Silica Packets

[Rust]

I think it's worth it especially considering the humidity/salt content of the air here in SF. I have a dehumidifier running almost constantly in my place and within a couple hrs of shutting it off humidity is 70%. And you're even closer to the coast than I am. I use the little prepackaged color change tins in my ammo boxes, a big color change bag in the powder cabinet, and a nylon stocking leg full of the cat litter in the safe. I also have a little carboard "humidity card" in the safe but it only reads up to 50% and in SF even with the dehumidifier running its hard to get the house below 50%. But packets in sealed bags/cans will help protect your stash especially if you're not going into them all the time and letting more moisture in.

[Munk]

It's cheap, it hurts nothing, it doesn't even waste space, it give you peace of mind, and it has the potential to be useful. It's not overkill, it's not even paranoia; it falls in that beautiful area I like to call "reasonable precaution."

[MIAMIbaseballer]

It's cheap, it hurts nothing, it doesn't even waste space, it give you peace of mind, and it has the potential to be useful. It's not overkill, it's not even paranoia; it falls in that beautiful area I like to call "reasonable precaution."

THIS ^^^^

I live in Miami and use them in everything: guns bags, ammo, etc. I get them from my good friend who's a pharmacist, the desiccant packs that come in medicine. Depends on where you live, how you store stuff, and how you take care of it, but it's a very cheap precaution.

[bruceflinch]

Your ammo fits in your "the safe"? Either you have a really big safe or not enough ammo.

That's what I thought, too.

Very very organized

But not enough guns!

Sweet 8lbs for $18 bucks. I have tomorrows project lined up. Thanks for the tip.

http://www.ehow.com/way_5607785_diy-silica-gel-packets.html

http://www.petco.com/product/107848/...Fal7QgodPzgArg

I got a big cannister from Michaels-the Hobby/crafts store. It is sold for drying flowers. Pretty reasonably a long time ago. Pour it out on a cookie sheet once a year & bake it in the oven to renew. You do get a little more humidity there Joe, than I do. Good prevention method.

[joelogic]

I went to Petco and their in store price for the 8lbs was $26.99. I asked if they price match their own webpage and they do not. Which is better anyway because Lucky's had 8lbs for $8.99. The #4 coffee filters were on sale for $2.49.

I weighted out 50 grams of silica and made my own packets with the filters. I labeled them with the date and weight for my own personal testing. I placed 2 in a sealed 55 gallon drum, 2 in a large enclosed but not sealed tool chest, 1 in a 50cal ammo can, and a control of 1 just sitting on my work bench. The packets are suppose to be replaced when they are 40-50% heavier. I will weigh the control once a week and then weigh the test packages after a month or so.

8lbs is 3628 grams. 3628/50=72.56 packets. Online 50g packets are $2.89, so I saved quite a bit of money.

Online, $208. DIY, $11.48.