How can I fix this hard drive?

[Noo]

Own it for 3 months and this cheap POS broke off today. I am now unable to plug a SATA cable into it securely. Called ADATA to RMA it and they said it's not under warranty (WTF?) because it's physical damage.

 

[lxskllr]

Epoxy the plastic on. If that doesn't work, epoxy a cable directly to it.

 

[Noo]

Epoxy the plastic on. If that doesn't work, epoxy a cable directly to it.

Wouldn't it mess up the connection? And the sata cable fit as loose as a hot dog down the hallway. I don't think it can even make the electrical connection between the drive and cable.

 

[lxskllr]

Wouldn't it mess up the connection?

It shouldn't. Once you play around with it, and get a good solid connection, fill the whole thing with glue. You'll have a permanently attached cable, but it should hold up well. I have a few rigged, solderless repairs that have stood up to heavy field use. Twisted wire, and glue is all they are, and it's functionally better, if not prettier than the low end Chinese stuff.

Edit:
If the cable is loose, shim it with copper wire, or brass shim stock if you're feeling fancy.

 

[Engineer]

Epoxy the plastic on. If that doesn't work, epoxy a cable directly to it.

I would just try a good super glue (like Loctite brand). Put a little along the broken edge and hold the broken piece against the original for a few seconds (turn drive upside down and let it rest on the metal pins to dry).

 

[SKORPI0]

Epoxy the plastic on. If that doesn't work, epoxy a cable directly to it.

Like he posted. This happened to a drive I had. SATA cable had a locking clip which I forgot about when I pulled out the drive. Fixed it with superglue. :hmm:

 

[Noo]

It shouldn't. Once you play around with it, and get a good solid connection, fill the whole thing with glue. You'll have a permanently attached cable, but it should hold up well. I have a few rigged, solderless repairs that have stood up to heavy field use. Twisted wire, and glue is all they are, and it's functionally better, if not prettier than the low end Chinese stuff.

Edit:
If the cable is loose, shim it with copper wire, or brass shim stock if you're feeling fancy.

Is there a specific epoxy glue or type or brand? Where can I pick one up?

 

[lxskllr]

Is there a specific epoxy glue or type or brand? Where can I pick one up?

Nah, whatever you have laying around. You want something that sets solid, but not too brittle. I think I used Barge cement last time, but I can't remember.

 

[Noo]

Mkay, I'll go get some. brb

 

[Noo]

Thanks!

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah I'd just use glue, epoxy or other similar product.

Another option is to cut a sata cable and solder the wires directly. Just make sure you get the right ones... you'll want to use a continuity tester. Make sure the shield covers your whole work area as it will be somewhat out of spec. May need to add a bit of foil to extend the shield over your work area. if you're really anal shield each individual wire as far as you can.

Did that with USB as I had to cut a cable open to inject more power into it for a portable drive that had no power plug. Only 4 wires to work with though so much easier than sata.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Epoxy the plastic on. If that doesn't work, epoxy a cable directly to it.

This. I've lost a couple USB ports that way, and gluing the plastic bits back in there works fine. Although you want to be careful with it afterwards. But for a SATA connection you're unplugging once every couple years? No sweat.

 

[Noo]

Got it fixed and it's working fine now. Thanks all. Oh and ADATA, get bent. I'm not buying anything from them ever again.

Seriously I bough this drive 3 months ago, and this cheap Chinese made plastic stuff they used for the connector is so brittle... On top of that when I called to RMA it, they told me to get bent.