What's the humidity level in your safe?

truckemup97

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I got a new safe a while back and decided to see what the humidity level is inside. Left a hygrometer in over 24 hours and found it at 39%. That seems high as I have a dri-rod and several desiccant packs in there. Is that a "dangerous" level? I'm guessing not, because the house is usually between 40-50%, but it seems like it would be lower in the safe. So what does your hygrometer say?
 
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My safe stays about 53% humidity, and 70 degrees. I've read that the NRA museum keeps their collection at 50%/70 degrees. Too low a humidity level can dry out the wood (stocks).
David
 
My hygrometer?? You know what I think? I think you only posted this to show off that you have a hygrometer!

I paid $4.95 (on sale) for it down at the Home Despot. You can have one, too!! Just get yourself a sign that says, "Will work for food" or "Homeless Please Help" and hang out at the Franklin offramp from the 101 for a few minutes. You'll be able to buy a hygrometer, too! :D
 
OK, I've got several hygrometers. One even does double duty, a local and a remote reading jobbie. And I've got one that should do duty in my cigar humidor, except I don't even have one. But the coolest thing about them is that none read the same. So from that I conclude they're not all that accurate.

I've read several articles that suggest the ideal target humidity is between 30% and 40%. Too wet seems to promote corrosion, too dry will harm the wood (cracking or shrinking.) But much worse is the change in temperature. The more, the worse.

So if you're wanting to use a hygrometer, you 'll need a thermometer, too. Preferably one that records. You'll want to see the daily high and low temps along with those humidity readings. You can even buy ones that graph it on a moving strip of paper.

The next thing you've got to do is keep an eye on the gun or guns. Don't know what good it will do, but if you see any rust, clean and oil the gun. It might even be possible we over think these things. Its my best guess.
 
" ... But much worse is the change in temperature. "

This. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

My little gun container has stayed 43-49% (relative humidity) and temp between 62 and 69 degrees fahrenheit for years. It stays there using only a light bulb that I leave on 24/7.
No rust - no problems.

it's not rocket surgery.

GF
 
I have no clue what the safe interior numbers are. I have a rod (goldenrod) and all has been well for the last 8 years at this house. All wood is normal and no rust or other issues. The safe sits in a basement that has a dehumidifier and the basement averages about 55RH year around

My other safe (same type rod) sat for over 25 years at the other house. It was located in the room that held the furnace/AC and I experienced no problems their either.

Two of my rifles are 94 Winchesters, one made in 1898 the other in 1912 and they have suffered no harm after close to 35 years under those circumstances.
 
A hygrometer? Well, I thought I was pretty up to date on all my gun bidness but now I see that I need to get me a hygrometer. Actually though I'm not all that worried. I keep two large dessicate bags in my safe and rotate them out alternately, periodically. I don't really have a number but I know that I'm in range in my safe cause my stuff is all good and has been for decades.
 
It might even be possible we over think these things. Its my best guess.

Hey, if I wasn't worrying about that, I'd be worrying about that ever-present, never seen RBurg character that everyone else is worrying about. ;)

Thanks for the replies, fellas. I just needed to be sure everything was dry enough. Looks like it is. :)
 
Humidity in my house is in the 50 to 55% level year round. Dehumidifier and humidifier run automatic as needed. Never any problems. Located North Central Indiana.
 
You kidding, this is Arizona.
If anything I probably need to ad a humidifier to my safe.
Average humidity around here is 10-20%.
 
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