side of their home page, just look at the bottom for "pink anti static bags".

[wallrat]

I looked at their site already but thanks (and it took a while as it's a horrible site!) They don't carry 6x9 in the zip-top, only open top and the metallic which won't work. I appreciate the post though.

Also, their prices are the highest I have yet to find. They want > $1.00 / bag! 8 bags is $10.50, 16 is $20!

-Bill

[Peter Spangenberg]

Yeah- I use the "seal top" variety and they are much cheaper. 6x8 is 11.20 for 50 and 9x12 is 13.90 for 50. They stay shut fine but don't have a sliding "zipper". They are the 4 mil pink, not metallic.

[wallrat]

Hm, but they are still ziplock? Usually seal tops require a heat sealer to melt the top closed, i.e. when selling products, etc. My company has a sealer and uses the seal top bags but they are just basically the tubes that are cut and pre-sealed on the bottom. Maybe this side uses non-standard wording. The other bummer is we have to have 6x9, 6x8 is too small for a 4x5 holder. I appreciate the thought though.

-Bill

[Peter Spangenberg]

They are just like plastic bags that seal by sliding your fingers across grooved male/female pieces at the open end. there is a picture if you click on the "Pink anti static bags" entry at the bottom of the purple bordered section on the left side of the page. No heat involved.

[Peter Spangenberg]

I just checked my wife's zip lock brand bags in the kitchen, and the seal mechanism is identical. I have seen bags with a white slider that seals the bag, and these don't have that.