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How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs #1292666
02/13/23 02:10 PM
02/13/23 02:10 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,105
B.C. Canada
hagatha Offline OP
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hagatha  Offline OP
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I just discovered the motherlode of old computer discs that contained 25-year old backups and correspondence that is utterly irrelevant now.

Can I destroy them by submerging them in boiling water, or is there a better way?


I think I'm quite ready for another adventure.
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292668
02/13/23 02:40 PM
02/13/23 02:40 PM
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Near St. Louis, MO
Draclvr Offline
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It appears that there are lots of ways to do this. Even microwaving is suggested... but it is also discouraged as causing sparks and potentially contaminating the microwave. All I found said you shouldn't use the microwave for food after that! None seem to be easy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Destroy-a-CD-or-DVD


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292669
02/13/23 02:42 PM
02/13/23 02:42 PM
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near Yosemite
Marian Offline
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I am also reading that a lot of recycling places will take them.

Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292670
02/13/23 02:44 PM
02/13/23 02:44 PM
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Near St. Louis, MO
Draclvr Offline
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I've heard that some of the recycling places can't be trusted and they are sending many tons of electronic waste to China! The were some things afoot to stop that, but I don't know if they ever came to fruition.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292675
02/13/23 03:59 PM
02/13/23 03:59 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,105
B.C. Canada
hagatha Offline OP
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May it'll have to be the hammer solution. It's just that there are so many of them! Must be 100 or so.


I think I'm quite ready for another adventure.
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292676
02/13/23 04:38 PM
02/13/23 04:38 PM
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Near St. Louis, MO
Draclvr Offline
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Yeah, like I said none of the methods looked easy! I guess just do 10 or 20 a day for a week!


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292684
02/13/23 07:01 PM
02/13/23 07:01 PM
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Rockland, Ontario, Canada
Starcom Offline
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Hi hagatha, if you choose the Hammer method make Sure to wrap the discs in a old cloth since fragments of the disc(s) can go flying up and do serious damage to your eyes or any other parts of the body, would be a good idea to wear safety goggles.
The method I use is to either Cut them in half or make several cuts with a garden sheer or a metal cutter or just a good pair of *scissors, which render them useless to use.

Good luck and have fun and as Draclvr mentioned, just 10 to 20 a day.

*The scissors might not be as sharp after use, so make sure it is not your best scissors.

Last edited by Starcom; 02/13/23 07:04 PM.
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292692
02/13/23 08:38 PM
02/13/23 08:38 PM
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hagatha Offline OP
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hagatha  Offline OP
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You know, I have a large paper cutter. That might do the job -- again, with goggles.

If I was less concerned about the environment, I'd put a brick in the box and throw it all as far into the ocean as I could.


I think I'm quite ready for another adventure.
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292695
02/13/23 09:34 PM
02/13/23 09:34 PM
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Starcom Offline
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Yeah a Large paper cutter would do trick, and yes dumping it in the ocean would harm the environment. Some people even suggested of making a fire and burning them, but again would that harm the environment, not to mention to not breath in the smoke and filling your lungs with harsh chemicals.

Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292698
02/13/23 10:11 PM
02/13/23 10:11 PM
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hagatha Offline OP
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So, goggles it is.


I think I'm quite ready for another adventure.
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292699
02/13/23 10:20 PM
02/13/23 10:20 PM
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Chicago
oldbroad Offline
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I don't suppose you have a paper shredder that has a separate slot for discs? That would be my choice.

Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292725
02/14/23 12:11 PM
02/14/23 12:11 PM
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B.C. Canada
hagatha Offline OP
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hagatha  Offline OP
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No. And these are the hard plastic discs anyway. I think the paper cutter is the best option. At any rate I'm off to Home Depot for a few things, so I'll grab some safety goggles while I'm at it.


I think I'm quite ready for another adventure.
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292727
02/14/23 12:20 PM
02/14/23 12:20 PM
Joined: Apr 2006
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Chicago
oldbroad Offline
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There are things I'd like to use a hammer on but it wouldn't be discs. yes I hope the cats don't get scared. cat kitty Good luck!

Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292788
02/15/23 01:19 PM
02/15/23 01:19 PM
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Posts: 408
B.C. Canada
copper Offline
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Don't know if this would work, I read about it somewhere, perhaps your local computer store could confirm this?

Run a strong magnet over the disk to erase any data on it. Buy a neodymium magnet from an office store or big box store. Rub the magnet all over both sides of your floppy disk. This will scramble all of the data on the disk, making it unusable. ( Neodymium magnets are extra-powerful magnets )

I use one of these magnets for picking up pins from the floor after sewing, I always drop a few, so the magnet could be of use later???


Copper
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292795
02/15/23 03:07 PM
02/15/23 03:07 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,105
B.C. Canada
hagatha Offline OP
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hagatha  Offline OP
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That's a thought, Copper. I might try it.


I think I'm quite ready for another adventure.
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292797
02/15/23 03:23 PM
02/15/23 03:23 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,745
Rockland, Ontario, Canada
Starcom Offline
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Starcom  Offline
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Hi hagatha, I just realized something, when you say
Quote
How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs
Do You mean "Floppy Disks" if so, they are so Easy to destroy and there are a lot of ways to do it, below is a google search which gives many Easy options to do so....

https://www.google.ca/search?q=How+...AB&biw=1088&bih=437&dpr=1.76

Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292802
02/15/23 06:23 PM
02/15/23 06:23 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,105
B.C. Canada
hagatha Offline OP
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hagatha  Offline OP
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Thanks!

EDIT: I had no idea those disks were that easy to take apart! Now I can rest easy that anything confidential is properly destroyed.


Last edited by hagatha; 02/15/23 08:29 PM.

I think I'm quite ready for another adventure.
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292817
02/15/23 11:55 PM
02/15/23 11:55 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
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Rockland, Ontario, Canada
Starcom Offline
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Starcom  Offline
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Good to know you can rest easy, did you do them all? or just a bit at a time?

Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292843
02/16/23 12:25 PM
02/16/23 12:25 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,105
B.C. Canada
hagatha Offline OP
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hagatha  Offline OP
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I'm doing a few at a time. There may be stuff I want to keep -- I have a computer expert friend who can read the disks so I'll get him involved if I find anything interesting.


I think I'm quite ready for another adventure.
Re: How to destroy 3 1/2 inch computer discs [Re: hagatha] #1292858
02/16/23 04:28 PM
02/16/23 04:28 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,745
Rockland, Ontario, Canada
Starcom Offline
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Starcom  Offline
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That is a great idea,I did the same, never know what GEMS you might find. Have fun and good luck.

Last edited by Starcom; 02/16/23 04:29 PM.
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