I just got back from a long trip and I haven't been in the gun closet for five weeks or so. I opened it up today to notice that a few of the guns had rust dust on them. One on the outside of the receiver and two on the magazines. I store my guns in a very small locked closet in my main-floor laundry room. It is on the outside wall of my house. It is not controlled for humidity or temperature like the rest of the house. I always oil and clean my guns after handling them. I immediately took all the guns out and oiled them all thoroughly. I'm scared to put them back in there though. I've stored them in there for 9 years without a problem. Any thoughts as to what caused this? We turned the air conditioning off while we were gone, is it possible that it got so hot and humid in the house that it rusted the guns? What is the best way to store my guns to prevent rust? This is really the only place I can keep them without buying a large safe and putting it in the garage. I have heard that storing guns on an outside wall is a bad idea, is this true?
Best storage for preventing rust
- Thread starter lilsurfer
- Start date
Mount Sweetness
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Ontario
yes humidity....moisture
I'd recommend a new spot for storage, but if you must, heavy on the oil regularly
I'd recommend a new spot for storage, but if you must, heavy on the oil regularly
I've had them in there for 9 years with no problems until now. I think it must have been turning off the air conditioning for so long. I won't be doing that again.
- Location
- Niagara Region, Ontario. For now
Shoot em often, and clean em often!
Mine are in a stack on cabinte, on the landing to my basement which is pretty damp, and sometimes humid, but haven't had any issues.
I do have a bag of some type of moisture absorbing stuff made for hockey bags and such in there though.
There are all types of cheap options for moisture/humidity absorption.
Mine are in a stack on cabinte, on the landing to my basement which is pretty damp, and sometimes humid, but haven't had any issues.
I do have a bag of some type of moisture absorbing stuff made for hockey bags and such in there though.
There are all types of cheap options for moisture/humidity absorption.
For a safe on the Wet Coast I use one of the Goldenrod dehumidifiers. It's essentially a heating rod.
"How GoldenRod Works
GoldenRod heats to a surface temperature of less than 150° F (which is almost too warm to hold) and circulates warm, dry air throughout an enclosure on a 24 hour basis. This increases the temperature of the air inside to several degrees above the ambient outside temperature. Expansion of the heated air forces the moist air outside through the vents or loose fitting doors leaving the dry air inside":
ht tp://www.goldenroddehumidifiers.com/models_specifications.htm
Actually the cheaper 18" Gunsaver version (12 watt) shown here:
ht tp://www.goldenroddehumidifiers.com/new_products.htm
No problem with storage rust at all using this, then again I strongly prefer stainless or other corrosion resistant materials in my guns.
I briefly tried dessicants, but then you have to remember to cook or drain them etc periodically. I don't trust myself to do that indefinitely.
I also considered but did not try VOC corrosion inhibitors like these which are available at Lee Valley Tools:
ht tp://www.cortecvci.com/Products/single.php?code=10181
They last about 2 years but I think they require a mostly sealed space. Safe use would be OK. Closet use, probably not.
"How GoldenRod Works
GoldenRod heats to a surface temperature of less than 150° F (which is almost too warm to hold) and circulates warm, dry air throughout an enclosure on a 24 hour basis. This increases the temperature of the air inside to several degrees above the ambient outside temperature. Expansion of the heated air forces the moist air outside through the vents or loose fitting doors leaving the dry air inside":
ht tp://www.goldenroddehumidifiers.com/models_specifications.htm
Actually the cheaper 18" Gunsaver version (12 watt) shown here:
ht tp://www.goldenroddehumidifiers.com/new_products.htm
No problem with storage rust at all using this, then again I strongly prefer stainless or other corrosion resistant materials in my guns.
I briefly tried dessicants, but then you have to remember to cook or drain them etc periodically. I don't trust myself to do that indefinitely.
I also considered but did not try VOC corrosion inhibitors like these which are available at Lee Valley Tools:
ht tp://www.cortecvci.com/Products/single.php?code=10181
They last about 2 years but I think they require a mostly sealed space. Safe use would be OK. Closet use, probably not.
Technology Direct
Expired Business Member
- Location
- Etobicoke, ON
I use (and sell) clay desiccant packs. These are the larger packs (6") and you can stick one or two in your closet. This has really helped me since I store my guns in our cold room. Combined with the other measures suggested above, you should be good to go.
http://www.technologydirectcanada.com/p1541/Kraft-Bag-Activated-Clay-Desiccant,-3%22x6%22-5-Pack/product_info.html
We also sell the humidity strips so you know when they lose their effectiveness.
-Frank
http://www.technologydirectcanada.com/p1541/Kraft-Bag-Activated-Clay-Desiccant,-3%22x6%22-5-Pack/product_info.html
We also sell the humidity strips so you know when they lose their effectiveness.
-Frank
- Location
- Steel Town and The Peg
I mcgyvered a long life 15 watt lightbulb in my Crappy Tire locker. I used an old living room donor lamp. I keep it on 24-7 and it works like a charm... and never an issue with rust. I keep all my gear in my basement, which isn't dry at the best of times. A light bulb lasts me months. I've had this set-up running for over a year, and I'm only on my second light bulb.
- Location
- Steel Town and The Peg
1947 FN model 1930 7mm contract Mauser. Made for the Venezuelan army. I bought it unissued and unfired. I have since fired 20 rounds through it to "shake off the cobwebs". A brilliant rifle. It still has a bit of cosmoline here and there, but I refuse to remove the action screws to disassemble and thoroughly clean because they have never been removed. There's something to be said about a true unfu@ked with beauty.
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