A head stack assembly for a disk drive. The head stack assembly includes an actuator body defining an axis of rotation. The actuator body includes a main body section and a coil support portion extending from the main body section. The head stack assembly further includes an actuator coil supported by the coil support portion. The head stack assembly further includes insulated wiring extending between the actuator coil and the main body section in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation. The head stack assembly further includes a lateral wiring protector disposed laterally about the insulated wiring and extending from the main body section in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The lateral wiring protector includes an open channel with the insulated wiring disposed within the open channel.