Managing moisture in a gun safe ??

2

260fan

New member
I would appreciate discussions on efficient and effective ways to manage moisture in a gun safe. What are the pros and cons of using electric heating rods, gun socks, absorbent materials or a combination of these? What experiences have you or your friends have with these as well as other methods of moisture control. I am considering cost, time involved and the problem of forgetting to follow up on periodic management of any system used. How much of a problem is moisture in your safe? Any input would be appreciated.
 
I have my safe in a closet in a un-heated garage out here on the wetside of WA, 70+ inches of rain each year. I have a single heat rod on the floor of the closet and have had zero problems with rust. The heat rod keeps the whole closet dry enough that I do not need anything in the safe.

I've tried absorbent material and they are a pain out here because they get saturated in a few days so it is constant maintenance to keep them working and they are drawing moisture into the safe instead of driving it out.

If you have a larger storage area they make a low volume blower/heater, I get mine at West Marine and use it in the motorhome to keep it from getting musty when we're not using it.
 
Living on the gulf coast w/prevailing onshore breeze, our humidity often runs high. One goldenrod on the floor of safe has served the purpose for going on 30 years w/no maintenance necessary.

Before obtaining the safe, I mounted a light socket in a gun cabinet and uses a small (probably 15-25 watt) light bulb in it which also kept the moisture to an acceptable level.

Regards,
hm
 
Sounds funny but if you know anyone who works where things come iwith desiccant packages (retail), have them save them for you. You can throw them in the bottom of your safe and they will moderate your humidity. To "reactivate" them just put them on a cookie sheet in the oven at 200F for about 3 hours once every six months or so. Silly but free.
 
Each is in a silicone sock and a Golden Rod stick in the safe. Been doing it this way for 25 +/- years and not one issue.

Steve
 
If your not in and out of your safe a lot, a small light bulb has worked for me. But since we've put central A/C in the house, I don't know if I even need that.

I have several less valuable guns that I keep in an old wood and glass rifle cabinet, and never see rust on them anymore.
 
We only get noteworthy humidity for about 2-3 months of the year, so my experience might not be quite as applicable as you'd like. I use a single Goldenrod and have never noticed a problem. The only gun I've had with any kind of rust problem is the shotgun I carry through the desert - you know, the one I've rubbed all the blue off of, sweated on, scraped up, etc. Otherwise, all good here.
 
I run a dehumidifier in my gun room and have had ZERO issues with moisture around my reloading equipment or guns, This has worked for over 15 years now.
 
I use several dessicant pouches in the safe and also keep all guns in a treated sock. It gets very hot and humid here and I haven't noticed any water/rust problems.
 
I use a couple of these:

http://www.theruststore.com/750-Gram-Rechargeable-Silica-Gel-Canister-P57C6.aspx

and one of these:

http://www.theruststore.com/Bull-Frog-Emitter-Cup-P24C12.aspx

in the safe.

I use smaller dessicant packs in my ammo storage boxes. The boxes are sealed so once the pack dries it out it stays dry for a number of openings and closing.

I also get a package of these:

http://www.theruststore.com/Bull-Frog-Rust-Blocker-Strips-P23C12.aspx

and cut each strip into about 3 pieces which then go in die boxes, small parts bins, and such.
 

How large an area will he golden rod cover? I have a small gun room 6'x8', more like a large walk in closet. I too run a dehumidifier but it's still kind of moldy smelling sometimes.
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top