Stop using Phillips screws and replace them with hex heads. Then you can take them out with vise-grip if you manage to round 'em off. A neat trick for getting out Phillips screws where the + has become an o: if you don't have an easy-out, just use a wrecking bar and heavy hammer.

Oh, by the way, you'd be surprised what you can do to a hard drive with only one little ole fencing tool.