correct zerostat technique

I've used a Zerostat off and on for years and have always wondered whether sometimes I was adding as much charge as I was eliminating. But, with a record that is clearly static charged, the Zerostat always has reduced the charge. My technique has been to gradually squeeze, then gradually release, the lever while rotating the nozzle across the surface of the LP in a circular pattern. Seems to work. OTOH, I now rely on the Talisman (which gives other audible benefits) and never use the Zerostat.
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S-L-O-W-L-Y squeeze and then S-L-O-W-L-Y release, while aiming the gun at the LP and moving it around to cover the whole surface. If you hear/feel the Zerostat 'clicking', you're squeezing or releasing too fast.

Concur with Xiekitchen, release away from record, also as dougdeacon, slowly press and release, no click. I would think you use it this way because pressing lever is creating one charge, releasing is opposite, both pressing and releasing pointing at record is going back to original state of charge. Perhaps I'm wrong, seems someone here would have definitive answer. I have similar results since RCM, very rarely have to use it anymore.

I agree with Dougdeacon. The instructions that came with the unit I had in the late '70s said exactly that. The idea is to charge the object when pulling the trigger and neutralize that charge with an equal amount of opposite polarity charge when releasing it. The click heard when pulling the trigger too fast is likely a rapid discharge of ions. This would create unequal amounts of charge that normally would occur, resulting in charging the record.

This is a manual, less sophisticated method than the ION Systems ceiling emitters I work with in a cleanroom. Their output alternates between positive and negative ions. The units can be adjusted for output level and frequency of the cycles. Our goal is to discharge a 1kV charged object within 10 seconds at the workbench level and within 30 seconds anywhere in the room. We verify this every 3 months.

I also agree with Sns and Xiekitchen that using a wet vacuum cleaning machine markedly reduces the amount of static build-up on LPs.

Relax, have a Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye and listen to some Dixie Dregs...

I was once told to hold the record in one hand, and the gun in the other while you are grounded with your feet on the floor (not carpet). Supposedly the static goes through your body to the ground. I never tried it as I am lazy and do it slowly as others mentioned.