Every few months something breaks and really can’t be repaired for significantly less than a new one. In this age of electronics and circuitry, it takes a skilled technician who has the proper tools and access to replacement parts to make broken things work again. Unfortunately, I have neither the time nor the money to fix all of the electronica which has ceased to run properly. But, I do know how to take them apart.

A few years ago, I bought a lot of 10 replacement CD-ROM drives for my pre-2K Gateway computer on eBay. New to the world of online garage sales, I failed to ask questions and was taken in by the incorrect description of the item. As evidenced by the work orders included in the boxes, these drives did not work and were also for another brand of computer. Instead of paying to ship them back and play the game of the scammers by sending pictures and communicating with more than one person, I decided to just accept my loss of $30 (including shipping) and keep the drives. I had the idea that I’d let my son, Alex, take them apart when he was old enough to use tools.

One afternoon last summer, in the company of one of Alex’s friends, we began the process of dismantling these faulty drives. We required a set of small screwdrivers. Since they were most likely installed by robots, these screws were too difficult for young hands to loosen. They were challenging even for adult hands. After loosening several screws, I got out a pair of leather work gloves to save my fingers from blistering. Both boys were engaged in taking apart these components for an hour or two. We disposed of the plastic and put the metal parts in the recycle bin. Some of the more exciting components, such as circuit boards, were saved for a later date. I knew that taking apart junk was to be something we would both enjoy.

Last month, I acquired two dead hard drives from my parent’s old Macintosh. The same evening I brought them home, Alex insisted that we get to work taking them apart. This time, we needed not only the small screwdrivers (standard and Phillips-head) but a selection of larger screwdriver bits, a set of needle-nose pliers, and a Torx head driver. The Torx we used was slightly larger than the screws, but with enough pressure the screws loosened. We also protected the wood table from scratches with a towel.

We must have worked on these drives for an hour or two until Alex’s bedtime. Although I still have a few of the CD drives left, we preferred taking apart the hard drives. The data storage discs are mirror-like and each drive has a pair of really powerful magnets. Both of these components will eventually be used in some fashion by one or both of us.

Occasionally though, when the electronic junk builds up, we simply take them to the Recycle Ann Arbor Drop-Off Station on Ellsworth Road at the corner of S. Platt. Currently, small electronics can be dropped off for free. TVs, computer monitors, and Freon-based electronics do incur a recycling fee since they contain toxic material.

If you do make a trip to the Drop-Off Station, head over to one of the nearby parks for some relaxation and running around.

• The City of Ann Arbor’s Southeast Area Park on Ellsworth Road has two playgrounds, one each for older and younger children. The older kid’s playground is made of recycled plastic and has a really neat “conveyor belt” slide and a covered picnic shelter nearby. There are also a softball diamond with bleachers made from recycled aluminum, soccer fields, and a basketball court made from recycled athletic shoes. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available.
• Pittsfield Township’s Lillie Park is across from the Drop-Off Station on Platt Rd. Once an abandoned gravel pit, this park offers 3-miles of trails, some of which conform to ADA standards. There are two play structures, two fishing docks, two lakes, restrooms, 4 pavilions, and soccer fields.
• For those with canine companions, the Swift Run Dog Park is adjacent to the Drop-Off Station with parking available off of Platt Rd. Canines are required to obtain an annual “Off-Leash Dog Permit” which require them to be a permitted dog and have their human sign a waiver and release form stating that not all dogs who come to play have been shot to prevent rabies and other diseases.

Photo: Alex Szumko (age 7) dismantles a circuit board from a computer hard drive.

Stefan Szumko is an educator and stay-at-home-dad. He can be reached at slugwhisperer@gmail.com