I know that we've discussed storage and safes and all that kind of stuff many times before, but I have a specific question that I don't feel has been discussed to death, so what the heck. :goofer: So, I know all about keeping humidity low in a safe and that it's particularly important to keep moisture out by using silica dessicant or some such product. It's also probably not good to put coins in a safe with wood shelves. So, how about carpet or carpet lining in safes? Many, MANY safes have some kind of carpet or similar type lining. I have heard before that the carpet and/or the adhesives used to attach them to the shelves and sides of the safes are harmful to coins. Is there really any truth to this? I was looking at Gardall safes. Several of their safes have a carpet type lining. I even called the company to ask them about it. The customer service guy said what they use is not actually carpet, but it is a two part epoxy and they use some kind of statically charged contraption to put these fibers onto the epoxy. He really didn't know an answer to my question about whether or not it would damage coins though and just went on to telling me about moisture. :rolling: So, do any of you know about this or have any personal experience with having stored your coins in these types of safes resulting in any damage...or lack thereof. Or heck, are there any chemists or material specialists out there?! It's just that a good quality safe is a very large investment for me and I want to get it right. I don't want to spend lots of money and get something that will damage my coins.
Mine is carpeted also, but I have noticed no ill effects from teh chemicals used in the safe itself. On the other hand, I also have my safe sit open about 30 or so minutes a day, which I would imagine would help air out some of the chemical composition.
"So, how about carpet or carpet lining in safes? Many, MANY safes have some kind of carpet or similar type lining. I have heard before that the carpet and/or the adhesives used to attach them to the shelves and sides of the safes are harmful to coins. Is there really any truth to this?" The only thing that I can say is that I was looking at safes and the only ones that had the shelves in wood with carpets were NOT fireproof! So, be sure that you are getting what you want to get.
Most safes are not manufactured with the thought of keeping coins in them, at least not with the intent of keeping the coins from toning. Best bet is no carpet, no felt, no nothing on the shelves or safe liner.
You must note that although one person has no ill effects from a carpeted shelf in a safe that means very little. There are probably just as many glue manufacturers as there are safes. Just look at a shelf in any hardware store of glues. Every one has their secret formulae. Some may emit gases of actually dangerous compounds. Read the lables on glues and you'll see what I mean. So unless you know the exact forulae of the glue that holds the carpeting down, don't use that shelf for coins. In addition, always remember that when you shut the door of a safe that is fire proof, it ususally is air proof so what was in it when you shut the door is staying there. thererfore keep any chemicals away from there.
I personally use a gun safe that has been modified for all shelves and 1/2 hr fire rating(American Security $1300.00). I went to home depot and bought a roll of the Tyvek moisture proof paper that houses are wrapped in and covered the shelves with that. I keep two large boxes of silica in there and have never had a problem..(for many years now). Tyvek is proven to be an anti-moisture breathable wrap, we use it as a jump suit in the mafg of pharmaceuticals as well. No lint, no fuss, no muss..just good clean Tyvek. Good luck!! RickieB
Rickie the problem with Tyvek is that it is a one way material - that's how it breathes. In other words, it keeps out stuff that is on the face side ( the side you see ) and lets out stuff that is on the inside ( the side you don't see ). So whatever vapors or gases you think you are sealing in - you're not. I know a bit about the product, have been through all of the company's seminars, the factory reps visit me every year and I use the stuff by the semi load. Trust me on this one
What if you used the Tyvek and used it inside out or backwards??? So, it would allow vapors to pass from the coins to the shelf, but not allow outgassing to pass the direction of the coins??? Just curious...
Also, any local/Chains that would carry slica packets I could put in my safes??? I'd like to pick up a few more...
Well, bot really. You see the other part of the problem is that you would have to hermetically (airtight) seal up the entire inside of the safe - from a practical point of view that is all but impossible. You are much better off the buy a safe that has none of this stuff inside it. They make them, and they aren't hard to find. And for those who already have one of these safes - look at the idea of trading it in on a new one. As for the silica gel packs, I always get mine at JP's Corner - they deliver 'em right to your door
Excelent guy to deal with... Decent prices and quick delivery... I've ordered from him several time before... I'd forgot the link... Thank you... Last time I ordered from him, I ordered a ton of supplies really late Sunday Night and when I came come from work Tuesday, I had a UPS package waiting!!!!
You all have very good thoughts and information. Just Carl, I had thought about the different types of glue, but I figured if we heard from a good sampling of people on here with either good or bad experiences, that might tell us something (though wouldn't cover every possibility). GD and everyone else, thanks for all of the information as usual. I guess I'll probably try to get a new safe without any kind of carpet type stuff in it. Maybe I can even special order one that I want without the carpet lining. Any other thoughts or experiences shared are welcome.
