Is a Gun Safe in Garage, not Climate controlled, Ok?

Klunatic · Apr 30, 2013

I have limited space in my house interior for a gun safe. I just ordered a Fort Knox Maverick Safe. I would like to put in my Garage which is not climate controlled but it protected by a security alarm. I will also be bolting the safe to the floor. If I put a Golden Rod in the safe will this suffice to protect the guns?

I could put the safe inside the home but I would have to tear up an existing closet to make it big enough to fit the safe and it will be a bit more difficult getting the safe in the basement than it would be the garage.

Boom Boom · Apr 30, 2013

Lots of people do it. Make sure all metal is oiled with something like Eezox or Ballistol, including bores. Two or more Goldenrods will do a better job than one. Goldenrods cost chump change compared to most firearms.

Mark75H · Apr 30, 2013

Your heaters need to have enough power to keep the inside of the safe above dew point at all times, but if you have wood furniture, you don't want to dry out the wood to the point it cracks.

4gun-drill · May 1, 2013

The best thing to do is keep it elevated off of the concrete floor. The temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the concrete causes large swings inside the safe and that is what causes the moisture to condense on the firearms. You can do this and still bolt it to the ground. If you are not bolting it down, a pallet works well or the rubber floor mats used in factories and such (lowes or home depot) work well too. A golden rod is a good option too but it does not dry the air. It only increases the dew point and therefore reduces the condensation. I reccomend a dessicant as well. I use the DampRid bags that are designed to hang in a closet. It is crazy how much water will be absorbed. Also, you can try a VCI emitter. They work well and I think better than coating with grease or oil. One last thing.... get a hydrometer. A cheap one can be had for 10$ or so. Calibrate it first and then keep at 50-55% RH. This will keep your stocks from drying out. These are the methods I use (no golden rod) and have never had an issue. Good luck.

Safetech · May 1, 2013

For keeping it off the floor, a couple of 4x4s will work and won't be as unsightly/cumbersome as a pallet. However... Keep in mind that if it's up on 4x4s, it makes it a LOT easier to get a pallet jack under it to roll it out the door. But if you have an alarm system, that brings the risk factor down, considerably.

That said...

Keep in mind that while dehumidifiers will protect the guns, the actual lock is often not protected by the safes insulation. And moisture and extreme temperatures can wreak havoc with electronic locks.

I would go with a *good* mechanical lock. And as long as it living in a non climate controlled environment, I would have the lock professionally serviced at least bi-annually. (Or the minute you notice it acting sluggish in the cold.)

Klunatic · May 1, 2013

Thanks guys. I will build a platform for the safe and bolt both to floor. I did order a mechanical lock on the safe. I don't trust the electronic locks.

ten75ice · May 1, 2013

Only thing I would worry about would be anything with electronics. Red Dot sights, or any kind of illuminating reticle.

scouse · May 7, 2013

Klunatic said:
Thanks guys. I will build a platform for the safe and bolt both to floor. I did order a mechanical lock on the safe. I don't trust the electronic locks.

You may have already thought of this but it seems to me that if you were to make a square of 4 x 4's (rather than just a left and right stringer) the same size as, or slightly larger than, the base of the safe, you would make it very difficult to use a jack between the safe and the garage floor.

Freebie · May 16, 2013

Garage Safe Advice/Thank you

Thanks for all the ideas.

I will have a safe arriving in the next few months, and the garage looks like the best option.

I think I'd go for the gym/rubber mats bolted to the floor option. Any advice on that install or its pros/cons?

Freebie · May 16, 2013

Also, does anyone have expert advice to offer me as I look at which safe to buy? I need room for a ps90, 5.7 pistol, a shotgun (next expected purchase), and ammo and some valuables and paperwork.

I'm looking in the $1000-2000 range

Atec · May 16, 2013

Freebie said:
Also, does anyone have expert advice to offer me as I look at which safe to buy? I need room for a ps90, 5.7 pistol, a shotgun (next expected purchase), and ammo and some valuables and paperwork.

I'm looking in the $1000-2000 range

Fort Knox makes a nice safe but I am not sure you are going to be able to get anything in that price range.
I went with a Sturdy Safe. Nothing to look at , but I wanted security other then a shiny paint job .

http://www.sturdysafe.com/

tenex · May 16, 2013

Good answer!

Pushrod · May 16, 2013

I have two safes in a non-climate controlled space bolted down through 1x6's.

I put rechargeable dehumidifiers in them (and recharge whenever the indicator changes to the appropriate color). The space goes through temps from well below zero to the mid/upper 80's and I have not had a bit of rust appear yet. I do make sure the firearms are protected with Eezox whenever I put them away. One is an electronic lock, the other manual and both have been gtg for the 4 years they have been in this climate. The space is protected by an alarm system and also re-enforced concrete walls with 1/4" steel doors that I had specially constructed.

Klunatic · May 16, 2013

Freebie said:
Also, does anyone have expert advice to offer me as I look at which safe to buy? I need room for a ps90, 5.7 pistol, a shotgun (next expected purchase), and ammo and some valuables and paperwork.

I'm looking in the $1000-2000 range

I got a Fort Knox safe from A1 Uniforms with their "special deal" on the opening order. I ordered the Maverick and got a price sub $1,200.00. You can still easily stay sub $2,000 for a Fort Knox safe at full retail. I think they are among the best safes out there.

mdram · May 16, 2013

http://www.cosmolinedirect.com/

Mark75H · May 16, 2013

mdram said:
http://www.cosmolinedirect.com/

Not an option for short term storage

white rabbitt · May 16, 2013

Klunatic said:
I have limited space in my house interior for a gun safe. I just ordered a Fort Knox Maverick Safe. I would like to put in my Garage which is not climate controlled but it protected by a security alarm. I will also be bolting the safe to the floor. If I put a Golden Rod in the safe will this suffice to protect the guns?

I could put the safe inside the home but I would have to tear up an existing closet to make it big enough to fit the safe and it will be a bit more difficult getting the safe in the basement than it would be the garage.

Safest place for your guns is in your hands. ;-)

101combatvet · May 16, 2013

Klunatic said:
I have limited space in my house interior for a gun safe. I just ordered a Fort Knox Maverick Safe. I would like to put in my Garage which is not climate controlled but it protected by a security alarm. I will also be bolting the safe to the floor. If I put a Golden Rod in the safe will this suffice to protect the guns?

I could put the safe inside the home but I would have to tear up an existing closet to make it big enough to fit the safe and it will be a bit more difficult getting the safe in the basement than it would be the garage.

Depending on where you live LE on average will not get there for 20 minutes. How long do you think it would take for the garage to be broken into and a pick-up could have your safe loaded into it?

If you're trying to protect something good buy a Liberty safe and put it in a corner down in your basement.

Mark75H · May 16, 2013

101combatvet said:
Depending on where you live LE on average will not get there for 20 minutes. How long do you think it would take for the garage to be broken into and a pick-up could have your safe loaded into it?

If you're trying to protect something good buy a Liberty safe and put it in a corner down in your basement.

Pretty sure he is talking about bolting it to the floor. Did I miss something?

matt · May 16, 2013

If you're gonna put the safe in the garage- you might as well add climate control to the garage.... It'll make it nice and comfy when you end up sleeping next to the guns, because you tried to explain to your wife why you need ANOTHER safe.

This a the simplest and most proactive solution.

Is a Gun Safe in Garage, not Climate controlled, Ok?

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