Gunsafe does it need to have a hygrometer

[98f150]

I have my new gunsafe in my garage in central texas. I have a couple of Eva-dry desiccant devices to take humidity out of the air. But is it a good idea to have something that will tell me the humidity level inside the safe??? I also have two golden rods plugged in inside the safe at the bottom back of the safe. Any ideas would be helpful.

thanks,
bill

 

[hso]

Sounds like you've gone above and beyond to keep the contents dry. Just make sure that the safe seals well, including the holes for the golden rods, to keep moisture from coming in from the outside. Don't store anything in closed padded cases and it is best if you don't have any foam or cloth in there at all.

 

[a1abdj]

I would use one, just because it's cheap insurance. You can usually find digital hygrometers that even record the high and low levels, including temperatures. They're usually less than $30.

 

[rcmodel]

If you do buy a hygrometer, be aware that they almost always have to be calibrated after you get one.

Heres how:
http://www.csonka.com/beta/popup_consumer_analog_tes.html

rc

 

[heeler]

I keep one in my safe and I think that is a good idea, but since I keep my safe bolted inside the house with central air and heat there is not much of a problem.
I just got back from a weekend deer hunt and after wiping my rifle down with a light coat of oil I opened my gun safe and the meter indicated a humidity level of 57%.
And it's a warm 82 degrees and quite balmy out right now and I kept the thermostat set to keep the unit from kicking while I was gone.
In a garage here I would be very concerned because the current humidity level right here in Houston is now 69% and going up.
I know a lot of people keep gun safes in garages due to room,weight,etc. but that in my opinion that is less than optimal due to wild temeperature and humidity swings in Texas.
But with that amount of equipment you have installed in the safe that ought to even things up in your favor.

 

[JohnBT]

"Just make sure that the safe seals well"

For the GoldenRods to work the safe cannot be sealed.

www.goldenroddehumidifiers.com/faqs.htm

"Expansion of the heated air forces the moist air outside through the vents or loose fitting doors leaving the dry air inside. In order to work correctly, it is important to ensure that there is adequate ventilation."


I tossed the dessicant 15 years ago. And when the humidity meter finally broke I didn't replace it. The GoldenRods are still working.

John

 

[Jim K]

Before there were Goldenrods, there were plain old 15 watt light bulbs. Cheap, but if you won't access the safe for a while, use two bulbs in case one burns out.

Jim

 

[j2crows]

I also have 2 of the desiccants in my 16 gun safe. They are the type that have 3 circles on the box that change color as humidity is removed. When one of the dots turns a certain color I'm supposed to place the stuff in an oven for about 30 minutes. However, living in New Mexico I have never had to recharge them. I guess it's the lack of humidity! Been 5 years now. Oh...I have recharged them just for peace of mind.

 

[98f150]

I bought a new Hydrometer and its 40% humidity inside

I bought a meter on Amazon and its been in my safe for about 17 hours and I just checked it and its reading 40% humidity at 64 degrees inside the safe. My garage and outside is about 54 degrees. Do you think I should work on getting the humidity lower?

 

[heeler]

No.
That's plenty dry and no doubt helped by the dry cool front we just received.
What brand hygrometer did you buy?
Is it possible to post a link?

 

[rdsmith3]

For a hygrometer, I use this for my guitars. Unlike some other inexpensive ones, this can be calibrated.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H6CZQE/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

You should also buy this to calibrate it.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A3UBLA/ref=oh_o00_s00_i01_details

 

[98f150]

I bought this meter

I bought this meter.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WMBOUG/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

 

[ColtPythonElite]

You can buy them in the thermometer section of your favorite big box store. A digital one will set you back between $5 and $10. A simple analog is about 3 bucks. For that few bucks, I can see no reason not to have one and know what the humidity level is.

 

[Zebraranger]

I've been using one of these digital monitors for the last 3 or 4 years now, its really the only way to know whats going on in there. I've also been using two of the rechargable dehumidifiers. Here in Florida 100% humidity is the norm much of the year. Air conditioners today act like dehumidifiers and remove much of the moisture from the air in the house allowing me to keep the humidity level in the safe zone between 48% and 52% in the safe.