On Tue, 20 Jun 2017 20:16:48 +0100, "Ian Field"
wrote:

diodes would be OK but die mounting and bond wires in some germanium
transistors was well, err - a bit amateurish.

Nowadays; suppliers pack *ANY* components in anti-static bags - it used
to be some sort of clue which bits to handle with care.

There's some unexpected parts on the vulnerable list, so maybe they have
a point.

molded semiconductors can be subjected to pretty much anything that
doesn't break the case.

IC sockets though? Why do they pack them in anti-static bags (Digi-Key)!

They pack *EVERYTHING* in anti static bags - there was a time anti static
bags alerted you to the need for special handling.

All semiconductors need special handling. Usually I just wet my hands
and ground myself. That is plenty. Wet hands cant cause static
electricity. No other passive components need that (as far as I know).
Tubes are safe too.