Why do I have to recharge the silica in my safe so frequently?

[trbon8r]

I've got a Fort Knox safe equipped with an electric Dri Rod. For some extra insurance I bought one of the 750 gram metal cans that contain silica beads that change color when they need recharging. I was surprised to find that even with the Dri Rod I'm having to recharge the silica in the oven at least every other week! Now I'm a little concerned about just how much moisture is in my safe.

We have low humidity here in southern CA, but we are about a mile from the beach. Should I buy a second can of the silica, or am I just being too paranoid?

 

[1 old 0311]

Paranoid. Recharging the cans is easy, besides I can't stay out of my safe for two weeks. If it makes you feel better, get a second can. Cheap insurance, and it will help you sleep.

Kevin

 

[BenW]

Get the second can. I had a similar problem in one of my safes right after I bought it. After getting a second can, I can go for a couple of months without recharging.

One would think the silica manufacturers would err on the side of buying more of their product when they recommend the silica to safe size ratio, but they seem to do the opposite.

 

[JohnBT]

Do what I did a few years ago, toss the silica and get a second Golden Rod. My basement has 14-inch-thick bare brick walls, a 90-year-old concrete floor with cracks and no ventilation unless the door is open or the boiler is running to heat the radiators upstairs.

My two large containers of silica wouldn't make it through a week even when the big Sears dehumidifier was running.

John

 

[stevelyn]

Hedge your bets and get some Bullfrog VpCI emitters and put them in your safe.

http://www.rustbloc.com

 

[Oldnamvet]

All the dry rod does is warm the air and thus lower the relative humidity while slowly moving the air. The moisture is still there and will be adsorbed by the silica. Open the safe a couple of times and all the moisture you removed with silica will be right back at the same level again. Keeping the relative humidity down is normally adequate along with a periodic wipe down of the guns, especially after handling.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I think the silica makers have made it so their stuff turns pretty quick. Safer on their end I guess.

The other thing I would do is make sure you're heating it at the correct temp and time. Otherwise, it won't be getting totally recharged and will fill up much faster (I've been guilty of that also).