How should you safely dispose of an old hard drive?
Memories have been a part of human consciousness since the dawn of time. They also serve an evolutionary purpose in that they help us learn from bad experiences and avoid them. They allow us to recall past events and indulge in our nostalgia. With modern technology available, there are many advanced storage options that can be used to preserve memories without putting stress on our brains. Thanks to digital data storage options like hard drives, CDs, and floppy discs that were created in the digital age, it has become much easier to store memories.
However, the rapid advancements in data storage technology have made it more cost-effective and faster to store data. Optical hard drives are rapidly becoming obsolete. It is possible that an older hard drive may still be useful and you would like to replace it with a smaller, lighter and more compact SSD. The compromise of private or sensitive data stored on an old hard disk can result from removing it. This is why it’s important to learn how to safely destroy an old hard disk.
I am an experienced professional who has worked with many different storage devices including optical, solid, and network-based. This guide will help you erase your hard drive.
To destroy a hard disk, you’ll need the following tools
To completely destroy a hard drive, it is necessary that you have the correct tools. You will need the following:
- A Torx screwdriver is needed to remove the casing holding the internal parts together
- A flathead or tapered-end screwdriver such as a guitar pick or metal strip to pry open the case
- Protective eyewear
- A workplace safety knife
- A hammer for smashing the parts
- Alternatively, a nail gun and a drill can be used to puncture the circular platter, the rotating disk that houses the data.
You might not want to skip the flathead screwdriver if you are using an external hard disk drive. This is because it will require cracking open the plastic case in order to destroy it.
The main components are a stack or platter of circular magnetic disks. They are typically made of ceramic or glass and protected with a fine late of steel. Sometimes the platter within a hard drive can be made from aluminum. These are the other parts of the platter:
This spindle rotates the drives like a record on an gramophone.
- An actuator arm which moves but is fixed to one end.
- An arm with a head to read/write data onto the platters.
How to physically erase an old hard disk forever
When you have all the tools you need, you can turn into the Hulk and erase the hard drive permanently. Connect the hard drive to a Windows, Linux PC, Mac, or both to verify that there are no files you wish to delete. If there are, make a backup of your computer. You can also format it with third-party software such DBAN or Disk Utility, if you store highly sensitive data.
You will need to first remove the plastic case from the external hard disk. Next, insert a flathead screwdriver between the perpendicular surfaces. This won’t apply to internal hard drives. The next steps will be identical for both. Next, use a matching head to unscrew the Torx screws at the top.
You can access the internal components by opening the hard drive. All of these components should be removed and the platters must be taken out for destruction. Safety goggles are recommended. Start by scraping the surface with a safety knife cutter, and then smash the platters with your hammer.
You can also use a drill, a nail gun or a saw to make holes in the platter. To ensure data is not recoverable, you can also run the platter through a shredder. While some locations have designated providers that will destroy your hard drives, the experience might not be as pleasant or satisfying as if you did it yourself.
