Re: Too dumb ...
Uh, I do this on a regular basis though generally only to drives that have already failed.
I actually try to repair them if possible mainly so that the cause of failure can be determined.
Most recently had a 750GB just die completely, though it still spun there was no sign of life
from the interface suggesting a catastrophic failure related to a power issue.
This one did get trashed because GDPR, though I did take the PCB off first and salvage useful parts like the e2prom containing diagnostics data and shock sensors.
AC, because somewhere I am probably on at least one watch list.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
