Home made dessicant packs

[Palladan44]

For a few years, I would purchase desiccant packages to put in sealed ammo cans, but no longer do. Look for the odorless Silica Gel kitty litter.



I've used small children's socks with a zip tie around the end, however this let's some of the silica gel dust through the material. I'm going to put them in coffee filters from now on, fold them over and staple shut.
Just thought I'd share this with all who wish to keep their ammo cans and other sealed contsiners nice and as dry as possible.

I've read you can "recharge" silica gel by putting it in the oven on low for an hour or 2 to remove any moisture locked in the gel, but I have not done this as of yet.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Nice hack!

My heartburn pills come with nice little dessicant pods, which I save and throw in my ammo cans. Unfortunately, I have a lot of heartburn so I get lots of dessicant pods.......

 

[Bill_in_TR]

Nice idea. I will have to keep it in mind because I am a poor person (AKA cheapskate).

 

[Tinman357]

Palladan44

Thank you. That's a solution I have been looking for.

 

[JohnKSa]

I've read you can "recharge" silica gel by putting it in the oven on low for an hour or 2 to remove any moisture locked in the gel, but I have not done this as of yet.

With 40lbs to start with and only a few bucks invested, I don't think I'd bother with recharging the packs. Just be sure to keep the original bag sealed up really well.

 

[DoubleMag]

are there moisture color changing indicators that can be bought?

That's the only thing missing here IMO gr8t hack!!

 

[hso]

Good idea. Remember you need to bake them for a while before using them for desiccant. 140°F for six hours and then straight into the container. Minimize the open space in the container for best benefit.

Preparing Silica Gel for Contained Storage of Metal Objects – Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Notes 9/14 - Canada.ca

This page describes the preparation of Silica Gel for Contained Storage of Metal Objects.

www.canada.ca

 

[Palladan44]

are there moisture color changing indicators that can be bought?

That's the only thing missing here IMO gr8t hack!!

Absolutely, i look up "Humidity indicator card" on ebay.....then take your pick.

 

[Palladan44]

Good idea. Remember you need to bake them for a while before using them for desiccant. 140°F for six hours and then straight into the container. Minimize the open space in the container for best benefit.

Preparing Silica Gel for Contained Storage of Metal Objects – Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Notes 9/14 - Canada.ca

This page describes the preparation of Silica Gel for Contained Storage of Metal Objects.

www.canada.ca

I'm not going to pretend I'm an expert on the subject. Let's just say the can gets reopened for "inspection" every couple of years. I tend to do this in my basement in winter with the furnace and dehumidifier running until the moisture is down to 45% (or so as indicated by the demidifyer)
At that point, is the pack done for and need to be "recharged" so to speak? Or just close it back up and you're likely GTG?

 

[DustyGmt]

For a few years, I would purchase desiccant packages to put in sealed ammo cans, but no longer do. Look for the odorless Silica Gel kitty litter.

View attachment 1185919
View attachment 1185921
I've used small children's socks with a zip tie around the end, however this let's some of the silica gel dust through the material. I'm going to put them in coffee filters from now on, fold them over and staple shut.
Just thought I'd share this with all who wish to keep their ammo cans and other sealed contsiners nice and as dry as possible.

I've read you can "recharge" silica gel by putting it in the oven on low for an hour or 2 to remove any moisture locked in the gel, but I have not done this as of yet.

When I worked in a food plant, pallets of stuff like garlic and asparagus would come in off the trucks and I'd end up with more desiccant than I knew what to do with. I'd pop it in the oven for a bit to recharge it or whatever and then take the larger types of prescription med bottles, drill a bunch of lil ⅛" holes in it, pack it full of silica and put em in the safe, totes, ammo cans, etc....

 

[hso]

the pack done for and need to be "recharged"

This

Bake another and just swap them out.

There's a limit to how many times silica gel can be dehydrated and used again so plan on making new every dozen cycles.

 

[Ks5shooter]

cool idea!!!

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

I've just reorganized my reloading die collection, thinking I should pack some bulk desiccant with them inside their plastic storage bins. This idea looks like the winner!

 

[entropy]

When I used to work at a place that put large 4" dia. X 12" long dessicant paks inside the ends of the tubes the plastic was rolled on, I brought some home for my safe. Used them many years, they're gone now. I get the little tub ones at Walmart now. I still get the 2"X2" ones in shipping boxes where I work now, and in scope boxes, those go in ammo cans.

 

[Palladan44]

From the sounds of it, this kitty litter silica gel needs to be charged initially before use. They aren't factory packaged to be dry, because the intent for this product wasn't to be a dessicant in the first place, so humidity is already in them from the start.

 

[kje54]

Moisture, moisture? That word looks vaguely familiar from somewhere.

 

[e3mrk]

I never thought of that,Good Idea.Thanks.

 

[Riomouse911]

I get so many little dessicant packs from things I buy, I just use those in my safes.

Stay safe.

 

[Otto]

are there moisture color changing indicators that can be bought?

That's the only thing missing here IMO gr8t hack!!

On eBay….

 

[Speedo66]

I find this subject a little dry.

But a good idea.

 

[doubleh]

I am only posting to say that is a pretty cat holding down the bag. Humidity is no problem where I live. Wooden hammer handles shrink until the heads are loose and have to be reset so i don't worry about it.

 

[old lady new shooter]

I get so many little dessicant packs from things I buy, I just use those in my safes.

Stay safe.

Me too, zillions more than I need. (I use a lot of supplements.)

Although, here in AZ...