Introduction: External Hard Disk Hack
Had a busted hard disk enclosure? This shows how you can replace the damaged enclosure with a clear plastic book case.
Step 1: Salvage Parts
Salvage working parts from the damaged enclosure. Most important of these are the IDE to USB adapter connected to the hard disk inside and the external power supply (the 3.5" hard disk enclosure variety has this)
My aluminum 3.5" hard disk enclosure fell and had a serious dent that damaged not only the case but the hard disk itself. The disk shown here is an old seagate 20GB hard drive from my wife.
My aluminum 3.5" hard disk enclosure fell and had a serious dent that damaged not only the case but the hard disk itself. The disk shown here is an old seagate 20GB hard drive from my wife.
Step 2: Securing the Components Inside
Use screws to hold the hard disk inside securely. Here I just used the tip of my soldering iron to melt a small hole into the plastic book case for the screws. All cables running inside the case were secured with small green zip ties.
To keep the thing elevated from the table (i guess this helps cool it a little. the hard disk sometimes get too hot), I glued some rubber footing on one side of the case
To keep the thing elevated from the table (i guess this helps cool it a little. the hard disk sometimes get too hot), I glued some rubber footing on one side of the case
Step 3: In Action
Pull out the USB cord and align it at the slot made for it and the external power cord (this slot was melted with a soldering iron tip and trimmed by a cutter. not shown in the picture).
As you can see, the old indicator LEDs are still working.
As you can see, the old indicator LEDs are still working.