What do you use to monitor safe humidity?

[jason812]

I uise Zerust VCI emitters, paper indicators, and Eva dry "renewable" dehumifiers. I have two of the dehumidifiers and alternate between them evey three or four weeks.

I have seen these and wondered do they leave a film on stocks, optics, or other sensitive items that might be inside?

WHY would they leave a film? They do not off gas any condensibles, they merely adsorb higher molecular weight components.

VCI emitters release a vapor that then is deposited on metal to prevent rust. I would be curious how that also effects wood, plastic, glass, and other items (passport, birth certificates, etc.) that are in the safe.

[C-dub]

I use a dehumidifier that has a color-change indication when the moisture levels go up. When it starts changing from blue to pink I pull it out, plug it in for 24 hours or so, and then put it back in the safe. Usually lasts a couple of months between renewal sessions. If you live in the SE Texas swamp lands, your results may vary.

What is the make and model? I have a Golden Rod, but this sounds like a good addition.

Thanks,
Chas.

Mine is an Eva-Dry 500 high capacity one. The newer ones appear to have green/orange indicator colors instead of the blue/pink like mine has. Keith didn't name his brand, but it might also be Eva-Dry.

[Bitter Clinger]

I uise Zerust VCI emitters, paper indicators, and Eva dry "renewable" dehumifiers. I have two of the dehumidifiers and alternate between them evey three or four weeks.

I have seen these and wondered do they leave a film on stocks, optics, or other sensitive items that might be inside?

WHY would they leave a film? They do not off gas any condensibles, they merely adsorb higher molecular weight components.

VCI emitters release a vapor that then is deposited on metal to prevent rust. I would be curious how that also effects wood, plastic, glass, and other items (passport, birth certificates, etc.) that are in the safe.

Thanks, missed that.

[Keith B]

I use a dehumidifier that has a color-change indication when the moisture levels go up. When it starts changing from blue to pink I pull it out, plug it in for 24 hours or so, and then put it back in the safe. Usually lasts a couple of months between renewal sessions. If you live in the SE Texas swamp lands, your results may vary.

What is the make and model? I have a Golden Rod, but this sounds like a good addition.

Thanks,
Chas.

It is an Eva-dry. Click on the photo and it is a link to the Amazon site for it. The do brand them with Remington, Winchester, etc, but it is the same unit and much cheaper without the gun company branding.

[Charles L. Cotton]

I'm not seeing a photo; just a big empty space. I got the link from your post and was able to find it on Amazon.

Thanks,
Chas.

I use a dehumidifier that has a color-change indication when the moisture levels go up. When it starts changing from blue to pink I pull it out, plug it in for 24 hours or so, and then put it back in the safe. Usually lasts a couple of months between renewal sessions. If you live in the SE Texas swamp lands, your results may vary.

What is the make and model? I have a Golden Rod, but this sounds like a good addition.

Thanks,
Chas.

It is an Eva-dry. Click on the photo and it is a link to the Amazon site for it. The do brand them with Remington, Winchester, etc, but it is the same unit and much cheaper without the gun company branding.

[DocV]

I uise Zerust VCI emitters, paper indicators, and Eva dry "renewable" dehumifiers. I have two of the dehumidifiers and alternate between them evey three or four weeks.

I have seen these and wondered do they leave a film on stocks, optics, or other sensitive items that might be inside?

WHY would they leave a film? They do not off gas any condensibles, they merely adsorb higher molecular weight components.

VCI emitters release a vapor that then is deposited on metal to prevent rust. I would be curious how that also effects wood, plastic, glass, and other items (passport, birth certificates, etc.) that are in the safe.

Some google searches suggest VCI emitters may yellow paper over time. So not a good idea for passports, etc. I can not find anything definitive about optics except for https://www.zerustproducts.com/products ... rage-bags/ which claims:

Our patented technology is non-toxic and safe to use on any weapon or firearm. Our products won’t leave a residue on metal or wood, and won’t harm stocks, grips, optics, ammunition or any metal finishes. Once an item is taken out of storage, the anti-rust molecules will simply dissipate into the air.

[jason812]

Some google searches suggest VCI emitters may yellow paper over time. So not a good idea for passports, etc.

The Google foo must be strong with you. I couldn't find anything about paper discoloration but just how they work.

I will just keep the plugged in rod and some dicassant bags in the safe and see how everything goes. If I decide to use a VCI emmitter, I think I will put documents in a sealed container to be on the safe side.

Thanks for the info.

[DocV]

Some google searches suggest VCI emitters may yellow paper over time. So not a good idea for passports, etc.

The Google foo must be strong with you. I couldn't find anything about paper discoloration but just how they work.

I will just keep the plugged in rod and some dicassant bags in the safe and see how everything goes. If I decide to use a VCI emmitter, I think I will put documents in a sealed container to be on the safe side.

Thanks for the info.

Again on the zerust site (guess what emmiter brand I use :) )
https://www.zerustproducts.com/firearms ... m-storage/

Over an extended period of time, Zerust products will “yellow” paper so do not use them in the proximity to antique books, photographs, valuable documents, etc.

Your idea about sealing documents in a container is good. Another option is an off site saftey deposit box.

[LeonCarr]

I run a goldenrod in the safe and use a household type dehumidifier in the room the safe is in. Rarely gets above 30-35%.

I like the household type dehumidifier over any of the change color and cook type stuff. Plug it in and dump out the water when it gets full.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[troglodyte]

I run a goldenrod in the safe and use a household type dehumidifier in the room the safe is in. Rarely gets above 30-35%.

I run a humidifier in the house all day and it rarely gets above 30-35%. Y'all just need to move up here to the high plains. Your humidity issues will be solved.

[C-dub]

I run a goldenrod in the safe and use a household type dehumidifier in the room the safe is in. Rarely gets above 30-35%.

I like the household type dehumidifier over any of the change color and cook type stuff. Plug it in and dump out the water when it gets full.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/gun- ... nt-battle/

That might be a bit too dry.

The NRA Firearms Museum recommendation is 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and 45% to 50% humidity. This should be a year-round constant, not an average. You could have an average of 50% humidity with 180 days of 0% humidity followed by 180 days of 100% humidity and still destroy your guns. Too much humidity, things will rust; too little humidity, and the wood stock on your rifle can actually dry out, crack and split.

[LeonCarr]

I run a goldenrod in the safe and use a household type dehumidifier in the room the safe is in. Rarely gets above 30-35%.

I run a humidifier in the house all day and it rarely gets above 30-35%. Y'all just need to move up here to the high plains. Your humidity issues will be solved.

Humidifier, AKA Swamp Cooler :)

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[Beiruty]

Nothing Keep one of those until full with water

[jason812]

Beirut, what is that? It looks like a plastic bag under a depends.