Sata Connector 1/2 Broken

[IVIX1]

*skip to tldr if don't want to read

While changing a component earlier I noticed that an ssd had stopped being recognized by windows after reboot. I then went back into the case, and checked that I had not disconnected the ssd. The ssd was still plugged, but not showing up after restart.

Fast forward 20 minutes and I moved around and disconnected and re plugged most of my ssds and hdd.

Low and behold I managed to break off the sata plug guide on my WD 2tb harddrive that is on the bottom row of the rack when I slid it back into place. Now the HDD only has the metal prongs sticking out, and the plastic is stuck in the sata cable.

I finagled the sata cable back onto the hdd, and then used some electrical tape to keep it from moving. The HDD is fine and showing up, but I feel like it is a problem waiting to happen and I'll lose the use of the hdd and data. The original ssd that wasn't showing in windows, the one that started everything, is actually the MB sata port not showing in Windows 10, but oddly the MB Bios shows the drive connected. Additionally, I've used this ssd for a long time without issue(in case that info makes any difference.

TLDR

1- HDD sata jack is broken(sort of), only prongs on hdd, the plastic is inside sata cable, what can/should I do? Electrical tape is securing cable to hdd atm.

2- SSD that started the whole moving of components is only showing up on a different(and slower) sata port. Original port shows in Bios, but no longer in Windows volumes?

3-I admittedly feel like a pleb because I have only created more issues while half solving one. I apologize for any waste of time to anyone reading and replying

Any help or suggestions on what I should do to not lose the drive, the data, or both is very much appreciated. I recognize I could just use it as it is, but I'd like to find a long term solution. Thanks for any help and time taken reading this ridiculousness.

 

[sdifox]

You could try to solder a new one in if you know how to do smd soldering.

 

[C1]

Id first try mending the broken plastic piece back in place using SureHold's "Plastic Sugery."
It's available from Fry's Electronics.

 

[ch33zw1z]

i had this happen to my first SATA disk, since i couldn't manage to get the cable back on so I gently broke open the SATA cable connector, retrieved the L connector and glued it back on carefully, put a new SATA cable on.....

you made it farther right off the bat. count your blessings, buy a replacement 2TB disk or something big enough to back up your data, and chalk it up to lesson learned

 

[bryanl]

Glue doesn't hold that plastic (polyester?) well, at least not super glue, epoxy, Gorilla glue, Liquid Nails, or plastic repair adhesives.

Expensive glues for difficult to repair plastics: http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/208988/file-464559748-pdf/docs/adhesive_guide_final.pdf?t=1468078919707

Soldering is by far the best solution but requires skill and proper materials and equipment to prevent further damage.

Practical advice: leave it alone but use the broken piece of plastic, or put a clothespin over it. Avoid metal clamps since they may cause an electrical short.

 

[Puffnstuff]

Considering how inexpensive large drives are these days I'd buy a new drive and transfer everything over to it and move on.

 

[Elixer]

You got any good pics of the damage?

 

[chemwiz]

I did that when SATA drives first came out. I used silicone caulk to hold the cable in place and the drive is still working. It might not be the best fix but it's cheap, easy and has has kept it working for years...