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Q: how do i store a hard drive without an anti static bag

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Posted on May 13, 2015 8:46 PM

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Q: how do i store a hard drive without an anti static bag

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  • by Jeff,

    Jeff Jeff May 14, 2015 8:25 AM in response to base5700
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    May 14, 2015 8:25 AM in response to base5700

    Hard drives aren't as easily damaged by incidental contact as one might think.  Obviously, you're not going to scuff around on a carpeted floor and then immediately touch the drive.  You could put it into a small paper bag, which wouldn't pose the risk of static buildup and would actually breathe (compared to a plastic bag).  If you're concerned, you could buy a static-sensitive bag for it at a PC store.

  • by JustSomeGuy,

    JustSomeGuy JustSomeGuy May 14, 2015 12:32 PM in response to base5700
    Level 3 (586 points)
    May 14, 2015 12:32 PM in response to base5700

    I've seen people wrap drives in plastic film and tin (well, aluminum) foil.  Don't do that.  I have a pile of drives in a closet with other retro gear that I rummage through and use from time to time.  Some are in anti-static bags, and some are not.  It doesn't really matter, and all continue to work when called upon.

  • by garrettfromboonville,

    garrettfromboonville garrettfromboonville Jun 6, 2015 3:48 PM in response to base5700
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 6, 2015 3:48 PM in response to base5700

    I always use electrostatic bags when transporting any type of exposed electrical components - hard drives, RAM modules, logic boards, etc. It's better to be safe than sorry.

     

    You should be able to easily buy electrostatic bags, but make sure you buy the dark grey ones rather than the pink bags. The pink bags don't really protect from ESD, they just won't cause ESD themselves.