How to Destroy a Floppy Disk
The term "floppy disk" refers to two types of removable computer storage media. Both 3 1/2-inch and 5 1/4-inch disks are referred to as floppy disks, even though 3 1/2-inch disks are made of a hard plastic. Unfortunately, magnetically erasing a floppy disk or overwriting new information onto the disk is not always adequate to destroy the disk's existing information. Fortunately, it is easy to destroy a floppy disk and ensure that any information contained on it cannot be retrieved.
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Instructions
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1
Lift the edges of the metal plate at the top of the disk and pull it off the disk.
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Remove the metal spring at the top of the disk, between the two plastic halves.
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Pull the two plastic halves apart to expose the inside of the disk.
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Remove the flat, shiny disk sandwiched between the two pieces of felt. This is the part of the disk that stores information.
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5
Pop the metal core out of the shiny disk.
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Cut the disk into small pieces with a pair of scissors or a paper shredder.
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Tips & Warnings
Large, 5-1/4 inch disks can simply be cut into pieces with a pair of scissors. These disks do not need to be taken apart first.
Never melt or burn floppy disks because they can release dangerous chemicals when melted.
