Safe/Goldenrod Question

[DoSqH]

Hey All,

I'm looking to get a Goldenrod for my safe.

I have a few questions:

1) Will the Goldenrod harm or ignite the upholstery inside the safe?

2) Can it be mounted on the floor of the safe on the carpeting at the front of the safe? Does it need to be installed at the back of the safe?

Thanks,

Jake

 

[Chucky]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

Mine is just sitting on the carpet on the bottom of my safe. My laptop gets hotter than it.

 

[SuckitTrebek]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

back of the safe. and it doesn't lay on the floor, it has two plastic pieces that keep it slightly elevated.

 

[RollingThunder51]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

Goldenrods make air move.

If your safe is not air tight, warm air will move out of the top and cool moist air will move it the bottom. A perfect moisture cycle is created. Net drying effect? Zero.

If your safe is airtight, a Goldenrod will warm up any moisture and keep it in suspension in your safe like a rain forest. Net drying effect? Zero.

We do not use golden rods if we have a real humidity issue. We use silica gel and, as importantly a hygrometer.

With a hygrometer in our safes we can see the most important information of all, what the humidity is. We are looking to get the humidty to around 50% at all times and in all temperatures. We clean and dry and oil our weapons when we place them away. Nothing ever goes in wet. Avoid all leathers as well.

Fireproof safes have the additional issue of having water retained in the fireproof lining (that is what "steams out" to cool and protect your possessions....and it is why fireproof safes are for paper...as in money and documents...and will ruin most gun finishes, etc. if the temp triggers the steam out).

So...forget the golden rod. Go with the Silica gel in as big a container, and as many as you need, to dry out a new safe and to achieve approx 50% on your hygrometer and not be driven crazy by the recharging cycles. I charge up three times a year on a large safe. Humidity is approx 45%. High/Lo digital hygrometer tell me everything I need to know. No rust, no issues for decades. Silica Gel is a moisture remover that is what will (with proper cleaning and oiling) keep rust off your weapon.

You will need two (2) of these if your safe is new and fireproof.
http://www.theruststore.com/750-Gram-Rechargeable-Silica-Gel-Canister-P57C15.aspx

or http://www.theruststore.com/Moisture-Control-C6.aspx

(Notice....NO Goldenrods for sale at the "Rust Store")

You will need one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Thermometer-Hygrometer-Temperature-Humidity/dp/B00153KVYG

30+ years of collection care and high humidity experience talking here. Goldenrod, been there, done that, go silica gel.

 

[SigSense]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

Very interesting info RollingThunder. Got a question, my humidity level is pretty low in my basement at 22%, and I am currently using a Goldenrod. Should there be more moisture in your opinion? I thought that the lower the humidity the better.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

Before Goldenrod type units were available, I used a 100 watt lightbulb in a trouble light cage. It was in a water tight seal and I never had a problem with anything rusting.

 

[Cut]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

The Golden Rod does get warm, but not hot enough that you can't hold it in your hand. I have mine mounted underneath the racks the weapon props up against with the plastic clips that it comes with.

Cut

 

[RollingThunder51]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

at 22% your in great shape. Keep your wood and leather oiled though. Lucky guy.

 

[tlsmith22]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

I may have too much heat in mine. I leave my PEET boot dryer plugged up and in the bottom of my safe. It has 2 40 watt resistors for heat in it. PEET recommends you leave it plugged up, so I figured I would make use of it.

 

[SuckitTrebek]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

i use a large silica gel can and a goldenrod.

 

[XOR]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

You can buy a canister of silica gel from Midway that is easy to use and can be recharged countless times by putting in an oven or hot surface like a wood stove:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=799452
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=623716

I don't think a heater in a safe is effective (I work on safes as a hobby) and there is always the chance there could be an electrical problem and you could kick off a fire inside the safe. You need to absorb the water out of the atmosphere which a heater by itself can't do but the gel can.

Honestly though I've used safes in very humid environments and never had any rust problems with or without moisture absorbing measures. I just keep the guns wiped down with a quality oil or CLP and make sure there are no fingerprints on them. That seems to be enough. However, with the silica gel there is even less chance of a problem and they are cheap and easy to use so it's good insurance.

 

[1000yard]

Re: Safe/Goldenrod Question

I just use a Goldenrod,never had any problems with rust, but since I live in a humid area, I may add silica gel, can't be to careful.