STEEL CAMEL
  • Home
  • Programs
    • Agriculture
    • Battery Protection
    • Clean Fuel & Oil >
      • Steel Camel Transformer Oil Filtering
      • Phase Separation
    • Clean Dry Compressed Air
    • Electrical and Computer Rooms
    • Fuel Buzz
    • Heavy Equipment & Trucking
    • Marine
    • Painting & Sand Blasting
    • UST Sumps and Hydrant Pits
  • Products
    • Accessories
    • Anti-Sieze
    • Corrosion Inhibitors
    • Desiccant Bags
    • Filter Buggies
    • Filters - Water Removing >
      • Airbrush Water and Moisture Removal
    • Filter Hardware
    • Water Blocking Compounds
    • Water Removing Socks >
      • Product
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Best Practices for Moisture Control in Gun Safes

5/3/2021

6 Comments

 
​While the act of locking guns in gun safes protects the guns from theft, this act also traps in moisture which can wreak havoc on metals, wood and valuables. So, to prevent havoc and worrying, we have created a document to review technologies and help gun owners tackle the moisture phenomenon.
 
The Problem:  Temperature Change & Condensation
If you have ever touched a cold mirror after a hot shower or touched a side of the glass of ice tea on a hot day,  you will notice condensation.   In the gun safe world, this condensation forms as well when the safe is exposed to temperature swings.  Most safes with condensation problems are the ones in garages, hunting cabins and ones hidden in walls with little insulation.  For the safes kept in temperature-controlled houses or offices, the problem is less, but still can exist.
Picture
Picture
Rust: Metal is negative and when exposed to condensation, the water droplets will act as an electrolyte and start an oxidation process which will lead to rust.  It is this process which can wreak havoc on both interior and exterior parts of guns. 
 
Oil Based Protection (CLP) : Since the invention of metal in the bronze age that was used for protective armor, man has tried many barrier type methods and types of oils to keep the moisture off the metal.  In the beginning, it was animal fat, then vegetable oil.  In the last 200 years,  petroleum oil has been used a barrier and many companies still use such formulas today with a few formulation twists.  for cleaning and lubricating.  Petroleum oil and greases are quite inexpensive, and manufacturers can create additive packages such as perfumes,  cleaners to break down carbon build up and nonstick coatings to prevent build up.  These all are fine and dandy, except the greases and oils can “dehydrate” and breakdown over time and thus leave the metal exposed.  More on this subject on a future post.  In addition, another problem with greases and oils as a barrier is they can act a dirt and debris magnet, thus creating its own set up problems…….particularly in the mechanical parts and barrels.
So, experience tells us that for Cleaning, Lubricating and Protecting (CLP) of firearms it is really hard to find a great balance of all three…….so buyer beware.
 
Solutions to Moisture in Safes
So, if you go to gun shows, cruise the internet or visit gun stores seeking gun safe moisture solutions, you will probably end up with three main choices which that include:
 
  1. Desiccant Adsorbent – made from nature’s own Silica Sand Beads, often accompanied by a fan and a drip tray.
  2. Heating Rods
  3. Synthetic Desiccants with Expanding Polymers made by Steel Camel.

 
Let’s Break Them Down with Pros and Cons.
  1. Silica Sand Beads with a Fan and Drip Tray.  Like the oil, Silica Sand is remarkably plentiful and inexpensive.  Throw in a fan, battery compartment and plug in a plastic housing, you can purchase these devices for under $35.00 all day long.  Even ammo manufacturers like Hornady and Remington have jumped in. The Silica Beads work by adsorbing moisture (different than absorbing moisture).  The moisture in the safe is drawn to the beads by the air movement from the fan, the moisture then sticks to the surface of beads until fully saturated, then fall off into a drip tray.  The tray is them emptied by hand or automatically upon filling up.  Additionally, a color code change will often let the user know when it’s time to change.
Picture

Pros:
  1. Inexpensive
  2. Rechargeable for life.  Remember Silica is sand, and sand can last a million years and sand could very well be over a million years old.
  3. Recharging can be done in several hours.
  4. Simple to use and know when to change out.
  5. Does grab moisture and humidity gauge will drop initially.
Cons:
  1. While the water is in the trap, the moisture is still in the safe.
  2. If you don’t open your safe very often, the moisture and humidity will return and build up.
  3. Silica holds very little of its own weight, so therefore weak in overall performance.
  4. Depending on temperature, safe owners may have to re charge once a month.

​ 
  1. Heating Rods
 
Taken from the boot drying industry, a heating element is placed horizontally at the bottom of the safe and a constant flow of warm air is dispensed 24 hours a day into the safe.  The principle works by taking the warm moist air and rising it up and out of the safe where it can do little damage.
The temperature ranges from 120-130F, a little too hot to hold, but not enough to burn. In order for this unit to work, it must have two holes, one for the electric cord or outlet, and one for the vent.
Picture
​Pros:
  1. Inexpensive
  2. Low maintenance
Cons: 
  1. Heats your room a few degrees..not good if the safe is inside the house.
  2. Warm Air can affect insulation and fire-retardant material of the safe.
  3. Not applicable for smaller safes or ammo boxes.
  4. Unit can be unplugged unknowingly and if not checked, can lead to problems.
  5. Insects can enter through holes…yuk.
  6. Excessive heat can damage plastics and other sensitive material.
  7. Excessive heat can thin out oils and reduce corrosion protection and lubrication properties.
 

 
  1. Expanding Polymers
 
Taken from the hydraulic oil and fuel industry, this product called Moisture Hog by Steel Camel is a new entry into the desiccant market works much different than Silica Sand beads and other organic material. Instead of adsorbing moisture and sticking to beads where the moisture is still present, this product actually absorbs moisture and makes it inert.  See video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U6kIsGj9X8&t=5s&ab_channel=SteelCamel
​

 
This desiccant technology comes in an opaque bag of various sizes depending on the volume of air in the safe.  While the Silica relies on a fan to draw in the moisture, Moisture Hog utilizes a powerful chemistry to attract and draw in the moisture. As the moisture is drawn in and captured, the bag with expand and blow up like the Pillsbury Doughboy. When blown up, it is time to change out and get a new bag.
 
Picture

​Pros:
  1. Effective and not just reducing humidity, but also effective at reducing condensation.
  2. The swollen bag indicator is easy for safe owner to detect when to change.
  3. No batteries, no chords, and no issues with heat damage.
  4. Chemistry holds 100 times it weight which is about 50-75 times more than Silica sand beads.
  5. Multiple sizes for all sizes of safes and ammo boxes.
  6. Simple Installations, just place in middle of safe on shelf or hang. Position doesn’t matter.
  7. Easy to take with you if you put guns in a case for travel.
  8. Super large bags available for giant safes.
  9. Comparison Testing Available.
  
 
 Size  L x W                  Volume Cu. Ft.                               # per case

 1” x 2”                     1-2’                                                            25

 2” x 2”                      3’                                                               25

 3” x 3”                      4-5’                                                           10

 7” x7”                      9-10’                                                          10

22” x 24’”          Dependent                                                      3

 
Cons:
  1. Higher upfront costs.
  2. No or limited regeneration.
 
Conclusion:
Moisture caused corrosion can wreak havoc or even destroy your firearms and ammo in enclosed containers if not properly addressed.  For the best practices, choose the best drying system that is safe, lasts a long time, has few bells and whistles, desiccates the greatest volume of air and affords the gun owner the most piece of mind.
 
For more details,  please contact Steel Camel @ [email protected] or  visit www.steelcamel.com
6 Comments
John Carston link
6/14/2022 07:08:16 pm

I appreciate that you explained that your firearms could be affected by the moisture inside your safe. My uncle mentioned to me last night that he is planning to buy a gun safe for secured and safe storage, and he asked me if I had any idea what would be the best option to consider. I appreciate this helpful article, I'll be sure to tell him that he can consult a gun safes company as they can provide more information about their safes.

Reply
Dan Jenkins link
7/9/2022 03:30:32 pm

6 each 3 x 3. one 7 x7.........that will be plenty and some for your ammo box.

Reply
Braden Bills link
7/15/2022 10:32:58 am

I want to get a gun safe so that I can store my guns properly. It makes sense that I would want to ensure that it's safe from moisture damage! I'll be sure to put it in a place that makes it easier to keep it away from water.

Reply
Victoria Addington link
11/1/2022 12:12:55 pm

It made sense when you mentioned that the oxidation process will cause rust on both interior and exterior parts of guns. That's probably why my friend wants to protect his guns with colored gun socks. He is even looking for colored gun socks for sale that fit his guns.

Reply
Mia Evans link
2/22/2023 03:19:37 am

Thanks for pointing out that gun safes can have moisture issues when they experience condensation in the garages, cabins, and walls with little insulation. I will share this information with my husband since he plans to get a handgun as a defensive firearm in our home. We should also learn about the types of options we have for safe services to get the best one that is easy to access but hard to crack for unauthorized people.

Reply
Millie Hue link
7/22/2023 04:45:29 am

It got me when you said that metal will start to rust when there is condensation, because water will be an electrolyte that will start the oxidation process. I should make sure that we also get a good safe that will protect the firearm when we buy them from a gun shop this weekend. Keeping it from rust will ensure that it will be functional when the time comes that we need to protect ourselves in any way.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

     If you have any topics for review, please let us know. 

    Archives

    October 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2022
    June 2021
    May 2021
    January 2021
    August 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Get to Know Us
About Us
​
Blog
Contact Form
Knowledge Base
Steel Camel
Need a Quote?: 813-877-4665
3347 S. West Shore Blvd. #8
Tampa, FL 33629
[email protected]

Additional Content
Credentials
Dealer 
Disclaimer 
​Glossary


Steel Camel is a Registered Trademark - All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Programs
    • Agriculture
    • Battery Protection
    • Clean Fuel & Oil >
      • Steel Camel Transformer Oil Filtering
      • Phase Separation
    • Clean Dry Compressed Air
    • Electrical and Computer Rooms
    • Fuel Buzz
    • Heavy Equipment & Trucking
    • Marine
    • Painting & Sand Blasting
    • UST Sumps and Hydrant Pits
  • Products
    • Accessories
    • Anti-Sieze
    • Corrosion Inhibitors
    • Desiccant Bags
    • Filter Buggies
    • Filters - Water Removing >
      • Airbrush Water and Moisture Removal
    • Filter Hardware
    • Water Blocking Compounds
    • Water Removing Socks >
      • Product
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Contact Us