2.5HDD enclosure

[hak4fun]

I have quite a few 2.5 SATA drives I have stockpiled, and I would like to create a better system of archiving and a safer one. Currently I just put them in anti-static bags and when I want to put files on them, or take them off. I take them out of the bag and put them on my dock. What I would like to do is find somewhere where I can buy enclosures for them. And not the kind that you slide the HDD in and it has all the electronics built in. I just want something that will keep the drive relatively safe, but allow me to plug in a sata to USB adapter without taking it out

[ShadowCaptain]

there are like 11 billion 2.5" sata enclosures that connect via USB

[hak4fun]

there are like 11 billion 2.5" sata enclosures that connect via USB

Yes there are, but thats not what I want. I simply want a protective case to put them in, but will still allow me to put them in my dock. Just simply a plastic box that allows access to the connectors would do just fine. It just needs to be able to protect the circuitry  so Its not as easily shocked with static.

[ShadowCaptain]

Yes there are, but thats not what I want. I simply want a protective case to put them in, but will still allow me to put them in my dock. Just simply a plastic box that allows access to the connectors would do just fine. It just needs to be able to protect the circuitry  so Its not as easily shocked with static.

 

Oh right I see, hmm never seen anything like that before

[Captain_WD]

~snip~

 

Hey there hak4fun,

 

I don't think you will find an enclosure that gives you access to the SATA and power ports of the drive. On the other hand, there are many enclosures that transfer the SATA port of the drive to a USB port and you can connect it with a simple USB cable rather than with a SATA to USB. This way you should be safer as even if the USB port breaks off, the actual SATA port of the drive would still be safe whereas if something happens directly to the SATA port of the drive because of the cable, you'd be in a bad position and would need to contact a data recovery company. You can also look for larger enclosures for multiple drives and use it as one big storage DAS.

Storing the drives in a ESD bad is not that bad of an idea actually, I'd just be careful not to cause physical damage when putting them in/out of the bag.

 

Captain_WD.

[hak4fun]

 

Hey there hak4fun,

 

I don't think you will find an enclosure that gives you access to the SATA and power ports of the drive. On the other hand, there are many enclosures that transfer the SATA port of the drive to a USB port and you can connect it with a simple USB cable rather than with a SATA to USB. This way you should be safer as even if the USB port breaks off, the actual SATA port of the drive would still be safe whereas if something happens directly to the SATA port of the drive because of the cable, you'd be in a bad position and would need to contact a data recovery company. You can also look for larger enclosures for multiple drives and use it as one big storage DAS.

Storing the drives in a ESD bad is not that bad of an idea actually, I'd just be careful not to cause physical damage when putting them in/out of the bag.

 

Captain_WD.

 

I was hopin! But I did find a 3d design for almost exactly what I was looking for, just had to change it slightly so it should fit my dock. And it should be only a few bucks per case to get them printed by some place like shapeways.

 

The reason I didn't want to just buy an enclosure is its $15-20 per enclosure and I have like 20drives... all full of data that I need to be able to easily access at a moments notice.

[Captain_WD]

~snip~

 

If you do go with the 3D prints, do take photos and post them here, it would be interesting to see it.

You may be able to find enclosures for multiple drives that work over the same USB or other interface. As a WD representative I can't really guide you to one, but I'm sure there are some available on the internet.

 

Captain_WD.

[Patrick3D]

StarTech makes a drive sleeve with a removable end-cap. $2.88 each on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Silicone-Protector-Connector-HDDSLEV25/dp/B002GWF492/ref=sr_1_13?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1446577857&sr=1-13&keywords=2.5%22+hdd+case

[hak4fun]

StarTech makes a drive sleeve with a removable end-cap. $2.88 each on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Silicone-Protector-Connector-HDDSLEV25/dp/B002GWF492/ref=sr_1_13?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1446577857&sr=1-13&keywords=2.5%22+hdd+case

I saw this, but it doesn't really keep the hard drive safe. your still opening up the drive to static shock.