Hard disks are very delicate and sensitive instruments. While certainly it is true that
newer (and especially smaller) drives are less fragile than their older
counterparts, it is also true that all hard disk drives have to be properly handled to
avoid damage. In most cases, handling of drives is something that happens very little
anyway: you get the drive, you install it and you leave it there. So for most people
handling isn't too much of an issue. For those that handle drives a great deal however,
proper handling technique is essential.
The first thing you will notice when you deal with hard disks (and most other computer
components) is that they are always transported in an anti-static bag. This is of
course to prevent the damage that can occur to the hard disk's circuits as a result of electrostatic
discharge or ESD.
|
A "new" (well, actually a few years old, but
unused) hard disk in its original anti-static bag. |
Seagate has actually come up with a neat improvement on the standard anti-static bag
(which has been around for years and years). They call it the SeaShell (ha ha,
good one guys) and instead of being a thin plastic bag, it's a solid plastic clam-shell
case that not only provides ESD protection for the drive, but physically protects it
against shock as well. Instead of being a smoky gray, the SeaShell is clear plastic, so
you can examine the drive without having to open up the package. And these little cases
are also both recyclable and easily reusable. I hope other hard drive makers start using
similar devices.
|
A Seagate "SeaShell", containing
a Cheetah SCSI drive. |
Original image © Seagate Technology
Image used with permission. |
Be sure to ground yourself to a metal object before removing a hard disk from its ESD
protection. Handle the drive as little as possible, and avoid bumping or jarring it if at
all possible. The safest thing to do is to simply get it installed as quickly as possible.
Since the logic board on internal drives is exposed, make sure none of its components
contact anything metallic that could cause a short or a static discharge.
When shipping a hard disk drive, it is essential that you properly package it.
Slapping the unit in a box with loose foam "peanuts" will not cut it for a hard
disk drive. The drive should be properly supported on all sides with solid foam or other
similar padding, and fitted properly in a box of the correct dimensions. Hard drive makers
use boxes with special inserts specifically designed for shipping drives; if possible, it
is best to use these boxes and inserts. When performing warranty exchanges, hard drive
manufacturers will commonly send the replacement drive in one of these packages, and ask
you to return the defective drive to them in the same box. This is the best way to ship a
drive back to a manufacturer for exchange or repair.
Warning: Some companies may
dispute your warranty claim for service or replacement if you ship them a drive that has
been grossly under-packaged.
Next: Hard
Disk Geometry and Low-Level Data Structures
