What is a platter? A round magnetic plate that constitutes part of a hard disk is called as platter. Platter exchanger is the device developed to ensure minimal damage to the platter during a platter exchange. Platter exchangers are for desktops or laptop hard drives. In platter exchanger when the head is jammed as unable to move that time platter exchanger tool is taken in use for replacing platter with the the donor drive. Here donor drive is a type of dummy disk of the original one. The size of the the platters in the Hard disks is the primary determinant of its overall physical dimensions. Hard disks can have one platter, or more up to four depending on the sizes. Each platter consist of two surfaces that are capable of holding data each surface has a read write head. Platters are organized into specific structures to enable the organized storage and retrieval of data. Each platter is broken into tracks-tens of thousands of them-which are tightly-packed concentric circles. These are similar in structure to the annual rings of a tree (but not similar to the grooves in a vinyl record album, which form a connected spiral and not concentric ring). Now the question arise how to use tools? The platter exchanger tool is very easy to use. Platter exchanger tool is much easier to use on laptops than desktop drives, however the way of using the platter exchanger tool is same in both the cases. The outer ring will grip the platters by pressure. The inner ring will steady the spindle motor to make life easier for removing the screws from the spindle to release the platter. There are two visible slots over the centre of tools, these are to enable the use of a screwdriver for unscrewing the spindle screws. The material which is used in both the drives bay and upper portion are Plexiglas, it’s a one piece molding design. Different platter exchanger tools are used for different platters. Benefits of using platter exchanger tool is that it replace the platter safely without crashing the data due to hand or dust particles etc How to use platter exchanger? First thing is to screw the drive into the bottom drive bay. Once the drive is secure prepare the drive by removing the magnet, read write heads, voice coil PCB and any other part which will hinder moving the platters. Make a mental note of where everything comes from so that you can rebuild the drive including any locks or other mechanisms in a normal working order. Now if your platter exchanger is new please make sure the pins are up on the centre ring, sometimes they are stiff and sit at an angle. Make sure they are straight. Carefully lower the upper portion of the tool into position over the lower portion. You will need to use your eyes as a guide whilst aligning the centre ring with the spindle and the outer ring with the platter edges. The motion should be done at 90 degrees. At this point you may notice that the screws are not aligned with the tools slots on the spindle. Remove the tool and move the spindle carefully with your thumb at the centre to turn it. Once the screws are aligned top and bottom then realign your tool. Once the tool is in place very simply press the unit in a downward motion. The outer rings will slide over the edge of the platter. The pressure of the outer ring will grip the platter, the hard drive assembly may be uneven at the bottom under the outer ring. Keep pressing down firmly around the outer ring and secure the device in place. Ensure it is lying flat with the bottom of the drive assembly. The tool will now be holding the platter by the outer edge. Press the central pins down to grip the spindle. You may need to add a little pressure when undoing any screws. Make sure all screws are fully removed from their threads. If the screw is turned just slightly then the platters will not come away when you lift the tool. Try not to drop any screws however the design of the tool will prevent you from damaging the platter by dropping screws or with the screwdriver. Once all screws are removed, double check to make sure the tool is aligned properly with the platter. Lift the upper portion away from the hard drives and lower drive bay and either move the platter out of the way or to your donor. You may grip the tool when lifting or to grip the sides of the upper part of the tool and lift from there.