Safe storage

Jump to latest Follow Reply
theotherpursuit

theotherpursuit

Member
Jan 24, 2020
338
13
MD, United States
Hello All,

I searched and I found a few old threads regarding relative humidity in gun safes. I purchased a mid level safe from Dicks a year ago, and I recently found a located a space in the garage for it. It’s humid here in the mid-Atlantic east coast, and I want to make sure I store my Airguns properly.

Before I commit to storing anything inside, I want to bring the humidity down. What I can’t figure out is how to get it lower than 59-61 percent. The inside dimensions are about 24wx19d. I have an 18” golden rod heater in their along with a rechargeable desiccant (white plugin type with orange beads). I first had the normal size plugin, but I found that I had to recharge it about once a week. I since purchased a larger one hoping to squeeze a longer interval recharge time. I think 2 weeks is about the longest I can go until they turn a dark purple.

It seems like I am doing all the right things, but I still can’t get the average humidity below 50%. I wipe everything down with ballistic regardless.

What do you guys think? Is 60% a problem? Do I need to seal the door better than stock? Am I over thinking this?


Thanks,

top
 
Well the general consensus between gun museums is that the ideal temperature to store guns is at 50% humidity. This is mostly due to older guns having wood stocks. Any lower and the stocks would dry up and crack, any higher and they would eventually begin to swell. I’m not sure if 60% would damage your guns in the long term. Personally I would say it’s better to be safe than sorry. Trying to seal up the safe better sounds like a good idea though. Although if you can’t get the humidity lower I would just say to check your guns every month to make sure no rust is forming and give them a good wipe down. 
 
Upvote 0
I store my guns in the basement and in a safe in the garage. I have the same set up as you for my safe and it stays in the 50-60% range. The safe is not sealed very well although I have thought about sealing it better but have not done it yet. I run a dehumidifier in the basement and manage to keep it near 60% for an average. I wipe the guns down every year or so and run a patch with oil down the barrel. I haven't noticed any problems as yet. Just checked my safe it was at 55% and I duct taped the holes in the bottom up to make it easier to keep the humidity down.
 
Upvote 0
This is what I did & it made a lot of difference I went to home depot & bought some weather stripping the type that is in the picture ,it made that door seal really tight . My safe had a flat black rib seal & I just went over it .Did you put electric seal putty in the hole your cords are going thru to block undo air ? hope this helps out some

1591809266_9688842625ee114f24433f2.37625091.jpg

 
Upvote 0
So, I tried the same thing. I picked up some of the thinnest weatherstripping Lowe’s had which was compressible to almost 1/16th”. My gap is so small that I couldn’t close the door anymore, so I removed it.

From what I’ve read, the heater basically “pushes” the moist air out leaving the warmer dry air behind controlling the humidity in this manner. So, I would think with a gasket type of tight seal that the heater rod wouldn’t function as designed.

I wouldn’t mind 50% humidity, but 59-61% seems a bit high to me. Perhaps I’ll scrap the safe idea and transform a closet in the house into a walk-in safe?..

top
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu