Zerostat Milty really?

I own a Nagaoka Kilavolt....does anyone recognize this device?

Bought in the mid '80's....it, and a carbon fibre brush work flawlessly...

I tend to agree with whart on static issues. The static is easy to generate but very difficult to kill. After static got generated, they stay on both sides of the record. This is why you still feel the pull or hear the spark after neutralized the static on the top side of the record using anti-static gun. To handle the static issue, you need to get to the sources (can be more than one).  It is difficult to locate the source since like shooting in the dark. it won't be easy for sure. The static on record is generated only when rubbing and record spinning. It is difficult to measure even with right instrument. Fortunately, It is not as complicated as it sounds and can be done.  The "record rubbing and spinning" are the keys. I like to share my experiences of dealing with record static issues here even many people (whart, slaw, voiceofvinly, etc,) have more experiences. Keeping the record, cartridge, and mat as clean at all time. The anti-static sleeve is a cost-effective adds. The goal is to make sure less static on the record before it spins. The record clean process needs to have anti-static in-mind. Based on experiences, the massive amounts of static (like fromunda has) is likely generated by us. The record brush tends to introduce large amounts of static if not grounding well. It tends to brush the dust into the groove. For record cleaning, I prefer wet clean (ultrasonic, record cleaner) and air dry (for last 10% water). I still have few carbon fiber brushes, but not using them anymore. The dust on the record will not have an impact until it gets into the groove. The turntable may contribute the static as well especially the rubber belt drive. Based on experiences, the regular lubrication of bearing and other moving parts (rubbing and spinning) does help.  Grounding the spindle helps better for the metal platter. When record spinning, it brushes the air and accumulate the static over the time. The anti-static guns have a limited effect on this since they only apply before the record spin unless you keeping squeeze it when playing record. The static accumulates on record will affect the cartridge pickup even you do not feel or hear the spark. 

I've tested the Milty and it works best for me if I turn it away from the turntable while squeezing and only point it at the LP during release. I believe that only sends the positive charge in the direction of the LP surface. The next time your hair sticks up, give it a try.

Also, Pfan-stat spray works well.

But, as has been said, I don't believe static is what is pulling the OP's tonearm off its perch!

BTW, I just ordered those Thoriated welding electrodes suggested by @helomech . Only $13 shipped. Belt and suspenders.

https://midwesttungsten.com/2-thoriated-1-16-x-7-red-wt20-tungsten-electrodes-10-pack/