HDRC UPDATE: Read Write Head Change Tools Review

[pcrecovery]

As a self-proclaimed tool junkie, I would say that the new SD tool is quite heavy and appears to be well designed and of superior construction.

Attachments

[pcimage]

Indeed it is, appears very sturdy. Got mine this morning.

However, I'm struggling to get it to grip two platters in a test Seagate well enough to lift them out.

Maybe I'm doing something wrong, I'll persevere.

[drc]

Aw, how'd you guys get them already? Must be on the secret list.

[thatdellguy]

SD favoritism...

[pcimage]

Still can't get it to work though. Waiting for instructional video, to see if I'm being an idiot or not!

[Russwinters]

I also I have my new SD SP,


I have found it has a pretty significant design flaw.


The 3 tabs that are meant to grip the platters are too thick to fit between the HDA case and the platters.

This isn't a problem on all drives, but all of the new drives that we need this to work on do not work.

Specifically Seagate 7200.11 drives

That being said the tool is wonderful on drives where it does fit. It has a VERY sturdy grip and you can practically throw it in the air while holding platters and not worry about losing alignment, or washers sliding about.

Maybe someone from SD can response regarding the thickness of the grips; it seems like something that would not have been overlooked (seeing as this tool is needed on newer drives that are designed like this)

I am guessing reducing the thickness may significantly reduce it's reliability to grip the platters.

[beto]

well i dont think the tool could solve the "excentricity problems" , after PE or yes?

[N.C.]

well i dont think the tool could solve the "excentricity problems" , after PE or yes?

Keeping the platters together is generally a good idea, and can reduce the eccentricity problem as well, but not a designed tool for this solution...

Janos

[Russwinters]

I believe if it could fit in between the hda case and the platter then you would not likely have problems with eccentricity.


I am guessing eccentricity is caused by the methods being used not putting enough vertical pressure on the stack of platters causing it too loosen ever so slightely, enough to cause the washers to shift even a small amount. On a high density drive like this even one of the washers moving slightely can cause these eccentricity issues.


As I said on the drives that it does work on the grip was very sturdy, including plenty of vertical pressure to hold the washers in place.

[pepe]

These tools are not able to keep the alignment. I don't have them, but I have deep doubts in their principle of operation.
I have my own solution that works with drives with spacers, and on .11 also.

pepe

[aviko]

Ive read all posts in this topic and im so happy that i did that BEFORE purchasing. Now i see that my method wasnt so bad. link is on ace forum in ranikola head exchanger topic. this one is public open and i will not post that link here.

[helpdisc]

yeah right, but that was a topic on Our head exchange tool not about platter exchange...
but stilll metod is cheap but not perfect because it does not solve problem with spacers tuching the platters,
plus metal rings can slide on the platters because they are not fixed, so I describe all the metods used with CPR and Salvation data and this newely published old metod with sticky tape RISKY
The platter exchange tool shoul perform few things.
1. te be able to keap aligment
2. to be able to hold 4 platters
3. to be able to keep spacers tuching the surface of platters
4. to keep rings in the midle so they wound slide.

CPR and salvation do 1, CRP even 2 but 3 and 4 are not supporte by any of those tools.

[HDD Spaz]

CPR? what tools you referring to?

[helpdisc]

hehe I ment HDRC

[continuum]

Has anyone bought and used the Spindle motor replacement tool now that it is ready?

Is it any better than finding a donor and using this? I assume it would be good if you could not find an exact match.

Have they improved the platter exchange tool since the last posts?

Anyone?

[Odiferous]

I also I have my new SD SP,


The 3 tabs that are meant to grip the platters are too thick to fit between the HDA case and the platters.

This is exactly the teething problems we are having with P.Ex - we're having to experiment with all sorts of metal alloys to get the right balance of strength and the perfect level of flexibility with the "fingers"

I cannot conceive of a hand-held device that will do accurate platter transplants across all drives.


Duncan
Retrodata

[hddguy]

I also I have my new SD SP,


The 3 tabs that are meant to grip the platters are too thick to fit between the HDA case and the platters.

This is exactly the teething problems we are having with P.Ex - we're having to experiment with all sorts of metal alloys to get the right balance of strength and the perfect level of flexibility with the "fingers"

I cannot conceive of a hand-held device that will do accurate platter transplants across all drives.


Duncan
Retrodata

You still working on this?

[HDD Spaz]

by the time its finished a platter is something which peoples grand parents used to store data on in the olden days.

It's like sony releasing a HD READY version of a Betamax.

[helpdisc]

our tool that will cover all this problems should be finished soon

[pcimage]

Any idea how soon Nikola?