Used Computer Hard Drive Parts

[lohring]

I built a small brake dyno with hard drive parts.

Lohring Miller

 

[plipoma]

Save those super-strong magnets!!

I'm into small model stationary steam engines and in addition to all earlier comments about parts, material and fasteners found in old computers, hard drives and printers, there is a multitude of various size prmanent magnet stepper motors that make good AC generators that can be driven by small steam engines. The addition of rectifiers they make good DC generators.

 

[peter2uat]

All you need to do to destroy the data on the disk is to go over each one with a good strong magnet. Frankly, just opening up the case and letting dust settle on everything will destroy it for all purposes other than international espionage.

we had a big open transformer to do such deleting in our service - don't know who brought that in, but the disks were perfectly readable after "deleting" with this device, so I don't know

 

[SailplaneDriver]

Anyone have any success removing the magnets from the brackets without breaking the magnet? The ones I've tried to remove must have one heck of an adhesive because I can't get them to budge.

 

[SailplaneDriver]

if you use a government approved wiping program you can bet the govenment can still read it!

Most of us don't lead interesting enough lives for people to go to the effort of recovering data from our disposed of hard drives. Smashing the drive or drilling holes through them is more than enough to stymie most data recovery. For you criminals and terrorists out there with data they don't want the government to ever recover, here are the recommended methods:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-destroy-a-hard-drive-permanently/

 

[BaronJ]

Anyone have any success removing the magnets from the brackets without breaking the magnet? The ones I've tried to remove must have one heck of an adhesive because I can't get them to budge.

The magnets are usually super glued in place, though I found a few that are not glued at all, simply relying on magnetic attraction and some pips on the surface of the backing plate.

A warning though ! Do not use any heat to try and destroy the super glue ! The magnets will immediately loose their magnetism. Soak in acetone overnight. Even that isn't a sure way to loosen them.

 

[ytrose2]

Apparently, with laptops and tablets in the military, not only are they protected against rough handling and dropping, but there is a target on the back side. That is where you put a bullet through the memory to prevent the enemy extracting data if it falls into their hands.

 

[phred]

I have found that wedging a large non magnetic screwdriver ( the non sparking kind ) between the magnet and a nearby fulcrum will mostly dislodge the magnets from their support brackets without damage.
Overwriting data to a drive using the drive electronics will not guarantee that data is not recoverable if enough time and money is thrown at it.
I ( sometimes successfully ) recover data from failed disk drives as part of my business.

 

[Noitoen]

To remove the magnets, I clamp the assembly in the vise with one jaw on side of the magnet (facing down) and the other on the plate and tighten slowly. It usually slides off. There are usually 2 little dimples on the holding plate to center the magnet.

 

[Misterg]

Anyone have any success removing the magnets from the brackets without breaking the magnet?

I've done a couple by putting one end of the bracket in a vice and bending it back to peel the magnet off. YMMV

 

[Kasual]

Most of us don't lead interesting enough lives for people to go to the effort of recovering data from our disposed of hard drives. Smashing the drive or drilling holes through them is more than enough to stymie most data recovery. For you criminals and terrorists out there with data they don't want the government to ever recover, here are the recommended methods:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-destroy-a-hard-drive-permanently/

When I was tasked with destroying hard drives when in the military, we used thermite grenades.

But now, I poke a couple holes in the case with a drill and drop the drive in a bucket of PURE battery acid. Works a treat and NOBODY is gonna wanna fish em out.

 

[Noitoen]

Every now and then, some sensitive data devices are destroyed in one of our shredders at our recycling plant. They come with some security guys and film and wait until everything comes out in little pieces. This is not very good for the smaller shredders because the pieces of magnets stick everywhere inside and cause some problems.

 

[BaronJ]

Every now and then, some sensitive data devices are destroyed in one of our shredders at our recycling plant. They come with some security guys and film and wait until everything comes out in little pieces. This is not very good for the smaller shredders because the pieces of magnets stick everywhere inside and cause some problems.

An easy way to get rid of those small bits of magnet is to give them a blast with a blowlamp. The heat rapidly destroys the magnetic attraction. The bits will just drop off.

 

[Richard Hed]

An easy way to get rid of those small bits of magnet is to give them a blast with a blowlamp. The heat rapidly destroys the magnetic attraction. The bits will just drop off.

That's what I've been wondering--why not just heat them up to glow temp? that for sure would destroy any info.

 

[Swift752]

Deverett: I'm the guy you offered help to on the Mogens Kilde side lever engine. PLEASE send me the plans! Very grateful. Really need a project these days!! Bob

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