Platter Exchange Tool

[Layoric]

Hi all,

I have a small business doing data recovery. Logical, a few hardware. The one thing I'd like to get into is when multiple platter moves is necessary (with and without spacers).

I've been in contact with Jesse at Salvation Data about their HD HPE Pro package. Also read here about their tools. Some say it works, others that it is only good on single platter drives (which would be rather pointless to me). The only other tool I've seen is the HDRC stuff. But that website is very hard to decipher as to the actual differences of the tools.

Could I get a few responses as to the actual effectiveness of the Salvation Data tools? Also perhaps a recommendation to which HDRC stuff (if any) should be purchased for moving platters?

I'm of course open to another recommendation if one is presented!

Thanks a bunch,

Layoric

[pcimage]

I have both.

Salvation tools are good for drives with no platter guards up to two platters.

HDRC tool seems a load of crap to me, even on practice drives, the platters slip out.

In the manufacture of it (well, at least mine) the back two "fingers" that grip the platter are OK but there is a tiny gap between the platters and the front "finger" so the platters slip. Maybe I just got a duff one.

However I have devised alternative methods for swapping awkward platters (e.g. the 7200.10 Seagate with platter guards I've just done which is now imaging perfectly)

Sean

[Russwinters]

I use the Salvation data tool; and it works well on single and double platter drives; you may be able to get them to hold 3 platters, but with the guards it isn't likely. Either way; with areal density increasing like it is the amount of platters you are seeing is going down in all but the largest drives (1TB and above)

750GB and below will all be 2 or less platters soon.

[HDD Spaz]

I use the Salvation data tool; and it works well on single and double platter drives; you may be able to get them to hold 3 platters, but with the guards it isn't likely. Either way; with areal density increasing like it is the amount of platters you are seeing is going down in all but the largest drives (1TB and above)

750GB and below will all be 2 or less platters soon.

But what about the 1 , 2, 3 TB drives with more than 2 platters? I think it would be best to come up with a future proof solution.

[hddguy]

Personally I think your better off developing your own tools for the job. Thats what I have done, and works 100%. Cant say the same for commercially availabel products like the salvation data tool

[HDD Spaz]

I have both.

Salvation tools are good for drives with no platter guards up to two platters.

HDRC tool seems a load of crap to me, even on practice drives, the platters slip out.

In the manufacture of it (well, at least mine) the back two "fingers" that grip the platter are OK but there is a tiny gap between the platters and the front "finger" so the platters slip. Maybe I just got a duff one.

However I have devised alternative methods for swapping awkward platters (e.g. the 7200.10 Seagate with platter guards I've just done which is now imaging perfectly)

Sean

You and Duncan Clarke Seem good friends, did you use his P.E.T.S or whatever its called?

[MANDR]

You and Duncan Clarke Seem good friends, did you use his P.E.T.S or whatever its called?

Dont you mean is he his PET? lol

[Layoric]

So is there no off-the-shelf tool which is recommended?

Thanks again -

Layoric

[pcimage]

You and Duncan Clarke Seem good friends, did you use his P.E.T.S or whatever its called?

Dont you mean is he his PET? lol

Ha! ha!

Very good boys!

Nope, I didn't use Duncans tool. I manufactured my own method!

Woof woof! There's a good boy!

[Daisy Woo]

I have the HDRC tool and I have to agree with Sean. The tool is fine for single platter, but you can do these without any tools. The platters tend to move around freely. I think with a bit more design on this they may have a workable tool. For example, if the fingers were hard anodised to decrease the diameter and smooth the finish, but I still think there will be problems with movement and eventually they will break off.

When I got mine, I got a packet of Finger Bobs. I have a feeling these are supposed to slip over the fingers to provide extra grip, but I havent tried. If anyone from HDRC is reading this post, please provide some answers - pretty please


Daiwoo

[HDD Spaz]

you get the new tool designed for multiple platters. I think they call it the premium version? its about 850 usd. also a video on the website. He says it makes platter swaps simple : )

[friendlyface]

I have the HDRC tool and I have to agree with Sean. The tool is fine for single platter, but you can do these without any tools. The platters tend to move around freely. I think with a bit more design on this they may have a workable tool. For example, if the fingers were hard anodised to decrease the diameter and smooth the finish, but I still think there will be problems with movement and eventually they will break off.

When I got mine, I got a packet of Finger Bobs. I have a feeling these are supposed to slip over the fingers to provide extra grip, but I havent tried. If anyone from HDRC is reading this post, please provide some answers - pretty please


Daiwoo

Daiwoo, The 'Finger Bobs' are Antistatic Finger Cots... We find they are much easier to work with than gloves, with these you only need to wear them on the fingers you are using if you wish, I recommend using them on all fingers just to be safe. They are disposable too so do not keep re-using them.

you get the new tool designed for multiple platters. I think they call it the premium version? its about 850 usd. also a video on the website. He says it makes platter swaps simple : )

I'm not saying too much here due to the ramifications of anything which could be percieved in the slightest to be advertising at all on these forums. The tool in the video is what I would call a MKI product, this 'Premium Version' is a MK-V. The mechanics of the tool are very different to the original units.

I have only used the prototype and have not seen the final release model yet...

Hope this answers some questions.

[rchadwick]

I have Salvation's tool, and have seen up close HDRC's tool. Salvation's tool works great if you don't have spacers between the platters. If you do, HDRC's tool is the only commercial tool available that even claims it works, although if it does, it won't last long. It's a friction fit, and very iffy at best. Salvation's tool tightens on the platters, and could probably be used hundreds of times.

[superBee]

I am also looking for a platter replacement tool, salvation data does not have any in stock. What would be the alternative way? Would anybody here share their own developed tools/knowledge for a price? Or is there any other company that makes similar tools like Salvation Data.

[rchadwick]

I'd personally wait for stock. A year or so ago, I unsuccessfully played around with piston ring compressors. You could also try part of a large-diameter (Same i.d.as the platters) aluminum pipe, it couldn't be much worse, or different, than the HDRC tool.

[guru]

(tongue in cheek) Do super readers of this forum . I fill mine HDD with water. Freeze it overnight. In the morning I remove the screws and remove the ice block containing the platters. After I exchange into donar unit I use a high temp blowtorch to remove the ice and boil away the water. After this I rub the platters down with a little sand "Just to be sure"

This method didn't work :O( maybe next time will use a solution of hydrogen and peroxide

[pasiz]

(tongue in cheek) Do super readers of this forum . I fill mine HDD with water. Freeze it overnight. In the morning I remove the screws and remove the ice block containing the platters. After I exchange into donar unit I use a high temp blowtorch to remove the ice and boil away the water. After this I rub the platters down with a little sand "Just to be sure"

This method didn't work :O( maybe next time will use a solution of hydrogen and peroxide

Problem addressed... ask Dr. ananasaroa for indian water, that is better for platter changing. It harder when frozen and dry out in fifteen minutes with blowtorch. And he have the KNOWLEDGE too.

[Daisy Woo]

Daiwoo, The 'Finger Bobs' are Antistatic Finger Cots... We find they are much easier to work with than gloves, with these you only need to wear them on the fingers you are using if you wish, I recommend using them on all fingers just to be safe. They are disposable too so do not keep re-using them.

Wrong Answer!!

Nothing quite like being patronized in public.

Believe it or not, we are fully versed in cleanroom and ESD practices, besides, what is the point of providing Anti Static finger bobs, when the removal tool is made mainly from Perspex !!

Did you know that skin particles from the palm of the hand can fall on the platter when turning a screwdriver? So finger bobs are not the answer.

Question 2: How does the HDRC platter removal tool remove platters without them moving ?

If you answer, 'go on our course', I will be looking for a refund from paypal.

[friendlyface]

Daiwoo, The 'Finger Bobs' are Antistatic Finger Cots... We find they are much easier to work with than gloves, with these you only need to wear them on the fingers you are using if you wish, I recommend using them on all fingers just to be safe. They are disposable too so do not keep re-using them.

Wrong Answer!!

Nothing quite like being patronized in public.

Believe it or not, we are fully versed in cleanroom and ESD practices, besides, what is the point of providing Anti Static finger bobs, when the removal tool is made mainly from Perspex !!

Did you know that skin particles from the palm of the hand can fall on the platter when turning a screwdriver? So finger bobs are not the answer.

Question 2: How does the HDRC platter removal tool remove platters without them moving ?

If you answer, 'go on our course', I will be looking for a refund from paypal.

Hi

To answer your questions,

1. Who mentioned wearing the finger cots in the cleanroom? They are simply a free gift with every purchase. Was not my intention to patronize anyone simply to answer your question.

2. Pressure holds the platters in place during the operation provided you don't catch the spindle whilst removing them, the manual also provides information on how to use the tool, although admittedly the pictures are not the best.

You have my email if you have any more questions

Cheers
From Eddie

[coffeebean]

Ah,

I think there are some options, here are two.

you can try to bribe doomer with some coins - maybe it needs a lot.

Or you can make everything yourself - actually just some cheap devices,
tweezers and soft hands can do just about anything.