My son had an old hard drive that was due to be dumped so I decided to take it apart (as you do) to see if there was anything of use inside.
The disc itself is metal (not sure what) and is just the right size to make a drilling jig for earring stands. There are two very strong magnets, stronger than rare earth magnets that I use for holding verniers etc on the side of the lathe.
I've taken a few apart now and even got a few quid at the scrappies for the casings. How about that for recycling?
John
Please be careful using the disks. Some of them use a glass substrate, not aluminium, so could shatter into nasty slivers. As most drives will have several platters, I suggest taking one and, wearing suitable protection try and snap it. Aluminium ones will bend, glass .....
Apart from that, great suggestion. My workshop is covered in little magnets!