The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,

As the title says, do you think it might be a good idea to put a silica gel packet inside each cylinder record tube?

I am thinking mostly about gold moulded and brown wax cylinders as they suffer from mould possibly caused by humidity and bad handling.

Or it may have an opposite effect by drying it too much?

Thank you for your help!

I've used silica gel packs inside cylinder boxes for decades with no ill effects. I know others do as well.

George P.

Thank you!

You bet!

George P.

I thought of this as well. Whenever I get a pack of chips I save the silica packet.

For how long are those silica packs good? Certainly not forever. Once they've absorbed moisture to whatever capacity they have to so do, then I would think they become a source of moisture themselves. Not stating facts, just wondering out loud.

As the boxes are cardboard and not airtight I would think that within a few days the gel would be fully saturated the card would balance to the humidity of the storage area, (room/draw/ cupboard) this can only really work if the whole box and cylinder is in an air tight container like as seal top plastic bag as of course, are many of the products that use these gel bags.
If you want to test how it is working a digital jewelry scale could be used to weigh a dry and saturated gel sachet I suppose.

I have used them for a few years now with no ill effects. There are some who claim silica packets can be "rejuvenated", and I have seen instructions online on how to do it. I've never tried it though.

Steve

Silica gel beads are also sold in bulk. Most are of the indicator variety, which will change color when they become saturated. They can be put in an oven (instructions usually on the container) to dry them again for re-use.