How to Securely Erase Hard Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSDs)

Data breaches and identity theft are costly—and often preventable. If you’re planning to sell or dispose of an old hard drive or SSD, it’s critical to ensure your data is gone for good. Simply deleting files or formatting the drive isn’t enough. Let’s walk through how to securely erase harddrives and SSDs using the most effective and reliable methods available today.

The Risk of Not Properly Erasing Drives

A study by Blancco Technology Group revealed a shocking truth: of 200 used hard drives and SSDs purchased online, 67% still contained personal data—and 11% included sensitive company files. These weren’t obscure drives either—they came from everyday platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist.

The lesson is clear: if you’re not taking the right steps to erase your drives, someone else might access your data.

Disassembled hdd (hard disc) with mirror effecrs. Part of computer (pc, laptop)

How to Securely Erase HDDs (Hard Disk Drives)

There are three main ways to safely wipe your hard drive:

1. Software-Based Data Erasure

Tools like Darik’s Boot and Nuke (DBAN) are widely used for HDD wiping. This open-source software runs from a bootable USB or CD and allows you to choose from several industry-standard erasure methods, like DoD 5220.22-M and Gutmann.

Tip: Use an old PC for this process so your main system stays unaffected. Be extra cautious to target only the drive you want to erase.

2. Hardware-Based Drive Wipers

Hardware erasers like the WiebeTech Drive eRazer Ultra offer a faster and simpler alternative. For around $250, you get a dedicated tool that wipes hard drives without the need for a computer.

It’s user-friendly, efficient, and ideal for organizations handling multiple drives.

3. Physical Destruction

When security is the top priority—especially with damaged or non-working drives—physical destruction is the most foolproof method. At WeBuyUsedITEquipment, we use professional-grade shredders, but you can also:

• Open the hard drive

• Remove the platter

• Puncture and bend it using a nail and hammer

Aim for at least three punctures to ensure the data is truly unrecoverable.

How to Wipe SSDs (Solid State Drives)

SSDs store data differently than HDDs, so traditional wiping methods don’t always work. The best approach is to use manufacturer-recommended software such as:

• Samsung Magician

• Corsair SSD Toolbox

• Intel Solid State Toolbox

• SanDisk SSD Dashboard

These tools provide a user-friendly interface to securely erase data without damaging the drive—just make sure you’re erasing the correct one.

Pro Tip: Watch a few tutorials before starting, and always back up your data before any wipe.

If the SSD is defective, physical destruction is again your best option. Since SSDs store data on flash chips, you’ll need to locate and destroy the storage chip directly with a hammer and nail.

Need Help? Let Us Do It for You.

If this sounds time-consuming or risky, you’re not alone. At WeBuyUsedITEquipment, we offer secure, compliant, and eco-friendly solutions for hard drive and SSD disposal. Whether you want us to wipe your drives for resale or shred them for peace of mind, we make it easy.

✔ Free shipping on qualifying devices
✔ Competitive payouts based on market value
✔ Certificate of Data Destruction for compliance with HIPAA, SOX, and more

Ready to sell your used drives?
Fill out the quick form on this page to get a no-obligation quote and secure your data the right way.