I aim for the spot marked by the red Xs on hard drives.Īlternatively you can use a power drill to make holes, but make sure that you have a way to securely hold the drive, for example, using a vice. Ideally you want to put a nail through the platters of the drive, going all the way through (it's actually not as hard as it sounds). Eye protection - you've only got a maximum of two to start with, so it's silly to take chances!.A block of wood - so you don't nail the drive through your floor (it's preferable to do this outside if you can).Thick gloves - because you're going to be hammering that nail through the drive using the hammer, and hammers seem to be magnetically attracted to thumbs.A thick nail (a 6-inch nail will do fine).A hammer (I use my trusty 32oz 'fine adjustment' hammer).

This method also works great if you just want to destroy drives before you take them to the recycling plant. Not sure how to erase a device? I guarantee you that if you get a big enough hammer and spend enough time hammering, this will work on anything!

Hard drive eraser