DiskMantler™ Suite FAQs

What is the DeMAG™ and how does it aid in the disassembly of HHDs?

The DeMAG applies high intensity, multi-pulse electromagnetic forces to demagnetize the neodymium magnets inside each drive, enabling safe handling, clean separation during disassembly, and effortless rare earth magnet recovery. At the same time, 100% of the data on the magnetic hard disk drive is permanently eliminated preventing any form of forensic recovery.

Why should I use both a DiskMantler™ and a DeMAG™ for HDD disassembly?

The DiskMantler and DeMAG are designed to work together to solve two linked challenges: irreversible data destruction and high-value material recovery.

The DeMAG first demagnetizes the powerful neodymium magnets and the magnetic media inside the hard drive, permanently sanitizing the drive of all data and neutralizing residual magnetic fields. If the magnets were left magnetized, these magnets act like a vise, holding the head and actuator assembly together. Demagnetization removes this “magnetic clamp” effect, allowing internal components to separate more easily during disassembly. Demagnetized magnets are also safer to handle and easier to recycle.

Once demagnetized, the DiskMantler mechanically disassembles the drive without shredding, using shock, harmonics, and vibration to loosen fasteners and separate components. Rare-earth magnets, PC boards, platters, voice coils, and aluminum housings are cleanly separated into distinct material streams.

Together, the DeMAG and DiskMantler provide verified data destruction, efficient disassembly, and high-value material recovery—capabilities not possible with disassembly before demagnetization or with traditional shredding.

Is data destroyed by the DeMAG™ recoverable?

Data sanitized with the DeMAG is permanently destroyed and cannot be recovered. The system meets or exceeds industry standards for secure data destruction under HIPAA, NIST, GDPR, and other regulatory frameworks.

Can the DiskMantler™ process HAMR drives?

Yes, the DiskMantler can process HAMR drives. Using shock, harmonics, and vibration, the system shatters HAMR platters into small pieces during disassembly. Please contact Garner Products, diskmantler@garner-products.com, directly for guidance and custom support options.

Can the DiskMantler™ disassemble solid-state drives (SSDs)?

Yes.The DiskMantler 25V is designed to disassemble solid-state drives. Contact Garner's sales team for further information at diskmantler@garner-products.com. 

How does the DiskMantler™ maximize recycling efficiency?

The DiskMantler maximizes recycling efficiency by mechanically disassembling hard drives into clean, single-material components. Instead of generating mixed, contaminated shred streams, it separates rare-earth magnets, cases, covers, PC boards, platters, and voice coils into intact material streams.

This method:

• Eliminates cross-contamination between materials
• Reduces the need for energy-intensive sorting and chemical processing
• Preserves the full recovery value of rare-earth magnets and other internal components
• Provides cleaner inputs for recyclers, increasing yield and lowering costs
• Supports sustainable and circular e-waste management practices

What types of storage media can the DeMAG™ and DiskMantler™ process?

The DeMAG and DiskMantler together process a wide range of storage formats.

The DeMAG processes magnetic storage media, including:

• Standard hard disk drives (HDDs)
• Helium-filled hard disk drives
• Magnetic tape and other magnetic media

The DiskMantler is a mechanical disassembly system and supports the following drive types, depending on model and configuration:

• 3.5″ hard disk drives (standard DiskMantler)
• 2.5″ hard disk drives (DiskMantler 25V model)
• Solid-state drives (DiskMantler 25V model)
• Wide-weld hard drives, when equipped with the DiskMantler™ Edge accessory

DiskMantler models 25V and 35V are purpose-built for their specific media types, ensuring automated disassembly and clean material separation.

How fast can the DeMAG™ sanitize data on hard drives?

The DeMAG permanently sanitizes data on a standard hard drive in under 60 seconds by fully demagnetizing the magnetic media. Because the process is automated and does not rely on software access, overwriting, or drive condition, performance is consistent and predictable across drive types, whether the drive is working or non-working.

The system can be integrated with conveyor belts and automated feeders for continuous processing. Combined with its fast, continuous cycle time, the DeMAG is well-suited for high-volume, on-site data destruction in data centers, enterprises, and government agencies without disrupting operations.

Does the DiskMantler™ require manual disassembly of drives?

No. Simply insert the HDD into the media slot, and the DiskMantler automatically disassembles the drive in the chamber, delivering dismantled components through the exit slot.

How do these devices help organizations comply with regulations?

The DeMAG™ and DiskMantler™ help organizations comply with data protection and privacy regulations by providing verifiable, irreversible destruction of data at the physical media level. The DeMAG permanently erases magnetic data by fully demagnetizing the storage media, meeting recognized standards for secure data sanitization. The DiskMantler then physically disassembles the drive, ensuring the media cannot be reused, reconstructed, or resold.

Together, the DiskMantler™ Suite supports compliance with regulations and frameworks such as HIPAA, NIST, GDPR, and similar data protection requirements by eliminating residual data risk, maintaining the chain of custody, and enabling auditable destruction processes. This combined approach reduces regulatory exposure by addressing both data security and physical media disposition in a controlled, documented workflow.

When used with the optional IRONCLAD® destruction verification system, the DiskMantler Suite provides verifiable proof-of-destruction and documented chain-of-custody. The system records key destruction data—such as time, date, and process confirmation—creating an auditable record that supports internal controls, compliance reviews, and third-party audits.

This verification capability helps organizations demonstrate due diligence and chain-of-custody integrity, reducing regulatory and liability risk while simplifying compliance reporting.