I got hard drives and need a screwdriver.

Alright, so I read up in the other thread and wikipedia about how hard drives have these super reflective, first surface mirror-like platters. Knowing this I got some broken Ipod hard drives from eBay (4 for $5!). As soon as I got them, eager to take them apart, I noticed that there were screws, like philips or Torx style, but instead had FIVE sides. I managed to take the cover off with a tiny flathead screw, but that's as far as I got. I tried to force the platter of one of the hard drives out, and it shattered into a thousand pieces. :'(. So I figured that I might as well get the right screwdrivers before continuing on.
I took the cover off of the second hard drive.

As you can see, it's very reflective.

Elmer's glue  

The screw. Specifically the one in the center of the platter.


Relative size comparison.

So, I would like to get these platters out safely. They could be useful for a spyrograph. Where can I get a screwdriver of this shape? Do these even exist?

-Jimmymcjimthejim.

It's the same security torx screwdriver used in many cellphones. You may want to reconsider the use of the platters in a spiro because they are too perfect... Also keep in mind that the platters are glass coated with metal...

Do you have a drill? Slowly and carefully drill the head off of the screw. Use a bit about the size of the 5-pointed star, or just trial and error. Very easy, as long as you never need to use the screw again.

digital_blue said:

You may want to reconsider the use of the platters in a spiro because they are too perfect...

Click to expand...

Too perfect? What do you mean by that?

And how can I identify the size of the screwdriver I need? Is the size based on a measurement?

And I did a quick scan on Ebay and found that they do have the 5 pointed bits, they are just very expensive. (Compared to other bits)

And no, I don't have a drill. But it's on my Christmas list

i would use a flathead screwdriver on it... just get it in a tight spot... worked 4 me

heres a cunning idea... if you can get the disc spinning without taking it apart, glue on a blob of something so it will be out of balance, then mount it loosely to something so it will wobble. i have no idea if it will make a circle, but you never know.

the drill idea might work, and it might shatter it.

Jimmymcjimthejim said:

Too perfect? What do you mean by that?

And how can I identify the size of the screwdriver I need? Is the size based on a measurement?

And I did a quick scan on Ebay and found that they do have the 5 pointed bits, they are just very expensive. (Compared to other bits)

And no, I don't have a drill. But it's on my Christmas list  

Click to expand...

Most hard drives spin at about 5-7K RPMs with a reading head hovering less than 0.1mm over the platter. With that kind of precision, you may not be able to make a spiro with it...

As for the screwdriver, DX sells one used for opening phones IIRC...

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11563
i've spotted a 5 point in there...
not sure if its the right one though.

digital_blue said:

[quote author=Jimmymcjimthejim link=1229040683/0#3 date=1229045369]
Too perfect? What do you mean by that?

And how can I identify the size of the screwdriver I need? Is the size based on a measurement?

And I did a quick scan on Ebay and found that they do have the 5 pointed bits, they are just very expensive. (Compared to other bits)

And no, I don't have a drill. But it's on my Christmas list  

Click to expand...

Most hard drives spin at about 5-7K RPMs with a reading head hovering less than 0.1mm over the platter. With that kind of precision, you may not be able to make a spiro with it...

As for the screwdriver, DX sells one used for opening phones IIRC...[/quote]

By spiro, I meant take the platter off and glue it on to a motor. I'll take a look at DX...

Thanks for the link Sad_Sagi.

it's the handiest solution, use a knife!