Erasing dead external hard drive before recycling

[Katrina125]

My LaCie 1Tb hard drive has died (tried a few types of connections to my Macbook pro and it's making funny sounds, not showing up in Finder as connected). I'd like to wipe it clean before bringing it to Best Buy for recycling. Any suggestions?

 

[utgotye]

I'd recommend a 12lb sledge, taking it to the rifle range or both.

 

[mjslakeridge]

If it is no longer working, you will probably have to resort to physical means to completely disable it. If you have an electric drill, drill a few holes through it.

 

[Katrina125]

Thanks for the drill suggestion - I have one, although I don't know if it will be strong enough to get through the metal casing. Stay tuned!

 

[mjslakeridge]

If you can't drill through the metal casing, you might try hammering a few nails through it.