Will "shaking" a hard disk damage its internal components?

Should external hard disks be put flat on the table when we are transferring data?

Would there be possible physical damage to the inner components of the disk if we do not do so?

While the hard disk is running, will shaking it spoil the disk?

(Talking about in the long run of course.)

Solution 1:

Hard disks are, for what it matters to this question, made of plates spinning and a magnetic reading head, that moves to read the disk. This head is fixed in a moving arm and it's positioned very close to the disk.

If you shake the HD, the head might touch it's surface. So, it'll cause damage. In the long run, it'll make it worse, as the micro- and mini- and regular- damages will acumulate.

So, never shake a running HD.

Some images and information can be found here and here

Solution 2:

Yes. Excessive vibration, shaking, shock, and impacts can damage the hard drive. At the very least you can bounce the read head against the surface of the platen inside the drive and physically damage the surface.

Solution 3:

Do not shake a running drive, if the drive will not ready, take it out,turn it upside down and shake, you can also tap the corner on the desk, IF the head frame is stuck it will break it loose. This is actually in the IBM service manual. 80 percent success rate.