Keeping a gun safe at optimal temperature and humidity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels within a gun safe to prevent moisture damage to firearms. Participants explore various methods and products for moisture control, including dehumidifiers, silica gel packs, and moisture-absorbing sacks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a fan on the outside of a locked safe to keep guns dry, while another questions the effectiveness of this approach.
  • Some participants argue that guns do not attract moisture like other materials, implying that external humidity may not be a significant concern.
  • There are recommendations for using moisture-absorbing sacks or silica gel packs inside the safe, with some participants emphasizing the need to replace these regularly.
  • One participant notes that desiccants are temperature dependent and can be recharged by heating them in an oven.
  • A participant mentions that their home is dry enough that they do not require desiccants, but acknowledges the need for them in more humid environments.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for a fan to negate the effects of a dehumidifier if air can penetrate the safe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of using a fan and the necessity of desiccants, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' suggestions depend on specific environmental conditions, such as humidity levels in their homes, which may not apply universally. The discussion also highlights the need for periodic maintenance of desiccants.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in firearm maintenance, particularly those concerned with moisture control in gun safes, may find this discussion relevant.

JimmyJockstrap
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I put in the dehumidifier inside a remington thing you charge up with power up.

Would you think having a fan blowing on the outside of a locked safe would have any effect on keeping the guns dry?
 
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Why should it?
 
It's a gun, not a cotton ball. Why would it attract moisture?
 
Why don't you put a one of those mositure sacks that come in clothes inside the safe to soak up any mositure and replace it every so often.
 
Get an airtight box for the gun?
 
I agree with Cyrus, get some silica gel packs.
 
K.J.Healey said:
I agree with Cyrus, get some silica gel packs.

x2. If it's a good quality safe, and therefore sealed very well, I doubt that a fan blowing on it would have any effect. They actually make silica desiccants for uses such as your needing...

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=183876
 
JimmyJockstrap said:
Would you think having a fan blowing on the outside of a locked safe would have any effect on keeping the guns dry?
If it is possible for air to penetrate the safe, having a fan blow on it will cause the air inside the safe to be closer to the humidity outside the safe. It'll negate the effect of the dehumidifier.
 
Cyrus said:
Why don't you put a one of those mositure sacks that come in clothes inside the safe to soak up any mositure and replace it every so often.
FYI, dessicants are temperature dependent - you can drive the moisture out by putting them in the oven.
 
  • #10
There are several brands of desiccant packets and containers made for gun safes.
They do need to be replaced occasionally.

http://www.remingtonle.com/axx/safecare.htm
 
  • #11
My house is pretty dry so I've never needed to use desiccant cannisters in my gun safe. I'm pretty good about oiling them lightly after each use, too.

If I lived someplace humid, I would definitely invest in metal desiccant cannisters that could be recharged by drying them in the oven. My problem is with my guitars and it's the opposite problem - I need to humidify the cases to keep the acoustics in top shape.
 

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