Destroying data on expired HDD

I have a USB external hard drive that has just failed ... it has backup data on it (some of it personal data). The units light is on but no PC or desktop I have can see the unit. I would like to destroy the data before tossing the unit away. It is a LaCie 500MB unit which I have had for about 5 years and it has a very solid exterior.

What is the best way to destroy the data on it, considering I am having problems accessing it? It is not password protected.

 

use hammer and then dispose pieces responsibly

 

Collect some wood and get some lighter fluid
build a nice fire and toss it in
problem solved

 

Thought of hammer solution, but thing is SOLID (Designed by Porche, no less!). I can not even open it.

Do not like fire solution at all

 

Put it inside your oven on a tray on HIGH heat for at least an hour

 

Then you need a bigger hammer.

Putting a full over-the-top roundhouse on that drive with a 16 or 20-lb. sledge a couple of times should section it out quite nicely.

 

Maybe you could take a drill and drill numerous holes through it.

 

or 'til golden brown.


Sorry I just had to

 

Drilling holes might be fun. Might drop it off a tall building and see what happens...if it doesn't break it, it will surely defrag the drive.

 

THERMITE!!! be careful though

 

closing as we have covered enough ways to destroy an hd. Thank you all