Hard Disk Drive Disassembly

As a summer project, my son and I took apart this old 60GB hard drive which last serviced a PC running Windows98SE in the early 2000's.  Below are the pictures of our exploration.  In addition to several small phillips-head (crosshead) screwdrivers, we also needed a T6 and T9 star wrench.

Note:  Taking apart a hard drive at home like this will ruin it and make it no longer usable.

Step 1, Removing the outer screws

The PCB/Control Board must be removed to access any screws underneath.

First warranty void sticker--T9 screw underneath.

Top is now ready to be removed.

Removal of top Actuator bracket with nickel-plated Neodymium magnet attached to the underside.

Rare earth Neodymium (Nd2FE14B) magnet is very strong.

Actuator has been removed revealing the second magnet and bracket below.

Both magnets removed.

Removal of spindle collar using T6 wrench.

Now the platter can be removed just by lifting it off of the spindle.

Final diagram of parts: