Moisture in safe cause guns to rust?
- Thread starter Frank1991
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I'm not sure it's the safe exactly but, some guys have heaters?.. in thier safes to control humidity.
I am testing a new material that is used in the control of corrosion in the silver and coin collection area. This will work inside and outside the safe.
I am testing a new material that is used in the control of corrosion in the silver and coin collection area. This will work inside and outside the safe.
HankB
Member
There are three approaches to preventing corrosion in a gun safe:
1. Electrical - there's a device called a "Goldenrod" heater that keeps the interior of the safe just a little bit warmer than the surroundings. This prevents condensation and lowers the relative humidity.
2. Absorber - I keep a couple of tins of silica gel in my safe. The advantage is that there's no electrical connection to potentially go wrong. The disadvantage is that once in a while (how often depends on humidity) you have to take the tins and "bake" them in the oven to drive off the water they've absorbed.
3. VPI - Vapor Phase Inhibitor. There are chemicals that gradually evaporate and, if confined, basically coat metal surfaces with a thin layer of chemical that prevents corrosion. Guns are routinely shipped from the factory wrapped in VPI-impregnated paper, and some places sell "chips" you can put in things like reloading die boxes to protect the dies from corrosion.
1. Electrical - there's a device called a "Goldenrod" heater that keeps the interior of the safe just a little bit warmer than the surroundings. This prevents condensation and lowers the relative humidity.
2. Absorber - I keep a couple of tins of silica gel in my safe. The advantage is that there's no electrical connection to potentially go wrong. The disadvantage is that once in a while (how often depends on humidity) you have to take the tins and "bake" them in the oven to drive off the water they've absorbed.
3. VPI - Vapor Phase Inhibitor. There are chemicals that gradually evaporate and, if confined, basically coat metal surfaces with a thin layer of chemical that prevents corrosion. Guns are routinely shipped from the factory wrapped in VPI-impregnated paper, and some places sell "chips" you can put in things like reloading die boxes to protect the dies from corrosion.
a1abdj
Member
All guns face the possibility of rust due to moisture inside an enclosed environment.
I believe the safe that you are talking about is a steel unit, and not a fire rated unit. Fire rated units are more prone to moisture build up due to the insulation. Although your unit does not have that insulation, it still lacks air circulation, and can still have internal moisture build up.
You could buy an inexpensive canister of silica gel and place it inside your unit to make sure that the moisture never got out of control. If you wanted to get fancy, you could install an electric dry-rod device. The dry-rods are not a dehumidifier, but simply a device similar to a light bulb. A filiment produces heat, which keeps the interior of the safe warmer than the exterior, forcing the moisture to the outside.
I believe the safe that you are talking about is a steel unit, and not a fire rated unit. Fire rated units are more prone to moisture build up due to the insulation. Although your unit does not have that insulation, it still lacks air circulation, and can still have internal moisture build up.
You could buy an inexpensive canister of silica gel and place it inside your unit to make sure that the moisture never got out of control. If you wanted to get fancy, you could install an electric dry-rod device. The dry-rods are not a dehumidifier, but simply a device similar to a light bulb. A filiment produces heat, which keeps the interior of the safe warmer than the exterior, forcing the moisture to the outside.
Daniel T
Member
Safes are made of metal. So are guns. As such, they cool down and heat up much more slowly than the surrounding air. Because of this, they can attract condensation. This can be countered with a heat rod or bags of desiccant.
The heat rod works by keeping the interior of the safe at a constant temperature that is warmer than ambient, and discourages condensation. The desiccant works by absorbing all the moisture in the safe that would condense during a temperature change.
Edit: what those other guys said too.
The heat rod works by keeping the interior of the safe at a constant temperature that is warmer than ambient, and discourages condensation. The desiccant works by absorbing all the moisture in the safe that would condense during a temperature change.
Edit: what those other guys said too.
Aguila Blanca
Member
The issue isn't the safe. The issue is the climate in which the safe is kept. Any enclosed space without air circulation can trap humidity, which is moisture, which is water that causes rust.
This is why they sell big bags of dessicant, and safe heaters.
Tropical Z
Member
Heres what you want.
http://www.theinhibitor.com/theinhibitor/shopexd.asp?id=1
http://www.theinhibitor.com/theinhibitor/shopexd.asp?id=1
Lucky
Member
I believe I was told a good solution is to install a 60watt light-bulb, which is 90% heater and 10% light-emitter, and then just leave it on.
Also I'm certain I was told not to keep anything like foam near metal, because foam absorbs water, and the foam in a gun-case will rust your rifle.
Mete could you elaborate on 'baking out' silica? I've been trying to get some in bulk, but stores I inquire at don't sell it, and shoe stores don't have great tubs of those little bags in the back room.
Also I'm certain I was told not to keep anything like foam near metal, because foam absorbs water, and the foam in a gun-case will rust your rifle.
Mete could you elaborate on 'baking out' silica? I've been trying to get some in bulk, but stores I inquire at don't sell it, and shoe stores don't have great tubs of those little bags in the back room.
KriegHund
Member
Cheaperthandirt.com has some of those silica thingys.
Aguila Blanca
Member
Brownells sells it, too, I think.
The purpose of a desicant (sp?) is to absorb moisture. After awhile, it takes as much as it can hold out of the air, then it just stops working. So it should be periodically baked in a warm oven to drive the moisture out and get it ready for the next round.
stevelyn
Member
I would recommend a Goldenrod or other mild heat producing setup. A 15 watt light in an enclosed safe would be sufficient............. and these......
http://www.rustbloc.com
I've been experimenting with the lube rust blocker on the exteriors of our dept shotguns. I've been pretty happy with the results. We live in a nasty, wet, humid marine environment and the guns are constantly being subjected to temperature changes, wet weather.
The guns are pretty much put in the racks and neglected. I have to growl about cleaning and maintenance when I inspect them. So far, none of the guns that have been treated with the Bullfrog product has exhibited any rust yet.
http://www.rustbloc.com
I've been experimenting with the lube rust blocker on the exteriors of our dept shotguns. I've been pretty happy with the results. We live in a nasty, wet, humid marine environment and the guns are constantly being subjected to temperature changes, wet weather.
The guns are pretty much put in the racks and neglected. I have to growl about cleaning and maintenance when I inspect them. So far, none of the guns that have been treated with the Bullfrog product has exhibited any rust yet.
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