I couldn't agree more!

whats a better way to break every PC component than using a non anti-static vac?

The best advice I would say is

1) back up the drive first - before you further damage it using your "vacuum", then at least you'll have your information for a new hard drive.

2) don't take it to the garage where moisture accumulates in mass quantities, but rather use a desk inside your house where its room temperature to open the PC

*note some computers dont use screws like Dells*

When the PC is open, DONT TOUCH NUFFIN!

Turn it on too see if you can identify which piece is making the noise.

power off again then use an Anti-static vacuum *or compressed air* to remove any dust (which accumulates in mass quantities) but don't touch any parts.

close it up and if the problem persists, well it was bound to happen. All computer parts fail at some point in their life.

If you defragmate your hard drive after you complete the above steps, it may simplify its allocation (where it places files) and fix the problem since the read/write head (the thing that makes the ticking noises) isn't bouncing back and fourth as much to find a file.