Questions about Zerostat use

There was a thread recently that recommended pointing the Zerostat away for the release. I've been trying that technique and it's been working well for me. I only do a single side at a time, and only if I notice a static issue. Squeeze slowly and steadily. Release the same way.

Do not point this thing at a cartridge.

Cables can be safe. Try it and see if you hear any difference. Move the nozzle along the surface of the cable at a distance of 6-8" or so while you squeeze. Then listen. I use a Walker Audio Talisman along my cables periodically (but at a closer distance) and I hear a positive difference most times after doing it, more so than I've gotten with the Zerostat. Worth trying.

The small plastic piece is just a protective cover to the best of my knowledge.
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When using the Zerostat on a record, I've had fine success doing it both with the record on the platter and in my hand. Try it both ways and see what's most effective for you. Holding the record in your hand certainly removes the risk of accidentally aiming it at your cartridge, but I've not had a problem using it with the LP on the platter - just being careful not to point the nozzle at the cartridge. Either way, move the nozzle in a circular motion around the surface of the record as you squeeze the trigger.

Follow Larryi's recommendation for the squeeze technique, and keep the nozzle about 6" from the surface. Someone in an earlier thread shared the instructions that came with his Zerostat to point the nozzle away from the record when releasing the trigger. I'd always done it as Larryi describes: keeping it pointed at the LP at all times. Since that thread, I've experimented with pointing it away on the release and that seems to work well.

I think the key factor in all of this is to experiment and find what works consistently for you. FWIW, notwithstanding all the discussion, I find the Walker Audio Talisman to be my tool of choice at this point for each LP play, and the Zerostat stays in the cabinet.
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Goofytwoshoes, if you've been aiming your Zerostat at your catridges all this time and have not had a problem, I'm delighted for you. I've always made a point of not doing this because I've been concerned about the possible impact of such a concentrated charge hitting a delicate set of coils and magnets. No other reason than caution, though.