Forget static discharge.

Instead, try running a high capacity lithium ion power bank through a register chip that's wired up incorrectly. 

The breadboard practically melted and I burned a chip-shaped mark in my forefinger before I figured out what was up.

Stupido.

Perhaps a current limited supply might be safer - I don't have one. 

Would measuring the resistance from Vcc to Gnd before applying power have spotted the issue before things melted?  It might, but it would be a PITA having to keep making that measurment after each wiring change.