Anybody have some 2-inch thick, rubber, harddrive packing foam?

[stringcheeseincident]

I just got a confirmation to RMA my busted Barracuda to Seagate, which I'm happy about because this 120gb drive has been sitting on my desk for the past 3 months. However, in the confirmation email, it says:

Secure each unit in 2-inch thick foam rubber in a corrugated box. Do not use peanuts, bubble wrap or newspaper.

I got this drive used off somebody in the Buy/Sell forum and it didn't come with this foam. The only packing supplies I have are the ones they list not to use. If I go to a local computer shop, will they have some I could possibly ask for? Does anyone on here have some they'd be willing to ship to me if I Paypal'd them for shipping costs?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[John]

Your best best would be to pick up the phone and call some local computer shops to see if they have some hard drive boxes with foam. This will save gas and a lot of time.

 

[marulee]

Originally posted by: stringcheeseincident
I just got a confirmation to RMA my busted Barracuda to Seagate, which I'm happy about because this 120gb drive has been sitting on my desk for the past 3 months. However, in the confirmation email, it says:

Secure each unit in 2-inch thick foam rubber in a corrugated box. Do not use peanuts, bubble wrap or newspaper.

I got this drive used off somebody in the Buy/Sell forum and it didn't come with this foam. The only packing supplies I have are the ones they list not to use. If I go to a local computer shop, will they have some I could possibly ask for? Does anyone on here have some they'd be willing to ship to me if I Paypal'd them for shipping costs?

Any help is appreciated.

I have done the RMA procedure before with many harddisk companies.

You may use any box to protect the harddisk externally. But you do need to use carton box or soft cloth to protect the disk (cut them in a peice to fit them inside!) then wrap them with a tape. RMA will not be so restricted their customer to strictly use 2-inch thick foam rubber in a corrugated box.

 

[Ayah]

I know WD will let you use bubblewrap as long as it's packed in tightly. I've never done a Seagate RMA.
I suggest hitting a local Mom and Pop computer store, they should get their HDs shipped in the foam loaded boxes.

 

[John]

I do a lot of RMA's and always ship my Seagate drives in foam.

You could always order a box w/ foam if you can't find anything locally.

 

[gwag]

hmm in a static bag wrapped up in an old towel?

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: gwag
hmm in a static bag wrapped up in an old towel?

That's actually an effective way to ship a hard drive in my experience. You just have to make sure that you have a good 2" of fabric all the way around the drive in a tightly sealed box. The drive needs to be in an antistatic bag, of course. I've read that a freezer bag can work as a substitute, but I'm not sure I would risk it.

 

[Bill Kunert]

Since they specified what you are to use for packing I don't think I'd go with anything less. If there is something wrong with the drive that could possibly be attributed to shock damage during transit they could very well deny warranty coverage. Ordering a box from them might be the safest way out.

 

[pkme2]

Usually I get my foam from the Ben Franklin's Hobby Craft section. They got foam available in 1" thick layers. I take 3 layers, cut out the middle section, make a sandwich and USPS priority mailer box and off it goes.

 

[Auric]

Hobby shoppe? Boring! Dumpster diving FTW. Perhaps scraps could be scrounged at a local bedding monger.

 

[Continuity28]

You should have gotten an Advanced RMA, much easier. That way they send you the new drive in reusable packaging meterial, you send back your busted drive in the package they sent you within 30 days.

Anyways, follow Seagate's instructions, they listed http://www.wic-store.com/ as a valid supplier of what they want. Get the "Seagate Single Unit Shipping Pack" for $10.00 pus shipping.

Next time do Advanced RMA.

 

[Auric]

Originally posted by: Continuity28
You should have gotten an Advanced RMA, much easier. That way they send you the new drive in reusable packaging meterial, you send back your busted drive in the package they sent you within 30 days.

Anyways, follow Seagate's instructions, they listed http://www.wic-store.com/ as a valid supplier of what they want. Get the "Seagate Single Unit Shipping Pack" for $10.00 pus shipping.

Next time do Advanced RMA.

Indeeed! Or before that, make sure that when buying by mail that it is properly packaged in the first place (hmm, gee, I wonder why it broke?). In any case do keep the packaging that your exchange arrives in and try not to let it go unless getting same in return somehow.

 

[corkyg]

Hard drives are shipped all the time these days by Newegg and others using soft pastic foam containers. These are in turn put into a double box with the second box lined with bubble wrap. These foam boxes are available from anyone who ships or receives hard drives. If you were in Tucson, I'd give you a couple of them.

Foam

As an aside. rubber foam has not been used in many years. It is all plastic foam now.