A method is provided for protecting a head element of a computer disk drive during
rework operations by applying thioropolymeric protective coating or film to the
head element after the disk drive has been opened. Application of the protective
coating is preferably performed utilizing a solvent-mediated deposition process.
Further aspects of the invention include the application of the protective coating
to the head element prior to storage of the head element or prior to shipping the
head element in order to facilitate rework of the head element or other components
of the disassembled disk drive.