Solved Opening a Maxtor D740X-6L HDD

[Mintos45]

I have a REALLY old HDD and just for the sake of it, I want to open it.
So i took out all the normal screws, and now there are two 6-pointed star shaped screws left, which I don't have the proper screwdriver for (they are torx screws)

Was wondering if anyone here has a way to open torx screws with a phillip-head or flat-head screwdriver, or anyway to open them at all, thanks.

 

[TVeblen]

You might be able to use a flat head screwdriver if it is the same width as the torx head, but that will only work if the screw is "loose". Most of these screws are installed with a "lock-tight" compound on the threads. You normally need some torque to break the small bond and start the screw.

Get a torx set.

 

[Mintos45]

Thanks for the quick reply, thing is, I live in Australia and I can't seem to find a place where they sell torx sets.
Any other ideas? I saw this thing where you freeze it, heat it, freeze it, heat it a couple times then use the flathead... would that work?

 

[TVeblen]

Theoretically - yes.
Practically - you are going to find out for us, aren't you?

You do realize the drive will no longer be usable, right?

 

[Mintos45]

Its old, I ripped it out of my first computer so there's absolutely no way of salvaging it (the old computer died from static electricity)... I'll post back later and see if it works

 

[TVeblen]

I've got an opened 120MB Western Digital drive on my wall. It is art.

 

[Mintos45]

OK, so after I broke 2 nails and a screwdriver, I finally opened it. It seems freezing it for about 20 minutes and then heating it the screw loosened just enough for me to spin the top protecting case around. After a few swings, I got the phillips head and screwed out the torx. VICTORY!

It seems freezing and reheating works a charm
THANK YOU.

 

[Mintos45]

I've got an opened 120MB Western Digital drive on my wall. It is art.

Once you open it you take out the disk and use it as a bathroom mirror.