A media rework tool includes a gripper assembly having a plurality of opposing arms for grasping predetermined discs within a disc pack. The gripper assembly raises the predetermined discs and any intermediate spacer rings upward for temporary storage on a media guide to allow the remainder of the disc pack to be reworked, such as for replacement of a defective disc or spindle motor. A method of reworking a disc pack includes centering the disc pack between opposing arms of a gripper assembly and beneath a cylindrical media guide. A plurality of the opposing arms close to grasp a predetermined number of discs, and the gripper assembly is raised to transfer the grasped discs, and any intermediate spacer rings, from the spindle motor to the media guide. Following reworking of the remainder of the disc pack, the spindle motor is returned to its centered position relative to the media guide and the gripper assembly. The gripper assembly is then lowered to restack the discs and spacer rings on the spindle motor and the opposing arms are opened to release the discs.