Best method of storage? Advice needed!

[PocketRocket]

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[Rat]

Good question.
I am looking for a bigger display cabinet and was thinking about this very question. Like what would be the best way to look after the rubber parts. I was thinking of something like my dry cabinet I keep my camera gear in but they work out to be very expensive for a big one. I live in a rather low humility area so maybe its a wast of money. I do want my collection to be on display so I can enjoy them not stored away out of sight.
I hope someone who knows more about what deteriorates rubber will chime in.

:thumbsup:

 

[KITROBASKIN]

...I live in a rather low humility area...

Do you like that, or do you think the folks need to tone it down?

Are you sure what looks like rubber is actually rubber?

 

[easilyled]

Do you like that, or do you think the folks need to tone it down?

Are you sure what looks like rubber is actually rubber?

In all seriousness, to prevent rubber parts from cracking in a dry environment why not use a small amount of silicone grease?

 

[RetroTechie]

Lights which were blister packed sealed shut (such as the SureFire 6P Defender, one of my all-time favourites) were still in mint condition after many years in storage whereas lights which were not sealed (such as the SureFire M Series) often had tarnished clips, cracked rubber grips and generally did not have the brand-new feel and condition as those which were kept sealed.

Not sealed = used? :thinking: I kind of doubt that sealed packaging alone would make much difference in how a light looks after many years. Unless the packaging is more or less airtight - exclusion of fresh oxygen, air-borne acids etc may well make a difference then.

I'm assuming that for preservation purposes, it's best to avoid temperature extremes (including large/fast temperature swings), high humidity/condensation, and UV sources like direct sunlight, which are known to degrade many plastics & rubber. And up to a point, lower average temperature is probably better as long as humidity is controlled. So mostly the same conditions that would be good for long-term food storage. Don't see the point of silicone grease for preservation purposes - if there's only the tiniest amount of mineral oil(s) in it, it may do more harm than good.

Also materials will make a lot of difference. A greasy finger on a brass light will have much bigger effect than on a stainless steel or titanium surface.

 

[PocketRocket]

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[bound]

I think, if we can put in a sealed inert gas isolation box is best.Alternatively, the temperature and humidity cigar cabinet can also be.

 

[PocketRocket]

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