Gun safes and moisture

[ElDub1950]

Amazon sells the digital humidity gauges that also shows the high & low temps, for only $12 shipped.

That's what I'm using and it works great. Uses 1 AA and has lasted me for over a year now on the same battery.

Hmm the ones that store the hi & low temp and humidity are worth the couple of extra bucks. I changed my order.

I'm assuming averaging around 25% is OK? What do you guys think? I've never seen a recommendation.

[vliberatore]

Bucket of rice anyone?

[Hopalong]

Eva Dry. Cheap, easy, no problems.

[RMikeL]

What's the threshold level for humidity at which point it promotes rust?

Mike

[comblock]

Kitty litter in an old sock

[Thrashard340]

I use a desiccant in a small plastic bucket (think ice cream pint size). You just peel off the plastic seal and leave it be. I just replace it every 3 months. Get then at the hardware store for about $5.

This is what I'm using too.

You can also buy the large bag of dessicant refill and reuse the plastic bucket. The large refill bag costs around $9 and will easily be good for 5 - 8 refills.

[L84CABO]

Golden rods and desiccant are cheap and easy. Use both! A themometer with a humidty gauge is also cheap to monitor the status of things.

[SURVIVOR619]

Kitty litter in an old sock

Kitty litter (crystal kind) in coffee filters for me.

[xrMike]

Search "Eva-dry E-500" on Amazon.com.

Perfect size for the top shelf on a safe. I have to recharge mine every couple weeks.

[sammy]

Until I found rust, RUST on my Les Baer TRS I would have agreed a dehumidifier is not necessary. I installed a 12" Dri-Rod and still had rust. Now I have the 24" Dri Rod and am constantly checking for any signs of rust. The safe is located in a warehouse with no climate control but the small Dri-Rod was not enough protection. If you want to skip humidity control make damn sure you check your guns often.

[Gugs]

I use this 900 gram desiccant box in my safe:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0028M7WK4/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1364179397&sr=8-40&pi=SL75

It is rechargeable in the oven and has an indicator on the bottom of the box.

After about a month and a half, the indicator has changed color slightly so it definitely is collecting moisture.

I also load each ammo can with smaller desiccant packs to ensure there's no moisture issue there:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004BMAF5I/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1364185272&sr=8-3&pi=SL75

[Gugs]

Also forgot to mention that I have a hygrometer that can record highs and lows. It has fluctuated between 32% and 43%.

[bsg]

i run a GoldenRod in my safe, and on a regular schedule i inspect firearms that are stored in the safe.

https://www.goldenroddehumidifiers.com/

[NOTABIKER]

i have a attached garage so the temp does not change a lot. i live in the IE and kept my gun cabinet off the garage floor on wood blocks. i also thought silica cat litter in a old sock would help keep things dry. i started seeing surface rust on my guns. i moved it indoors and the problem is gone.

[delta9]

Hmm the ones that store the hi & low temp and humidity are worth the couple of extra bucks. I changed my order.

I'm assuming averaging around 25% is OK? What do you guys think? I've never seen a recommendation.

25% humidity is super low - Anything under 55% should be good. Keeping it too low could potentially cause a wooden stock to dry out and shrink