Silica Gel: Many product. are shipped with packages of silica gel inside. Rather than throw these away, I put them to use. Here are other uses

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Many product. are shipped with packages of silica gel inside. Rather than throw these away, I put them to use. Here are other uses - besides protecting photo gear.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/how-to/a3104/clever-uses-for-silica-gel/

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

jerryc41 wrote:

Many product. are shipped with packages of silica gel inside. Rather than throw these away, I put them to use. Here are other uses - besides protecting photo gear.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/how-to/a3104/clever-uses-for-silica-gel/

I have been using silica for my camera gears for so many years. The one I used is quite different to the one mention here. The one I used is like rock salt in blue color when it's dry, it will change to pink color after absorbed enough moisture. I usually put them in a metal fry pen and place on top of the stove with like flame or on top of the heat pipe to dry them out to be reused again.

jpgto Loc: North East Tennessee

Good one Jerry. My camera bag is full of these critters!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jpgto wrote:

Good one Jerry. My camera bag is full of these critters!

Yeah, I put them everywhere. I just have to be sure to keep buying electronics so I keep getting more. :D

jpgto Loc: North East Tennessee

jerryc41 wrote:

Yeah, I put them everywhere. I just have to be sure to keep buying electronics so I keep getting more. :D

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Photoninny Loc: Monterey Bay Area

jerryc41 wrote:

Yeah, I put them everywhere. I just have to be sure to keep buying electronics so I keep getting more. :D

From your past equiptment posts, you must have shoeboxes full of those little "Do Not Eat" packets! :lol: :lol: :lol:

There is another source of silca gel: hobby/art stores such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby. It is sold for flower drying art in 1.5LB containers. Just wrap some in coffee filter paper and you have your own little packets - and it can be regenerated.

jpgto Loc: North East Tennessee

Photoninny wrote:

From your past equiptment posts, you must have shoeboxes full of those little "Do Not Eat" packets! :lol: :lol: :lol:

There is another source of silca gel: hobby/art stores such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby. It is sold for flower drying art in 1.5LB containers. Just wrap some in coffee filter paper and you have your own little packets - and it can be regenerated.

Interesting, I learned something new today, thanks jerry for OP and Photoninny for information.

drbarrymary Loc: No. Carolina, Florida

Good suggestions!

bodacious Loc: Oregon

jerryc41 wrote:

Many product. are shipped with packages of silica gel inside. Rather than throw these away, I put them to use. Here are other uses - besides protecting photo gear.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/how-to/a3104/clever-uses-for-silica-gel/

I use Cat Litter, but only the pure 100% Silica Crystal type, no compounding chemicals or clotting agents. We save old med bottles or containers and cut holes in each, then fill with the Silica. A huge bag of this stuff is only a few dollars and seems to work very good. You can use coffee filters with the silica inside just as well.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

bodacious wrote:

I use Cat Litter, but only the pure 100% Silica Crystal type, no compounding chemicals or clotting agents. We save old med bottles or containers and cut holes in each, then fill with the Silica. A huge bag of this stuff is only a few dollars and seems to work very good. You can use coffee filters with the silica inside just as well.

Is that 100% silica crystal a specialty item?

bodacious Loc: Oregon

jerryc41 wrote:

Is that 100% silica crystal a specialty item?

No as most larger stores like Wally World should carry it. We found Amazing Cat Litter brand at said store. It comes in an 8lb sack for I think around $7.50 a bag. Just make sure there are no clumping agents or smelly stuff in it, just 100% Silica Crystals. For bagging this product I pulverize it a tad as it is a rather large crystal form but used in containers I leave it as is. Been using it in the safe and powder/primer storage areas this way but crush it for use in bags for my cameras and electronic stuff. So far seems to work great. Oh ya, this stuff is not dryable like the commercial stuff but at 8lbs just throw it out and replenish when it gets damp.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

bodacious wrote:

No as most larger stores like Wally World should c... (show quote)

Thanks.

bodacious Loc: Oregon

jerryc41 wrote:

Thanks.

Your welcome. Give it a try but if there are problems or for some reason does not work please fell free to forget where you found the idea. SeeYa. :lol: :lol: :lol:

PS: I use the all natural brown coffee filters folded around the silicon and stapled at the corners, but found out you must pay attention as if they absorb too much moisture they tend to leak. Kinda like me in my old age I guess. Well then again I guess it all DEPENDS.