Date   : Thu, 12 Oct 2006 14:14:50
From   : Tim Fardell <tim.fardell@...>
Subject: Re: Disk drives

Wright, Chris wrote:
> I had this problem! For some reason on these old 5 1/4" drives, there is
> a small metal 'shield' covering the read/write head. I have no idea what
> purpose this serves, but anyway quite often this shielding is only held
> in place by a small adhesive pad. Over time the pad loses adhesion and
> the shielding slips, just enough to prevent a diskette from being
> inserted.
> I took the shield off completely. It does not seem to adversely affect
> the operation of the drive.

Same here! TEAC drives, if I remember correctly.

I did the same - just removed the metal shield completely. Considering
it was held in place by an insulating pad, and had no connection to
earth, it wasn't doing much in the way of shielding.