--- title: From Sledgehammers to Blowtorches, Gratifying Ways to Destroy a Hard Drive description: "Conventional wisdom and sound data protection practices suggest that you should keep old hard drives, just in case of emergency. But for those who can't resist the temptation, here are a few of the most exciting methods to destroy a hard drive. Be sure to check out BuzzFeed for more inspiration:" canonical_url: https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/sledgehammers-blowtorches-gratifying-ways-destroy-hard-drive/ locale: en last_updated: 2026-10-27 --- [Acronis Blog](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/) # From Sledgehammers to Blowtorches, Gratifying Ways to Destroy a Hard Drive Conventional wisdom and sound data protection practices suggest that you should keep old hard drives, just in case of emergency. But for those who can't resist the temptation, here are a few of the most exciting methods to destroy a hard drive. Be sure to check out BuzzFeed for more inspiration: [Learn More](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/cyber-protect/) [![Image 2: Acronis Editorial Team](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/d85707ae91461544212d39836dc32b42.png)](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/authors/acronis/ "Acronis Editorial Team") [Acronis Editorial Team](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/authors/acronis/) 2 min read Last updated 23 November 2022 Conventional wisdom and sound data protection practices suggest that you should keep old hard drives, just in case of emergency. But for those who can't resist the temptation, here are a few of the most exciting methods to destroy a hard drive. Be sure to [check out BuzzFeed](http://www.buzzfeed.com/acronis/the-7-most-satisfying-ways-to-destroy-a-hard-drive-iidh) for more inspiration: ### Smash A thorough hammering will destroy a hard drive. Pummel it until the drive bursts open, then go to town on the platter. Sure, any hammer will do the trick, but why would you use just any hammer when you could use a sledgehammer?! ### Puncture Ditch the power drill and enlist the help of the SEM Sledgehammer Hard Drive Crusher, which bores down onto devices with 12,000 pounds of force. Destruction takes a mere eight seconds. ### Shred Shredding paper is sort of fun. Shredding metal is a lot of fun. Industrial shredder manufacturer SSI makes machines that can destroy pretty much anything you own. Your hard drive won’t stand a chance against a 1,000-horsepower shredder. ### Shoot Most guns pack enough punch to pierce a hard drive, but rifles and 12-gauge shotguns add an extra kick. To view the full list (including GIFs!) [head over to BuzzFeed](http://www.buzzfeed.com/acronis/the-7-most-satisfying-ways-to-destroy-a-hard-drive-iidh). [Image via Can Stock Photo] [Cybersecurity](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/tags/cybersecurity/) [Cyber protection](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/tags/cyber-protection/) ## Written by ![Image 3: Acronis Editorial Team](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/d85707ae91461544212d39836dc32b42.png) Acronis Editorial Team Acronis is a global cyber protection company that provides natively integrated cybersecurity, data protection, and endpoint management for managed service providers (MSPs), small and medium businesses (SMBs), and enterprise IT departments. [Previous post](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/how-image-backup-helps-protect-data-against-hidden-threats-qa-joel-berman/) [How Image Backup Helps Protect Data Against Hidden Threats: A Q&A With Joel Berman](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/how-image-backup-helps-protect-data-against-hidden-threats-qa-joel-berman/) [Next post](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/avoiding-data-risk-it-pet-peeves-weekly-roundup/) [Avoiding Data Risk & IT Pet Peeves: Weekly Roundup](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/avoiding-data-risk-it-pet-peeves-weekly-roundup/) About Acronis Acronis is a leader in AI-native cyber protection, unifying data protection, cybersecurity, IT operations and hybrid infrastructure to deliver business continuity, security and compliance with less cost and complexity. More than 21,000 service providers trust Acronis to protect over 750,000 businesses in 150 countries. Acronis is headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=acronis.com) ## Related stories Want to learn more? Read the latest stories featuring this solution on our blog. [Acronis Blog](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/) ![Image 4: stc Bahrain and Acronis partner to bring advanced endpoint security to businesses in Bahrain](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/blog-card/9600f3eea83b8f4e168ea6c1409c8c26.png) [stc Bahrain and Acronis partner to bring advanced endpoint security to businesses in Bahrain](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/stc-bahrain-and-acronis-partner-to-bring-endpoint-security-to-businesses/) We are proud to announce a strategic partnership with stc Bahrain, expanding access to advanced cybersecurity services for businesses across Bahrain. **October 26, 2026**3 min read ![Image 5: Introducing New Acronis CEO: Prakash Panjwani](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/blog-card/30cb571f6f1aaa131733e5727a4a250c.png) [Introducing New Acronis CEO: Prakash Panjwani](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/introducing-new-acronis-ceo-prakash-panjwani/) We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new Chief Executive Officer, Prakash Panjwani. A veteran cybersecurity CEO, Panjwani previously served as CEO of WatchGuard Technologies and SafeNet. **October 15, 2026**2 min read ![Image 6: Acronis expands MDR toward broader workspace protection](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/blog-card/18e90e89f5ec4ef0901f19008d4ccbf2.png) [Acronis expands MDR toward broader workspace protection](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/acronis-expands-mdr-toward-broader-workspace-protection/) Acronis is expanding the MDR service with capabilities that make this expertise easier to deliver and help partners address more risks. The developments build on a broader commitment to managed security: helping service providers protect the connected workspace while giving customers access to the expertise needed to investigate threats, respond effectively and maintain business continuity. **October 13, 2026**6 min read