Rust prevention - some questions about storage

[Warners]

I have a small gun cabinet that I mounted to a wall in my basement where all of my guns (12) are stored. I'm concerned about rust prevention. I just ordered the "bore-store" gun socks for all of them. I think that's a real good start. I also did some reading up on the "goldenrod" devices that basically just heat the air from the bottom up, causing the dew point in the safe/cabinet to raise up and help prevent rust. This got me to thinking....I used to keep several reptiles (down to just one now) and one of the common approaches to providing floor heat for them was this flat heat tape, which I still have. The stuff I have is 12" wide, which is the perfect width for my cabinet. Has anyone ever used this in place of the goldenrod approach? I think it should work at least as well, and since it's flat, it won't interfere with how the guns fit in the cabinet. My only real concern would be moderating the temperature with a thermostat (the regular old light dimmers work fine), because the tape can get pretty hot if I remember correctly. Has anyone ever tried this? Is there a reason NOT to? And how MUCH heat do I want coming up from the bottom of the cabinet? I'm thinking a flat sheet of plexiglass (or real glass) over the top of the tape should protect it from damage from the gun stocks, as well as provide a barrier for the gun stocks from coming in direct contact with the heat tape. Any thoughts, comments, or constructive criticism are appreciated....

Thanks in advance,

Warner

 

[Gromky]

One downside would be if humidity is already quite low (like here with a couple weeks of below-freezing temps) the heat will drop relative humidity and accelerate drying of leather and wood. Of course, it takes extremely low humidity, time, and lack of wood care for it to become a huge risk.

But if it's a dry environment you probably wouldn't be worried about rusting in the first place, I just wanted to throw in the idea that too dry can be a problem as well. About where do the temps and humidity run in the basement?

 

[Warners]

One downside would be if humidity is already quite low (like here with a couple weeks of below-freezing temps) the heat will drop relative humidity and accelerate drying of leather and wood.

But if it's a dry environment you probably wouldn't be worried about rusting in the first place, I just wanted to throw in the idea that too dry can be a problem as well. About where do the temps and humidity run in the basement?

Great question. I guess I should start there, huh? I DO have a humidity/temperature gauge somewhere.....maybe I'll put that thing in the locker for a few hours and get a baseline reading. Maybe I don't need anything....

Thanks for the suggestion...

Warner

 

[Gromky]

In the basement I suspect you'd be more likely to have humidity that is so high desiccant would be a good idea, rather than have humidity so low that the heat would be a problem, but either way having a general idea of where it runs would be a start.

I think "ideal" conditions are something like 50% relative humidity, with most people preferring to stay a bit under that number if they can.

 

[Warners]

In the basement I suspect you'd be more likely to have humidity that is so high desiccant would be a good idea, rather than have humidity so low that the heat would be a problem, but either way having a general idea of where it runs would be a start.

I think "ideal" conditions are something like 50% relative humidity, with most people preferring to stay a bit under that number if they can.

I will check it out and report back.....assuming I can find my hygrometer......

Thanks,

Warner

 

[rcmodel]

I think "ideal" conditions are something like 50% relative humidity

50% at 70 degrees is "museum grade" conditions.

Hotter & dryer then that may dry out stock wood and make it shrink, check, or crack.
And we know what hotter and wetter will do!

My only concern with the heat tape would be if it somehow shorted out and set fire to your gun collection. Maybe a GFI outlet would be in order?

rc

 

[brboyer]

Just use VpCI Emitters and not worry too much about the humidity levels.

http://www.rustbloc.com/VpCIemitterfaq.shtml

 

[Warners]

Well, for now at least the humidity at the floor level of the cabinet is 37%....so I should be okay....

Warner

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Have you applied Renaissance Wax to all steel surfaces? That is the recommended practice for knife collectors.