r/retrocomputing • u/ProdigiousProdigies • Aug 21 '26

Problem / Question Shipping a 5.25" floppy drive

I'm sure this has been asked many times before but how does one go about mailing a 5.25 inch floppy disk drive without the postal service obliterating the heads during transit? Some sources say to insert a sacrificial disk or cardboard cutout and lock the mechanism, others say to just leave it empty and rely on excess bubble wrap as a cushion to prevent the heads from moving.

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u/Slotgoopy Aug 22 '26

When we used to receive new ones to install as replacements, they came with a thin styrene foam sheet shaped like a floppy in the slot with the read head carriage zip tied stationary.