Safe Deposit Box and Moisture / Humidity Control

[CharleyBrown]

Thinking about finally getting a safe deposit box at my bank. For those that have / use a safe deposit box, do you take any precautions for moisture / humidity control? Do you store your cards / items in anything (water-proof plastic bag?), or leave them loose in the box?

[T206Collector]

I think it's overkill but I keep a few silica gel packs in my box.

[Joshwesley]

I think it's probably big time overkill but silica or even a small box of baking soda would work.
I've got a fire resistant wall safe at my house (it's built into the wall and is behind a picture....

It's fire resistant for up to an hour and a half. I figure if my house ever burned for more than an hour and a half, I would have bigger problems than a couple baseball cards

[frankbmd]

How this question was answered in 1911 could be enlightening.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

How this question was answered in 1911 could be enlightening.

Barry Sloate was fond of saying that it doesn't take much to preserve these cards as evidenced by the fact that they survived 100 years without our help.

[iowadoc77]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Barry Sloate was fond of saying that it doesn't take much to preserve these cards as evidenced by the fact that they survived 100 years without our help.

That is hilarious and true!
I use silica packets both at home and for the higher end items at the bank safe deposit box. Probably overkill, but I de...definitely, definitely do it anyway

[GasHouseGang]

I think I would try to seal the cards in some type of airtight container or bag. If there was a flood that also flooded the bank vault it might save them from damage. Here are some pictures from one of the banks flooded by Hurricane Katrina.

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

I think it's overkill but I keep a few silica gel packs in my box.

Hope for the best.
Prepare for the worst.

I agree completely with your actions and support them wholeheartedly.

[frankbmd]

If you forgo the safe deposit box and just leave your cards sitting around the house so you can enjoy them, personally I wouldn't spend to much time worrying about fire or the next hurricane. The biggest threat to the longevity of cards in their current condition is ................

grandchildren

[yanksfan09]

Not sure of exact dimensions, may be too bulky for some boxes but nice that you can plug it in to recharge it and it doesn't need a power cord like the rods for big safes.

They also make smaller rechargeable things that you can put in an oven to dry out again.

[packs]

If you're concerned with moisture why don't you just get the cards graded? Slabs are air tight

[CharleyBrown]

Originally Posted by packs

If you're concerned with moisture why don't you just get the cards graded? Slabs are air tight

Cards are all graded, but have a signed check and signed book that aren't in the airtight slabs

[GasHouseGang]

Originally Posted by packs

If you're concerned with moisture why don't you just get the cards graded? Slabs are air tight

This has been discussed before, and it isn't true. Someone on the forum tested this theory not too long ago, and at that time only the Beckett holders kept out liquid. I looked but couldn't find the thread discussing this issue. I did find a thread where safety deposit boxes and moisture issues were discussed previously.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=174306

I hope this helps.

Hey, I found another thread about the use of safety deposit boxes and moisture issues.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=194695

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Barry Sloate was fond of saying that it doesn't take much to preserve these cards as evidenced by the fact that they survived 100 years without our help.

+1

The safest place to store baseball cards has been definitively proven to be an old house in Ohio.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

+1

The safest place to store baseball cards has been definitively proven to be an old house in Ohio.

Well, that is at least where many seem to originate .

.

[Mdmtx]

My safe deposit box is loaded with 87 topps and 88 donruss. No issues. Knock on wood. I'm betting these are mere days from taking off.