Safe rust prevention?

[Hannibal_Face]

Hey all,

Just looking for some info on rust prevention for a Stack on 8 safe. I know I need to upgrade but this is what I have for now. I was thinking of lining it with felt but no sure if that will take care of it. I have a mini vault that has a rust prevention stick in it and was wondering if one of those would cover the whole thing. Any help will be helpful. Thanks in advance.

[jben]

This:

http://www.amazon.com/GoldenRod-inch-Saver-Dehumidifier-GS-18/dp/B005FRGQUG

[Bansh88]

Do you have rust now?
Lining it with felt wont help. But unless the paint all chipped up, and you live in a humid enviroment or close to shore, I'd say it's a non issue.

[SureShot241]

I had a nasty rust problem recently. 5 out of 6 guns (including my HD gun) had spotted rust on them. Removed the rust (white vinegar), and oiled everything. I have a safe dehumidifier on the way. It should keep this issue from happening again.

Learned a few lessons, and now I keep my safe closed unless I absolutely need something from inside. I oil my guns once a month as well.

Lesson learned: Its better to spend the the time preventing rust than to have to spend the time removing it.

[Wildhawk66]

Stack on safes are not known for being anywhere close to airtight as the door fit is loose and there are usually openings at the corners or unused screw holes in the sides (depending on model). First, I recommend taping any openings and then adding a weather gasket to the inside edge of the cabinet so that the door shuts against it. Buy the MD brand 1/8-7/32" P profile weather seal and then tear it down the middle and install using the adhesive backing. This is available at Home Depot.

Then, because the tolerances are loose, you need a a goldenrod to raise the interior temperature a few degrees. This will push moisture out of the cabinet and keep it from settling on your guns. Finally, I also recommend adding an Eva-dry rechargeable dehumidifier to soak up any moisture that still gets into your cabinet when the door is open. The dehumidifier would be third on the list after sealing the cabinet and then adding the goldenrod.

Total time and cost should be an hour or so max for taping, sealing, and goldenrod install and $60-$100 for tape, weather seal, goldenrod and dehumidifier depending on the models you buy. For me, doing all three was a no brainer considering the value of my firearms. To date I have never had an issue with rust and my safes are in the same room as a utility sink, washer, dryer, and exterior door.

[L84CABO]

Golden rod, humidity meter, desiccant. All three can be had off Amazon for $50 give or take. Wipe guns down with a light coat of oil or silicone cloth. Monitor your safe daily until you're sure you've got a stable environment. Then a weekly check and wipe down.

[Hannibal_Face]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will be working on this, this weekend. Updates to come.

[Garand1911]

2 steps:
1) Bore stores gun socks
2) Eva Dry

[Agent 0range]

+1 for goldenrod, rechargeable Eva-Dry, and hygrometer. After the cabinet is sealed to be more air tight of course.

[teg33]

I heard that mouthball can prevent rust. Not sure if it's true

[dozer wright]

Wipe wipe wipe

Wipe down every firearm handled with a silica rag after touching. Items you have touched durning day ( Chips ) things with salt can cause rust. A well oiled fire arm will not rust.

[laurelpark]

Another really inexpensive way to keep things dry is to use the "crystal" kitty litter along with a heating rod. The crystal kitty litter is Silica, and it's so cheap that you can just toss it out after a month or so. I messed with the rechargeable dessicants for a while, and they work, but it's a pain (and expensive) to recharge them. I switched to the kitty litter method and humidity stayed just as low as with the expensive stuff. Just pack a few old socks with the stuff, toss it in, and you're done.

[desertrider]

I keep a humidity meter on the wall midway up the safe and two one pound bags of dessicant in there. Once a year I put both bags in the oven at 250 degrees over night.

I have about a 30 year old Cannon safe that is in the garage and I've never had a problem with rust to date, but I live in a pretty dry climate.

[quagmiles]

I live two blocks from the ocean in the heavy salty fog zone of SF. Every thing I own that is steel is rusty except for my guns because they are kept in bore stores.

[whipkiller]

I heard that mouthball can prevent rust. Not sure if it's true

Like this? I don't see how that's going to help.