For the physical-destruction option there’s only one product available (unless you want to spend a fortune on something like a hammer mill), but fortunately it’s both well-designed and inexpensive. DiskStroyer is a set of hardware tools that lets you both magnetically and physically destroy data on hard drives, leaving behind nothing more than polished metal platters. It’s been carefully thought out and put together, there’s everything you need included, down to safety glasses for when you’re disassembling the drive. It’s had very positive reviews from its users. If you really want to make sure that your data’s gone, this one gets my thumbs-up (and this isn’t a paid endorsement, if only other technical products had this level of thought put into the workflow and usability aspects).

Secure Deletion of Data from Magnetic and Solid-State Memory
Dr. Peter Gutmann, Department of Computer Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand.

I have been building my own PCs for many years and have half a dozen old hard disks sitting around waiting for who knows what? Being careful (for careful – read paranoid) about personal data which could be on them, I didn’t feel comfortable just throwing them away and commercial data destruction is not a cost effective option for private users (at least not in the UK).

I found Diskstroyer mentioned in a forum concerning data security and though I’d give it a try. While all of the tools are easily available and could be purchased separately from other sources, you may as well buy the kit, as it is a very good value. However, the most important part is the instruction leaflet which shows how to take the hard disk apart and then magnetically and physically destroy the platters.

They claim you can destroy a unit in 10 minutes and they are not wrong. It took me under an hour to completely dismantle all 6 hard disks and destroy the data.

Highly recommended!

K Smith London, England.

As an Internet Security specialist, I am especially aware of how easy it is for data to ‘leak’ out of your control. Rendering the disk drive completely inoperable is the only way to ensure your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. So many people give away their old computers to friends, family, non-profit agencies, electronics recycling services, craigslist and more along with data on the drive that could compromise their finances, safety or reputation. Criminals actually specialize in collecting old computers looking for data such as userids, passwords, and other personal data. Even if you take your computer into a recycling center you have no assurance of what happens to the hard-drive.

I found the toolkit and the processes to well fit the task at hand. After I demagnetized, warped and sanded the disk I was sure no one could read the data. And, the tool kit is useful for other handy-man activities. I also like the fact that Diskstroyer offers recycling so the electronics don’t end in a landfill somewhere leaching into the water.
Nice product for those who care about their identity and security.

Gary M., Saratoga, CA

This is a fantastic kit that has been well thought out, as evidenced by the detailed instruction manual with photos. Definitely read the instructions — they are worthy of your time. I was also impressed with the quality of the magnetic bit set / handle that is included in the box.

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Everything went well in TOTALLY destroying two disk drives that were collecting dust on my shelf. I have already referred a couple of IT buddies to Diskstroyer, and my verbal description of the process had them intrigued. None of us had ever thought of warping the platters (which is done as the final step in the destruction process). The aluminum oxide sandpaper is also a nice touch. If you want complete piece of mind that your data will not fall into someone else’s hands, buy this kit. Most of the internals of the hard drive went straight into my recycle bin, as well.


Bryan M., Campbell, CA

I had two old hard disks just sitting in my desk drawer because I really didn’t know what else to do with them. I didn’t want to just toss them in the trash or hand them over to some stranger at a recycling center. So, there they sat in my drawer collecting dust.

I heard about this kit from a friend and bought it directly from their website. It was delivered fast. I actually expected it to be a huge package but was pleasantly surprised at everything it included in that small box! It had a 28 page direction manual that shows every step along with a photo detailing each step and tools including a really useful screwdriver with a bunch of interchangeable tips, pliers, a utility knife and even safety glasses and a few other small tools too.

I don’t usually like to read the user manuals but this one was really easy to follow, especially with pictures that showed each step. I actually was able to easily just follow the written directions and finished the whole process quickly!

The product claims that you can do the whole thing in under 10 minutes. The first disk I destroyed actually took closer to about 15 minutes.. But, once I knew how to do it the second disk was closer to the 10 minutes it claimed.

All in all if you have an old hard disk just sitting around your home or will have some soon (like buying a new computer or if your old disk crashed) I would recommend this kit.

Most definitely read the directions! There are a lot of steps that I wouldn’t have thought about that it covers. Even my techie husband was impressed by them and agrees that this is one case where it really does pay to read and to follow them to the letter.

And, now that my disks are destroyed I have those useful tools I now keep in my desk drawer for other home tasks!

On a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate this a solid 11: 10 points for the kit working so well and the extra point for the multipurpose tools once I was done!

Jeanne P., Campbell, CA

What a great product! I don’t have to keep my old retired PCs in my closet anymore for fear of data theft .

Amy B., San Jose, CA

Deleting information from your computer can be a mysterious, and expensive process, but at www.diskstroyer.com you will see that it can be a simple and pain free experience. You can visit Lawrence Schwarcz’s product and learn about how DiskStroyer can become your hard drive’s hero.

Campbell Express, December 2, 2009