Puppy Linux Discussion Forum

Bligh · Joined: 08 Jan 2006 Posts: 454 Location: California

I like Daves tool above, but if you want to re-use the drive, it doesn't work well.
Cheers

pemasu · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5169 Location: Finland

Dave_G method is good one. I used it when I removed hdd`s from about 30 comps before they went to some recycling site.

It didnt take long, before the metal disk inside was something else as circular, flat plate. The covers dont protect from sledgehammer. And the job was done in 15 minutes. I can recommend. The pins were smashed all together also.

And you dont recognize the hdd as hdd after hammering.... instantly.
Security by obscurity....great disguise.

PANZERKOPF · Joined: 16 Dec 2009 Posts: 249 Location: Earth

Flash · Posted: Wed 14 Sep 2011, 16:41 Post subject:

But a sledgehammer also destroys those wonderfully strong magnets inside. Sad

pemasu · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5169 Location: Finland

That is true. I once got so strong one, that when I used it in our refrigerator door, it was impossible to get it off straight. Only way was to slide it to the edge or use the paper under it for swerving.

Sylvander · Posted: Wed 14 Sep 2011, 17:08 Post subject:

Small strong magnets are very useful for finding plasterboard nails in stud-partition walls. Very Happy

Dave_G · Joined: 21 Jul 2011 Posts: 459

Those same small magnets are also great for finding needles in haystacks Laughing

Seriously though, you are of course right Flash, mechanical shock and magnets don't mix.

The hammer method is good if you no longer want/need a hard drive and want
to make sure that the data on it is not retrievable before disposing of it.
On the other hand if you want to reuse it (for yourself) a simply format will suffice.

By the way, those strong little magnets are made from Neodymium.
Here is an interesting link on how to get them and other uses for them.
http://www.dansdata.com/magnets.htm

Dave.