Free storage unit for reloading components

[moredes]

I posted this as a reply to another thread, but thought it deserved its' own under a more appropriate title.

The recommended place to store primers, powder, and assembled bullets is a "cool, dry place" that won't go through temperature fluctuations. I store mine in derelict refrigerators that I got free from Lowe's. Use only the refrigerators that are built to seal with rubber weatherstrip, not the metal-clasp locking type.

When Lowe's delivers new refrigerators, they haul off the old ones as a courtesy to the customer (some Home Depots do too, but that's a store-to-store policy). I just asked the manager of my local Lowe's if I could purchase the derelicts for his usual salvage fee, and he said I could take as many as I wanted for free. It took me 5 visits (once a weekend whenever I remembered) to accumulate 3 suitable 20 cu. ft. units (by "suitable", I mean presentable, with doors that still sealed like new). They are surprisingly light; with a rope and handtruck I was able to move them around easily. Even getting them into the back of a pickup truck is a one-man operation.

They make for good, free, (hermetically sealed) storage units. Because of the humidity of the Deep South, I also store my electronic scales, reloading dies, and magazine ("clips") there when not in use.

 

[Dave R]

Great idea! Thanks for passing that along.

Also a great way for newlyweds to get that first refrigerator for little cash.

 

[moredes]

Oh, no! I didn't mean these refrigerators work... I dunno if they work, I never plugged them in. In fact, I cut the cords off.

 

[JNewell]

I used to do the same. You can remove the compressor, etc. to make them even lighter. An additional benefit is their flame resistance.

 

[g56]

You are looking for a refrigerator with a magnetic latch, most cities have regulations about removing doors on the older refrigerators that have the metal latch, a lot of children have been killed in the older style refrigerators.

One of the biggest problems with an old refrigerator is getting rid of the odors, lot's of baking powder helps with that.

 

[moredes]

damn doubling

 

[moredes]

I forgot about that. I cleaned them outdoors with a solution of 25% bleach and water and then just hose them down and let them dry and air out for a coupla days. A bleach mixture that strong requires gloves, or your hands may chap and split, especially if you clean two units at once. Whatever they smelled like before, they don't after, but the bleach smell does have to air out.

 

[Quartus]

I think you've hit on a terrific idea here! Might want to add a dehumidifier.

You can remove the compressor, etc. to make them even lighter.

But watch out for the enviro-cops. Releasing all that evil freon into the atmosphere is a crime.

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Dehumidify Fridges

Years ago I used to sell small dehumidifying jars that after 25 years I still use it lookes like like little beige color balls with another set that were blue until they absorbed the moisture in the cabinet or gun safe where they were placed. Then they had to be heated to restore the color of the indicators and they were ready to be used again. Mine are at the family ranch and I think they are called SoDri and in were about the size as a cup of coffee with screw lids of course.

A search of the internet might find this kind of material again called Dessicant.

JohnPaul

 

[Gewehr98]

I used them for something different...

I cut 80-120mm holes on each side of the main compartment, pulled out the fiberglass stuffing, then used computer/electronics rack cooling fans to move air through the closed refrigerator. I used those scotchbrite cleaning pads as an air filter. Then the refrigerator became a bug-free cabinet to hang rifle stocks that were drying after each rubdown with boiled linseed oil, etc. Each time the Air Force moved me, I'd take the fans off, push the old fridge out to the curb for large garbage pickup day, and find a new volunteer at my next base.

 

[Dave R]

You realize refrigeration reduces humiditiy, right? I would plug the fridge in and let it cool. Set the temp setting low so its more like 50 degreen, and not 40. Powder and primers don't mind being cool, do they?

 

[BluesBear]

Try Public Storage. Most of them sell DryZ-Air. It's used to keep the inside of boats stored under tarps dry. It's in a tub like Cool-Whip. It last a long time and also kills odors. It's renewable too.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

Very interesting idea! Amazing where you can get free stuff eh?