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7/21/2011 3:01:33 PM EDT
Greetings all,

I was wondering what the ideal humidity level would be for a firearm storage room where I have a Stack-On cabinet (sold safe due to a long distance move) and was wondering if I need a de-humidifier. After 2 weeks of readings, the humidity low is 35% and the high is 48%. Temp low is 77, temp high is 86.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

HC
7/22/2011 11:19:22 PM EDT
[#1]
Any rust forming?
7/23/2011 12:04:41 AM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
Any rust forming?


No. I'd rather not use rust as an indicator if there is a known temp\humidity range.
7/23/2011 4:52:00 AM EDT
[#3]
It depends on how long you plan to have the guns in there.  35% is low humidity.  I would spray with cosmoline just in case.
7/23/2011 10:40:32 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
It depends on how long you plan to have the guns in there.  35% is low humidity.  I would spray with cosmoline just in case.


This is my primary storage, so they'll be in there for the foreseeable future.
7/23/2011 11:14:51 PM EDT
[#5]




Quoted:

Greetings all,



I was wondering what the ideal humidity level would be for a firearm storage room where I have a Stack-On cabinet (sold safe due to a long distance move) and was wondering if I need a de-humidifier. After 2 weeks of readings, the humidity low is 35% and the high is 48%. Temp low is 77, temp high is 86.



Any info would be appreciated.



Thanks



HC


Its not just humidity, it the "drastic" temp swings as well



Even in a very dry environment you can get condensation with a cold gun/warm room.



Saying that, the perfect humidity would be 0, unless you have a bunch of wood stocks, but I would try to get less than 20 if it were me, 10% would be better

7/23/2011 11:40:39 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Greetings all,

I was wondering what the ideal humidity level would be for a firearm storage room where I have a Stack-On cabinet (sold safe due to a long distance move) and was wondering if I need a de-humidifier. After 2 weeks of readings, the humidity low is 35% and the high is 48%. Temp low is 77, temp high is 86.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

HC

Its not just humidity, it the "drastic" temp swings as well

Even in a very dry environment you can get condensation with a cold gun/warm room.

Saying that, the perfect humidity would be 0, unless you have a bunch of wood stocks, but I would try to get less than 20 if it were me, 10% would be better


Thanks for the info. Very good point regarding fluctuations.

I had read a few posts that stated museum grade was 50% humidity and 70 degrees. The point being consistency. A constant 50 and 70 would be fine. What would be acceptable for Southern California?
7/24/2011 2:29:17 PM EDT
[#7]
I've been using a "golden rod" type heater to maintain a consistant temp in my safe.  Been using it for several years.  It's a lot less of a PITA than the pellet type dehumidifiers, and works very well.  It's in and area thats around 50% humidity, and guessing around 75* inside the safe.  I wipe them down with a decent gun oil, and use rust inhibitor "cubes" from Flambeau; I think that's who makes them.

Rust inhibitor

So far so good.

Only reason I asked about the rust was that might indicate temperature swings causing condensation on the metal parts.
7/24/2011 11:09:22 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
I've been using a "golden rod" type heater to maintain a consistant temp in my safe.  Been using it for several years.  It's a lot less of a PITA than the pellet type dehumidifiers, and works very well.  It's in and area thats around 50% humidity, and guessing around 75* inside the safe.  I wipe them down with a decent gun oil, and use rust inhibitor "cubes" from Flambeau; I think that's who makes them.

Rust inhibitor

So far so good.

Only reason I asked about the rust was that might indicate temperature swings causing condensation on the metal parts.


Thanks for the detail. BTW, I wasn't trying to come off sounding douchie in my response, lol.

My situation is more paranoia than anything. My weapons are in a steel Stack-On cabinet in a 15x10 room that is approx 80 to 85 degrees, about 50% humidity. I was thinking of getting a  >>>Frigidaire dehumidifier<<< just to get the humidity lower.
7/24/2011 11:34:49 PM EDT
[#9]
Any point to a goldenrod in gun cabinet? I had to lose my nice Liberty in the move.
7/25/2011 12:57:07 AM EDT
[#10]



Quoted:



Thanks for the info. Very good point regarding fluctuations.



I had read a few posts that stated museum grade was 50% humidity and 70 degrees. The point being consistency. A constant 50 and 70 would be fine. What would be acceptable for Southern California?


Museums keep humidity at those levels to keep organic items preserved, ie wood(stocks)/paper/etc.



Syn/Metal rifles would be better off at a lower humidity/



 
7/25/2011 2:00:10 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:

Quoted:

Thanks for the info. Very good point regarding fluctuations.

I had read a few posts that stated museum grade was 50% humidity and 70 degrees. The point being consistency. A constant 50 and 70 would be fine. What would be acceptable for Southern California?

Museums keep humidity at those levels to keep organic items preserved, ie wood(stocks)/paper/etc.

Syn/Metal rifles would be better off at a lower humidity/
 


I'm gonna try the sugar cap test. Placing a small amount of sugar in a small cup or cap and checking if it soaks up any moisture.

That aside, I'm guessing the dehumidifier is the only option. Or any other suggestions?
8/1/2011 5:36:27 PM EDT
[#12]
So - After 2 weeks of readings, the humidity low is 35% and the high is 48%. Temp low is 77, temp high is 86. Decent range? Or should I get the humidity lower?
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