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Hard drive destruction

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  1. #1
    ThatTubaDude started this thread.
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    Hard drive destruction

    I have about 250 hard drives to destroy would the easiest way that works be to just drill a hole in the top over the platters? I just need it be not readable again ( boards are already removed)



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    spinroch's Avatar
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    That's the best and easiest way to do it
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    ThatTubaDude started this thread.
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    Hard drive destruction

    Just need one drill hole? And thank you very very much

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    EcoSafe's Avatar
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    Buy a bunch of drill bits. Drilling only destroys that part of the disk with the hole. Our military contractor requires requires them to be punched. punching not only puts a hole in them but warps the disk. However some accept that method. a log splitter works great and is not as labor intensive.
    "anyone who thinks scrappin is easy money ain't doin it right!"

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    spinroch's Avatar
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    As olddude says, it depends on the customer. For most customers, a couple of drill holes is fine. Log splitters are great. A stick of dynamite will work, too!

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    Either you'll want a few holes, you'll want to bend the platters, or you'll want to physically shred the drive.

    I've done this with a bench vise and a sledgehammer. Whack the drive into a 90 degree angle. For 250 drives, though, your back may not like you.

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    Mechanic688's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by matador View Post
    Either you'll want a few holes, you'll want to bend the platters, or you'll want to physically shred the drive.

    I've done this with a bench vise and a sledgehammer. Whack the drive into a 90 degree angle. For 250 drives, though, your back may not like you.
    That's where the log splitter comes in, I've heard you can do multiple drives at a time.
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    For all intents & purposes it's enough to remove the board.

    The chances of somebody obtaining a replacement board and actually having it work are almost slim to none.

    If you're doing certified data destruction then you have to step it up a notch and damage / destroy the platters somehow.

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    Remove platters from case (I am assuming you will do this to separate the aluminum). Get a 3/8 bolt or rod six or so inches long. Place rod on anvil (or solid surface). Span platter over 3/8 rod and anvil surface. Whack in center of platter. Repeat 250 times.

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    Watch out for the glass platters...they bite.
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    Scrappah's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by KzScrapper View Post
    Watch out for the glass platters...they bite.
    Good point ! So far, i've only seen them in the 2.5" laptop HDD's

    Makes platter destruction that much easier. One tap with a hammer and the drive is destroyed. If you hear a bunch of broken pieces rattling around inside you killed the drive.

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    i have never had as much as 250 HDs to destroy
    but what i do is use my cordless screwdriver to open up all the screws etc

    i take my time with them cos HD casings are cast aluminium-which has a fair amount of value
    then i remove the platter and give it a few whacks with my hammer-makes it unreadable

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    Could do things the boring way and just take the darn things apart - you'll have discs of aluminum, a bunch of screws, and a hunk of aluminum.

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    Quote Originally Posted by logansryche View Post
    Could do things the boring way and just take the darn things apart - you'll have discs of aluminum, a bunch of screws, and a hunk of aluminum.
    And motors with gold mylar on the back, not all tho.

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    Hard drive destruction

    Sounds like some good target practice. A 30/30 should put a hole through at least 8-10 at a time. Ammo is a little pricey though.....but hey, it's a lot more fun than a drill.

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  29. #16
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    Hard drive destruction

    i have commented in past on this but will repeat a bit of what i said before.

    removing the boards will deter a average person. not a person intent retreaving your data. it is possible to figure out what board belongs there by trial error on known used parts.

    putting holes in platter / cutting them up same issue. granted much more EXPENSIVE advanced required tech but can be read.

    you are actually better using an electromagnet (wipes data) on them followed by an abrasive flap disk or sander (destroys storage paths and removes layer used to store it). storage is like on a cd. inside edge to outside in straight line.

    the absolute best method in my opinion is to melt them. a good oxy / accetelene torch will do it with pacience.

    if they can recover data from slag they deserve what they find.

    my suggestion comes from experiance. i have 13 years as a repair tech and have done data recovery / sent out mangled devices for recovery so know whats possible.

    also i do offer data destruction. melting the platters or complete drive while taking video has been sufficient and results in a intresting and unique coversation piece / paper weight. granted theres still paperwork and record keeping to do reguardless. i have done hospital / millitary hard drives for those of you that are familiar with standards there. melting meets and exceeds dod / nsa (government agency) standards.
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  31. #17
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    Here is best method for destruction.
    HD 3WXL Continuous Duty Hard Drive Degausser New Machine with Free Shipping Case | eBay
    If you are doing it you should be charging for it and this will pay for the machine in no time.

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    I completely dismantle. Then I cut the disc in half. It takes more time . but I try to maximize my profits. But this could change as I get busier. I use to break down printers but I get so many I just take them in as white goods ( my yards category for them). Leaves me more space to hord higher $ material.

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  35. #19
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    If you choose to drill, start from the bottom. Some top plates are stainless and may eat bits up.
    Currently looking for a job in or related to scrap/recycling. Relocation is possible for the right offer.

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  37. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mechanic688 View Post
    And motors with gold mylar on the back, not all tho.
    Heh - I forgot about those.


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