If you are passionate about your firearms and want to keep them well-preserved and properly stored you may be wondering if you need a dehumidifier in your gun safe. Keeping your firearms stored properly and well-maintained will ensure they work the way they are supposed to when you need them the most.
A gun safe should have a dehumidifier of some type to prevent rust, corrosion, or mold from developing on the surfaces of the firearms. Climates with higher humidity levels are more susceptible to moisture damage and should take extra precautions to keep their guns stored correctly.
For more information about how to keep your gun safe at the proper humidity level and other information continue reading.
Firearms And Humidity Do Not Mix
When a firearm is exposed to moisture or humidity for any length of time it can quickly go from being a top-notch piece of weaponry to a mere paperweight.
When a gun gets wet or is in a humid environment it can do a great deal of damage; this is why it is so important to properly clean and store your firearms.
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Sometimes the damage caused by humidity is merely cosmetic but in other cases, it can mean that the moving parts of the gun no longer move as they should. If you are in a situation where time is of the essence it is important that your guns are operable and ready to go.
A gun that has been exposed to moisture or humidity can quickly rust or corrode. Additionally, if your firearms have wooden stocks as many do, the wood can become covered in mold or mildew and damage its appearance.
To keep prevent your firearms from becoming damaged by moisture it is best to keep the humidity level at %50. It is possible to create an environment that is too dry for your firearms which can result in wooden stocks cracking from dryness. Keeping a close eye on the humidity levels is important.
To learn how you can prevent moisture and humidity from entering your gun safe, continue reading.
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How To Handle The Humidity In Your Gun Safe
Now that you understand the importance of keeping your firearms stored in the proper conditions you can explore the two most common options for maintaining the atmosphere inside your gun safe.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
What is a desiccant dehumidifier you ask? It sounds like such a fancy word, but all it really consists of is a plastic container or pouch filled with a specialized material such as silica to absorb any moisture in the air.
They work similarly to how a sponge wicks water off of a flat surface only they are wicking the moisture directly from the air.
Pros of using a desiccant dehumidifier are:
- Non-electric which means you don’t have to worry about raising your bill or any fire hazards from electrical cords
- Easy to use and install; can be set on a shelf or hung by a hook
- Come in varying styles and sizes depending upon your needs
Cons of using a desiccant dehumidifier are:
- You have to replace them every so often depending on the humidity in your area
- It costs money to buy new desiccant containers or pouches
- Work well, but not as well as an electric dehumidifier
If you choose to go with a desiccant dehumidifier it is important to know where to put it so it can work to its maximum potential.
This style of dehumidifier works best when it is hung or placed on a shelf in the middle of the safe so it is equidistant from the top and bottom of the safe.
Here’s a video showing a duhumidifier rod and what it looks like:
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Electric Dehumidifiers and Dehumidifier Rods
The second and most controllable method for maintaining proper humidity levels in your gun safe is to use an electric dehumidifier or dehumidifier rod.
Both options work well but it will depend on how much space you have available in your safe to determine which option you can choose.
Pros of using an electric or rod-style dehumidifier are:
- Absorb and regulate better than a simple desiccant dehumidifier
- Can set desired humidity level
Cons of using an electric or rod-style dehumidifier are:
- Have to pay for electricity and worry about the cord getting too hot
- In some cases need to drill holes or do other installation before it can work
If you choose to use an electric dehumidifier the best location is at the bottom of the safe. This will help the unit to work more efficiently as it creates heat as it is working so keeping it at the bottom of the safe will prevent or reduce additional humidity from forming.
Continue reading for some other tips for keeping your firearms in good condition.
Tips For Keeping Your Guns In Good Condition
In addition to using a dehumidifier of some kind, the following section will help to prevent damage to your most prized possessions.
Every time you use your firearm it is important to clean it and ensure it is free of any moisture that it may have picked up while you were out.
If you have firearms that have a wooden stock it is helpful to keep it waxed to prevent the wood from cracking or swelling if the humidity levels do get out of whack.
If you do not use your guns often it is important to regularly break them down and clean them to ensure there is no moisture.
Additionally, it is essential to keep the rest of the gun well-oiled and lubricated to prevent moving parts from rusting or corroding.
Proper Care And Humidity Levels Preserve Prized Possessions
As you can see it is necessary to keep a dehumidifier in your gun safe, especially if you live in a climate with higher humidity levels. Both options work well it’s just up to you to decide which will be best for your specific needs.
