A magnetic brake to prevent rotation of the spindle motor and disk(s). The
magnetic brake includes two magnets, one attached to the spindle, clamp,
disk, or motor, and the other magnet is coupled to the drive housing or
to a movable member. Before the drive is installed in a computer, storage
array, etc., the magnet coupled to the housing is removed externally, or
the movable member is moved to free rotation of the spindle motor and
disk(s). The movable member can also be caused to move automatically when
a cable is attached to the drive. An alternate embodiment wraps a wire
coil around one of the magnets to counter its magnetism upon
energization, freeing the spindle motor and disk(s).