Tech & Auto
10 Genius Uses For Your Computer's Old Hard Drive
By CASSIDY WARD
Portable Drive
If your old PC or laptop hard drive still works properly, you can convert it into a portable drive by removing it from its casing and putting it into a new shell.
First, figure out the hard drive's size — usually 2.5 or 3.5 inches — then remove the peripheral hardware such as brackets and screws before slipping it inside its new shell.
Desktop Sander
While some old hard drives can't hold files anymore, they still have moving parts you can use, like turning them into a desktop rotary sanding tool.
You can do this by opening up a hard drive with ceramic platters and exposing its inner components. Then, wire up a speed controller and attach sandpaper to the platter.
Knife Block
Turning your old hard drive into a magnetic knife block is a simple project. The powerful neodymium magnets inside can hold your cutlery on the knife block.
Once you remove the magnets, they can be glued to the wood or screwed in using the housing from the hard drive. However, you may need to use multiple hard drives for magnets.
Storage Server
Rather than a portable drive, you can use an old hard drive as a network attached storage server for wireless access. You will need a router and a NAS adapter.
Plug in the adapter and connect the hard drive to its USB port. Attach the adapter to the router with an ethernet cable, and set up login and password credentials on your computer.
Cyberpunk Clock
You can transform your old hard drive into a unique clock. Start by removing the actuator and modifying the motor assembly using a vice grip, a hammer, and a drill.
You'll attach a clock movement motor through the hole you drilled. Purchase and follow the instructions of a clock kit to get everything working correctly.