goldenrod not working

Merlin74 · February 10, 2011, 02:36 PM

I know this is a familiar topic so it's not a question so much as an "fyi". Goldenrod is supposed to work by raising the air temperature and surface temps of the metal in your safe ever so slightly so that moisture won't condense on metal objects (guns).

After months of using this thing (and keeping the door shut for about a month) the temperature in my safe is actually LOWER than the ambient air temperature around it (55 degrees vs 58 degrees) and the humidity level is constant (38%).

So I don't see where it's working....though I can feel the rod is hot to the touch.

This is a small 12 gun safe that isn't sealed or fireproof. Well within the square footage limits of the 18" goldenrod I bought.

In the spring and summer months - the relative humidity will likely be in excess of 60% in that safe if past experience continues. Not good for guns.

So I guess perhaps something stronger is needed - ie: perhaps another goldenrod or just a regular 100 watt light bulb to keep things warmer inside.

Not sure why this doesn't work for me. The safe itself is located inside a large wooden storage closet in the basement which is not a finished basement but it's not sitting on the concrete. The closet has a thin plywood floor raised about 4 inches above the concrete. I keep the closet doors closed to keep the wife happy - who doesn't like guns or even to see the gun safe itself. Ah...that is another problem for another day.

By the way - I also have two EVA-DRY dehumidifiers in the safe...neither of which seemed to work very well last fall. The humidity levels hovered right around 55%.

I fear it is going to be a very rough summer for my metal friends in the safe. If anyone else out there has similar problems just take note that there are others. Goldenrod is not a cure-all by any means...though a lot of the press and "hype" you read would lead one to believe otherwise.

It will probably take a standard, conventional dehumidifier placed in the closet to keep the ambient humidity outside the safe down to achieve success - albeit at a high $$price$$. There seems no easy way out in my case.

I live in CT. Nice humid weather. Gotta love it.

Cheers

Pahoo · February 10, 2011, 03:08 PM

I'm having a simular experience but perhaps not a problem. My GoldenRod is not as warm as it use to be and a friend of mine told me that as long as you can still feel that it is giving off heat, you should be okay. I do check all my guns routinely and so far the only problems I have seen, is some stock shrinkage. I also have not seen any signs of rust on the safe itself.

For now, I would say you should be okay but you still need to keep an eye on your collection. Or, as they say;

Trust in Allah but tie your camel .......

Be Safe !!!

johnbt · February 10, 2011, 03:20 PM

"the temperature in my safe is actually LOWER than the ambient air temperature around it (55 degrees vs 58 degrees)"

That doesn't make sense. After a month, or even a couple of days, the safe with no GR installed should be the same temp as the environment. You add heat and it can't get colder. Have you calibrated your thermometer?

I suspect the problem is the wooden cabinet the safe is in. You need air circulation for the GR to work. What's the temp of the air in the wooden cabinet with the door shut? I know, start drilling holes in the top, back and sides of the wooden cabinet. Drill a few in the safe as well for ventilation.

Golden Rods do work and they work well. I have a safe in an unfinished, damp basement with no heat or ac outlets. Heck, the house doesn't have central AC, but it's 95 years old and all of the radiators are upstairs.

60% humidity is fine for guns, that's a dry day in these parts. Higher won't hurt either. People like me owned guns long before the common man had an air conditioner.

John

mete · February 10, 2011, 03:36 PM

AFAIK if the item is 10 F above ambient it will keep dry.

Doyle · February 10, 2011, 05:04 PM

I don't consider 60% relative humidity to be excessive. In the summer time here, I'd kill for 60%.

**Mike Irwin** · February 10, 2011, 05:29 PM

Actually, that does make sense.

Ambient exterior temperature will change a LOT more rapidly than the interior of the gunsafe.

That's a pretty big thermal mass, and with the drywall fire protection, carpet, and everything else, it's also pretty well insulated.

If, however, the ambient temperature outside the safe is ALWAYS 58 degrees, then yes, it is odd.

a1abdj · February 10, 2011, 09:24 PM

Quick temperature changes are bad when moisture and metal is concerned, as you will get condensation. Slow changes are much better.

45% to 55% is considered ideal.

February 10, 2011, 02:36 PM	#1
Merlin74 Junior Member Join Date: November 2, 2010 Posts: 2	goldenrod not working I know this is a familiar topic so it's not a question so much as an "fyi". Goldenrod is supposed to work by raising the air temperature and surface temps of the metal in your safe ever so slightly so that moisture won't condense on metal objects (guns). After months of using this thing (and keeping the door shut for about a month) the temperature in my safe is actually LOWER than the ambient air temperature around it (55 degrees vs 58 degrees) and the humidity level is constant (38%). So I don't see where it's working....though I can feel the rod is hot to the touch. This is a small 12 gun safe that isn't sealed or fireproof. Well within the square footage limits of the 18" goldenrod I bought. In the spring and summer months - the relative humidity will likely be in excess of 60% in that safe if past experience continues. Not good for guns. So I guess perhaps something stronger is needed - ie: perhaps another goldenrod or just a regular 100 watt light bulb to keep things warmer inside. Not sure why this doesn't work for me. The safe itself is located inside a large wooden storage closet in the basement which is not a finished basement but it's not sitting on the concrete. The closet has a thin plywood floor raised about 4 inches above the concrete. I keep the closet doors closed to keep the wife happy - who doesn't like guns or even to see the gun safe itself. Ah...that is another problem for another day. By the way - I also have two EVA-DRY dehumidifiers in the safe...neither of which seemed to work very well last fall. The humidity levels hovered right around 55%. I fear it is going to be a very rough summer for my metal friends in the safe. If anyone else out there has similar problems just take note that there are others. Goldenrod is not a cure-all by any means...though a lot of the press and "hype" you read would lead one to believe otherwise. It will probably take a standard, conventional dehumidifier placed in the closet to keep the ambient humidity outside the safe down to achieve success - albeit at a high $$price$$. There seems no easy way out in my case. I live in CT. Nice humid weather. Gotta love it. Cheers

February 10, 2011, 03:36 PM	#4
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	AFAIK if the item is 10 F above ambient it will keep dry. __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

February 10, 2011, 05:29 PM	#6
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,388	Actually, that does make sense. Ambient exterior temperature will change a LOT more rapidly than the interior of the gunsafe. That's a pretty big thermal mass, and with the drywall fire protection, carpet, and everything else, it's also pretty well insulated. If, however, the ambient temperature outside the safe is ALWAYS 58 degrees, then yes, it is odd. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

February 10, 2011, 09:24 PM	#7
a1abdj Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 496	Quick temperature changes are bad when moisture and metal is concerned, as you will get condensation. Slow changes are much better. 45% to 55% is considered ideal. __________________ www.zykansafe.com

February 10, 2011, 03:08 PM	#2
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	I'm having a simular experience but perhaps not a problem. My GoldenRod is not as warm as it use to be and a friend of mine told me that as long as you can still feel that it is giving off heat, you should be okay. I do check all my guns routinely and so far the only problems I have seen, is some stock shrinkage. I also have not seen any signs of rust on the safe itself. For now, I would say you should be okay but you still need to keep an eye on your collection. Or, as they say; Trust in Allah but tie your camel ....... Be Safe !!!

February 10, 2011, 03:20 PM	#3
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	"the temperature in my safe is actually LOWER than the ambient air temperature around it (55 degrees vs 58 degrees)" That doesn't make sense. After a month, or even a couple of days, the safe with no GR installed should be the same temp as the environment. You add heat and it can't get colder. Have you calibrated your thermometer? I suspect the problem is the wooden cabinet the safe is in. You need air circulation for the GR to work. What's the temp of the air in the wooden cabinet with the door shut? I know, start drilling holes in the top, back and sides of the wooden cabinet. Drill a few in the safe as well for ventilation. Golden Rods do work and they work well. I have a safe in an unfinished, damp basement with no heat or ac outlets. Heck, the house doesn't have central AC, but it's 95 years old and all of the radiators are upstairs. 60% humidity is fine for guns, that's a dry day in these parts. Higher won't hurt either. People like me owned guns long before the common man had an air conditioner. John

February 10, 2011, 05:04 PM	#5
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	I don't consider 60% relative humidity to be excessive. In the summer time here, I'd kill for 60%.