[Freerunner]

Before storing my ammo in military surplus ammo cans, I would like to lube up the rubber seal to keep them from cracking over time. Does anyone know which product would work best for this? I was thinking BreakFree CLP or Vaseline. I can not find any information on whether BreakFree CLP hurts rubber or not, and Vaseline is messy. So please give me some advice and details of what you would use or have used. Thanks.

 

[OLDWarrior64]

I have to admit you have me thinking. I have had several ammo cans that I have stored my ammo in and I have to check the seals now when I get home this evening. My gut tells me that CLP should be good tho. Hope this helps.

 

[levelfarmer]

If the can is of fairly recent manufacture and the seals are in good shape, they will last a long, long time just as they are. I left a can of .45ACP and 7.63x39 in the pasteboard boxes (inside the can, of course) on the back of my pickup for over a year before I discovered it. This through a couple of hot, wet Georgia Summers. The ammo is as good as the day it was put in the can, and the seals appear as good as new. Unless I was figuring on long, long term storage exposed to the elements, I wouldn't worry a whole lot about those seals.

 

[Freerunner]

If the can is of fairly recent manufacture and the seals are in good shape, they will last a long, long time just as they are. I left a can of .45ACP and 7.63x39 in the pasteboard boxes (inside the can, of course) on the back of my pickup for over a year before I discovered it. This through a couple of hot, wet Georgia Summers. The ammo is as good as the day it was put in the can, and the seals appear as good as new. Unless I was figuring on long, long term storage exposed to the elements, I wouldn't worry a whole lot about those seals.

Thanks for the response. If I were to use something to rehydrate the seals, what do you think would work best, thanks.

 

[-06]

Spray them liberally with Silicone Camp Dry or similiar product. The Silicon will not deteriorate the rubber seals and will keep them from sticking. If storing on a concrete floor be sure to put boards or some non sweating material under them. Concrete will "sweat" and rust out the bottoms. I have a WWI ammo can and the seal is as good as ever.

 

[FarmerJohn]

I vacume seal the ammo and throw in oxegen absorbers before putting in the can and when ready to close the cans I use silicon caulk and put a large bead were the ruber gasket is throw in another oxegen absorber and seal the caulk will creat a secondary seal and should hold up even if the original one fails

 

[MikeK]

The gaskets on those cans have amazing longevity. I don't know what material they use for them, but they're superior to any other type of rubber I've seen. I have cans that are decades old, rusty and abused, with perfect seals that look and work like new. I don't think I'd worry too much about it, actually.

 

[Decidion]

Spray them liberally with Silicone Camp Dry or similiar product. The Silicon will not deteriorate the rubber seals and will keep them from sticking. If storing on a concrete floor be sure to put boards or some non sweating material under them. Concrete will "sweat" and rust out the bottoms. I have a WWI ammo can and the seal is as good as ever.

+1 on the silicone. Any petroleum based grease/lubricant will cause rubber to deteriorate. I learned this the hard way when installing new rubber shackle bushings on the leaf springs of my truck...I have to pull them all back out and meticulously clean the petroleum based white lithium grease off and use silicone.

 

[uga1983]

For petroleum based gaskets, use silicone / for silicone based gaskets, use petroleum. Remember: like dissolves like.

Pump action 100% silicone spray is avalable at most scuba shops. You can also find 100% silicone aerosol in many restaurant supply companies.

 

[punkwaffen]

I just use household 3in1 oil.

 

[Peter]

I've have yet to do anything to the gasket on an ammo can, or even have one go bad for that matter, and some of my ammo cans have been kicking around here for years. When I get one that goes bad I'll let you know, though I have a hunch you might have a bit of a wait. lol

 

[sailinghudson25]

The material used is neopreme. Silicone works well. I use automatovie dielectric grease (silicone grease).

You can also check the seals with a dollar bill. Clamp in in different areas and check the seal by the tension on the dollar bill.

I put the ammo in a bag with dessicant. Dessicant removes moisture. Oxygen absorbers are OK too. but, the big issue is moisture.

 

[TMHonfire]

I got my ammo cans from cheaper then dirt, I just put some CLP on the rubber and start loading my ammo can up, will last years.
:

 

[Bluejacket]

You can also check the seals with a dollar bill. Clamp in in different areas and check the seal by the tension on the dollar bill.

I like your Dollar bill trick.:thumb:

 

[se_alaskan]

I use a product called 303 it works great and have it on all my ammo cans.

 

[kaos theoryx]

ammo can help

i want to use a ammo can for storage for dvds/video games etc.. i want to lay the cases on edge longways with titles up and i need a box thats atleast 7.5 inches wide and at least 6 inches high please help!!!!!

 

[FarmerJohn]

i want to use a ammo can for storage for dvds/video games etc.. i want to lay the cases on edge longways with titles up and i need a box thats atleast 7.5 inches wide and at least 6 inches high please help!!!!!

try a .50 cal can if you need bigger get a 40mm ammo can

 

[Thesenator223]

Spray them liberally with Silicone Camp Dry or similiar product. The Silicon will not deteriorate the rubber seals and will keep them from sticking. If storing on a concrete floor be sure to put boards or some non sweating material under them. Concrete will "sweat" and rust out the bottoms. I have a WWI ammo can and the seal is as good as ever.

^^^^THIS^^^^

 

[1stSarge]

In the navy we used a silicone grease (similar to this: http://www.waterfilters.net/ORing-Silicone-Lubricant_p_11-1127.html ) on all of our rubber gaskets and o-rings, worked great against the salt/sun ect…

 

[kaos theoryx]

@ farmer john ive looked online and all the 50 cals ive seen arnt wide enough im looking at a 20mm but this thing weighs 20lbs empty thanks for help