# What is the best way to irrevocably destroy floppy disks? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 18, 2023, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997 "2023-02-18T17:37:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2023, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/21 "2023-02-18T19:22:26Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > What kind of data from 20 years ago is so dangerous? Nickelback MP3s ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2023, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/22 "2023-02-18T19:46:37Z")
> [@paulmarkj](#): > > Burn, which in this case, equates to melt. I had a bunch of CDs (for data) I wanted to get rid of. I threw them in our fire pit, doused them with lighter fluid, and set them afire. They melted nicely. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2023, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/23 "2023-02-18T19:53:48Z")
That is pretty shitty thing to do. All kinds of materials in the CD that shouldn’t be getting burnt. ---
**Author:** ![md-2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9d8465/32.png) [@md-2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md-2000)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2023, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/24 "2023-02-18T20:55:30Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > It depends on what you’re trying to protect against. If you just want to make sure some high school kid doesn’t find them in the trash and stick them in his dad’s old disk drive, then any of the above solutions is probably ok (athough I’d be wary of relying on a demagnetization method since you can’t easily tell whether it worked). If you want to make sure the NSA can’t read them, then you need to be a bit more thorough This is the key point. Simply cut them - 5-inch with scissors, 3.5 with tin snips or some such. For 5-inch, cut in two or 3 places so it’s hard to find what goes with what. Use a magnet around the rim of the inside material. If you’re really fussy, MY work used to have a bulk paper slicer, you could put a stack of disks in there and reduce them to 1/4" strips bit by bit. If the NSA wants to go through the trouble of reading then, go ahead. Years ago I had a head demagnetizer for reel-to-reel tapes, but it’s long since disappeared to who knows where. But for the average Joe, they gotta be really curious. Plus, recovery would be in fragments with a lot of analysis time needed. For the 3.5" a heat gun should do the trick. Heat until it’s bending in half, like a surreal Dali melting clock, and nobody is going to read it. Then squeeze it with a pair of pliers to definitely deform everything. (IIRC serious heat will demagnetize too) Take a nail and hammer it through case and inside material at several points. Put them in a jar with a lot of acetone…? I recently disposed of some really old laptops - took out the (small) hard drives, and crunched each side of the case with a big pair of wire cutters. Probably broke the platters too. If you have those big bolt cutters, even better. ---
**Author:** ![Mortimus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2023, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/25 "2023-02-18T23:36:37Z")
Back in the day I was a big user of Zip discs. It’s been my experience that if left to their own devices, they will destroy themselves 😉 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2023, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/26 "2023-02-19T05:22:15Z")
Yep. I had three experience the click of death. Out of like maybe six or seven I owned. Worthless POS tech. ---
**Author:** ![md-2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9d8465/32.png) [@md-2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md-2000)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2023, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/27 "2023-02-19T06:08:59Z")
Simplest - I believe the main directory for most removable disks is along the outer rim. Take a chisel and hammer a cut radially that cuts the outer rim of the magnetic material inside and the NSA may read it, but nobody else will bother. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2023, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/28 "2023-02-19T11:03:03Z")
The thing about the magnet to degauss them is that you’re not certain that the data can no longer be read. Disc forensic analysis might still be able to retrieve some or much of the data — depending on how thoroughly you’ve degaussed them which, how can you tell unless you perform that forensic analysis. Too much trouble and not enough confirmation for me. See the company, AccessData Group, now Exterro. > **[Exterro Acquires Digital Forensics Company AccessData - Exterro](https://www.exterro.com/blog/exterro-acquires-digital-forensics-firm-accessdata)** > > By combining forces with AccessData, Exterro can now provide companies, government agencies, law enforcement, law firms and legal service providers with the only solution available to address all Legal GRC and digital investigation needs in one... [https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessdata-group-inc](https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessdata-group-inc). To be certain, I would take a pair of tin snips and cut them in half. Then I’d throw them into a large fire and ensure they are melted. Quick, easy, and easily confirmable. With those actions I’d be satisfied that they are completely ruined. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2023, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/29 "2023-02-19T11:05:40Z")
“burn until the ashes are white” is a line from the SOP manual we had for destroying floppies and tapes at my old job. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2023, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/30 "2023-02-19T11:51:57Z")
Try as you might, but [information is never lost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-hiding_theorem). 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![brossa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brossa/32/3040_2.png) [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2023, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/31 "2023-02-20T01:44:53Z")
Dry ice and 99% isopropyl alcohol makes a fierce cooling bath. Immerse disks individually; fracture with hammer. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2023, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/32 "2023-02-20T01:53:03Z")
This: > [@md-2000](#): > > Simply cut them - 5-inch with scissors, 3.5 with tin snips or some such. For 5-inch, cut in two or 3 places so it’s hard to find what goes with what. And this: > [@What\_Exit](#): > > For the zip disks, drill 3 holes through each, not in the corners. Seriously, you don’t need to do anything else. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2023, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/33 "2023-02-20T03:40:16Z")
Would a regular magnet really do much to a floppy? I don’t remember them being that sensitive. > [@What\_Exit](#): > > For the zip disks, drill 3 holes through each, not in the corners. Agreed. I would do the same with the floppies too – run a drill through the floppies in a stack. It only takes a few seconds and not much mess. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2023, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/34 "2023-02-20T04:42:06Z")
and if you’re still worried about the CIA recovering the data, don’t throw all the pieces away in one garbage can.Spread 'em around. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2023, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/35 "2023-02-20T04:51:43Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Try as you might, but [information is never lost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-hiding_theorem). But if you throw them into a large black hole you can buy yourself some time. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2023, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/36 "2023-02-20T06:14:24Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > But if you throw them into a large black hole you can buy yourself some time Sagittarius A\* should do the trick. It’s super-massive and in the galactic neighborhood. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2023, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/37 "2023-02-20T07:04:58Z")
But Sgr A\* will evaporate in about 1087 years. The OP said the data is _sensitive_, so they may not want to risk it being retrievable so soon. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2023, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/38 "2023-02-20T09:44:05Z")
IANAE but I do believe that if only some holes were drilled into the disks, or if they were cut in half, that there still would be a way to read some remaining data on the disk fragments. That’s why I recommend burning them. Added: imagine a vinyl record. If it had holes drilled or if it was cut in half you’d still be able to play fragments of the music on it. There might be enough to even identify the song. ---
**Author:** ![Francis\_Vaughan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/francis_vaughan/32/3093_2.png) [@Francis\_Vaughan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francis_Vaughan)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2023, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/39 "2023-02-20T09:57:36Z")
Returning to the real world. If I was given the OP’s task, I would shell the disks, getting out the actual recordable media, and burn the media. The recording media is going to be a very small amount to burn, and won’t cause any serious issues. The shells get to be recycled or otherwise sensibly disposed of. My sister has a rather lovely artwork created by a friend of hers. It is a wall hanging wooden sheet covered with little metal squares. On closer inspection, it is made up of hundreds of the sliding covers from 3.5 inch floppies. ---
**Author:** ![Isamu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7c8e57/32.png) [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2023, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997/40 "2023-02-20T12:06:03Z")
Freeze them till they reach Tg, then shatter them with a hammer and distribute the tiny shattered shards in various rubbish bins around town. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-irrevocably-destroy-floppy-disks/979997.md?page=3)