How to Destroy a Hard Drive

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There is only one way to really, securely erase your old hard drive.

by Scott Coates

57 Likes

4.9k Views

Step 1 of 9

A typical home computer hard drive can contain your credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and website logins and passwords. This information can remain even if "erased" or reformatted.

Step 2 of 9

When disposing of an old PC, there is really only one way to securely erase the information on the hard drive: You must destroy the magnetic platter inside.

Step 3 of 9

Use a T7 screwdriver to remove as many screws as you can access. You'll probably be able to remove the main circuit board from the enclosure.

Step 4 of 9

You probably won't be able to get the enclosure open with the screwdriver alone. That's where our hammer comes in...

Step 5 of 9

With your eye protection on, repeatedly strike the hard drive on various sides until it starts to open. When open, you want to coax out the round silver platter from inside.

Step 6 of 9

Seriously, BE CAREFUL! Hard drives contain all kinds of parts that can go flying, even if you're hitting it somewhat gently. Older hard drives can even contain glass.

Step 7 of 9

You don't need a lot of force to get the drive open. Several lighter hits are better than fewer heavier swings (and safer, too). You just need it to separate enough so you can peel the top back.

Step 8 of 9

Ding, dent, and scratch this platter. You don't need to swing like an axe murderer, many lighter taps with both the claw and peen of the hammer should destroy the hard drive sufficiently.

Step 9 of 9

When done, box up all components and turn them in at your local electronics recycling center.

You're Done!

Start over

This guide was made by:

Scott Coates

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Leave a Comment

He advised eye protection.

Michael Morris 5 months ago

LOL fair comment! If you wanna swing hammers then go ahead and hit it, however if you wanna put in less effort (and avoid possible eye injury) then sandpaper is the way to go.

Daniel R Mitchell 11 months ago

@Daniel It's about the hammering itself. Huge big swings full of anger to destroy whatever needs to be destroyed. Who would you prefer when it comes to destroying? Hammerman or Sandpaperman?

JohnLee Gain 11 months ago

I was just about to do this guide myself.

Barry Ward 11 months ago

Those Maxtor drives are perhaps the easiest drives I have ever disassembled. (I used to do it every week in my previous job with at least 100 drives). However I NEVER needed a hammer! Once the platters are removed and covered in fingerprints and dust data is 80% destroyed. Damage the surface with a little sand paper and it is totally irretrievable. The hammer idea sucks. Sorry, but it's unnecessary and potentially dangerous.

Daniel R Mitchell 11 months ago

Seems a tad paranoid to me, but that was some good hammerin

shannon b 12 months ago

Hard drive

T7x50mm screwdriver

Hammer

Safety glasses

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