The Hammer Method

Numerous sources advise destroying your hard drive with a hammer to keep your information safe. So, will a hammer actually work? The short answer is yes and no. You can’t just give it a few good whacks and call it a day.

First of all, the goal of the hammer method is to make the hard drive unusable. It does not, however, destroy the information from your hard drive. Neither does erasing your recycling bin. The first step to security is to properly destroy that information. There are currently two accepted methods for data destruction: Software [such as “Darik’s Boot and Nuke” (DBAN)] or degaussing.

Software: programs that write code over previous information

  • Allows reuse of the hard drive
  • Verifiable
  • Free programs available

Degaussing: Demagnetizing the hard drive disk that contains information

  • Completely disables hard drive
  • Fast

Both of those methods are generally accepted as the best way to remove your information. Even so, there isn’t any physical evidence that you’ve been successful. Thus we come to the hammer.

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as ALL CAPS RAGING on this little metal box. Inside of that box is a magnetic disk where all of your information is really stored. This disk is the part you actually want to destroy. The rest of the hard drive doesn’t particularly matter. A few dents in the case or even on the disk won’t stop a determined data miner. Realistically, you’ll have to disassemble the hard drive to remove the inner disk for hammering. No matter what you do, you’re going to need a nice chunk of time and some safety equipment to do it properly.

So, does the hammer method work? Yes, if you have the time and patience to do it correctly. Are there other options? Absolutely! The safest and most time effective way to destroy your hard drive is to talk to a professional (ie certified). R2 certified recyclers will typically have several affordable or even no charge options for hard drive disposal available.

About us:

Commonwealth Computer Recycling (CCR) is a R2 and Rios certified e-waste recycler based in Greensburg and Philadelphia PA. CCR currently services the Mid-Atlantic region. As a local leader in e-waste and as a member of the larger recycling community, CCR is proud to do their part in e-waste education and disposal. Please feel free to view both our policies and a white paper article on data security written by our founder below.

Mary Schmidt
Commonwealth Computer Recycling
http://www.ccrcyber.com
MaryS@ccrcyber.com
(814) 634-2230
(800) 349-1379 ext 308
DEP ID WMGR081D034