Abstract: An apparatus for use in attaching a head gimbal assembly (HGA) onto an actuator arm of an actuator assembly during an HGA installation process. The apparatus includes, a central body portion with a base support surface; and a pair of support arms extending from the central body portion forming a channel sized to accommodate expansion of an attachment aperture of an actuator arm during the installation process. Each support arm includes, a first and second support surface offset from and parallel to the base support surface. A first support arm thickness is formed between the first support surface and the base support surface, while a second support arm thickness is formed between the second support surface and the base support having a thickness less than the first support arm thickness. Each support arm thickness supports a corresponding HGA adjacent actuator arm during the installation process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for attaching a head gimbal assembly (HGA) onto a rigid actuator arm of an actuator assembly. A spacer key is provided comprising a support arm having a base support surface and adjacent first and second support surfaces opposite the base support surface. The support arm has a first thickness from the first support surface to the base support surface and a second thickness from the second support surface to the base support surface. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness by a distance nominally equal to a thickness of an HGA base plate. During installation the second thickness is used to support a single HGA between adjacent actuator arms, while the first thickness is used to support a pair of opposing HGAs between the adjacent actuator arms.