Poor seal on humidors

[Vinnyp50]

I have 3 humidors (2 Havana foot lockers and 1 desk top humidor) each about half full with Cuban cigars. I'm in NJ and of course part of my problem is the dry weather, but my humidors won't keep Rh for the life of me. They are running 56-59. I have Heartfelt beads in each of them, and a few small Boveda bags. I believe I have enough Heartfelt beads in each based on measurements. I conditioned each humidor when I got them. I think I have a bad seal on each. I tried the dollar bill test and each of the Havana foot lockers were a little loose. Was thinking about putting 1/8th inch weather sealing on each, but afraid the humidors won't close then. Any thoughts? Checked my digital hygrometers also.

Thanks,

-Vinny

[garbandz]

my humidors won't keep Rh for the life of me. They are running 56-59.

at what temp?

[Ginseng]

It almost certainly will not close or seal nicely if you put something as bulky as 1/8" stripping on a mating surface. If the humidor is well acclimated to the environment in which they are kept (meaning they've been there for at least a few weeks) and they still don't seal well, the first thing I'd do is check for high spots that might be preventing good closure.

An easy way to do this is to rub some chalk on the entire face of one of the mating surfaces. Close the lid then look for transfer to the other surface. Those will be the high spots and with a little careful sanding, you should be able to bring those down. Chalk like that rubbed off of classroom chalk sticks is preferred because it's pretty innocuous and easy to clean up. Don't use surveyor's colored chalk or talc. The former will leave color stains and the latter is often perfumed.

Keep in mind that humidity retention will depend on your frequency of opening and stock turnover.

Wilkey

[Vinnyp50]

I keep my apartment around 70-74 degrees. My hygrometers usually read around 68-70.

my humidors won't keep Rh for the life of me. They are running 56-59.

at what temp?

Thanks, I'll try this. Just didn't want to buy all new humidors if I didn't have to as they are large humidors.

It almost certainly will not close or seal nicely if you put something as bulky as 1/8" stripping on a mating surface. If the humidor is well acclimated to the environment in which they are kept (meaning they've been there for at least a few weeks) and they still don't seal well, the first thing I'd do is check for high spots that might be preventing good closure.

An easy way to do this is to rub some chalk on the entire face of one of the mating surfaces. Close the lid then look for transfer to the other surface. Those will be the high spots and with a little careful sanding, you should be able to bring those down. Chalk like that rubbed off of classroom chalk sticks is preferred because it's pretty innocuous and easy to clean up. Don't use surveyor's colored chalk or talc. The former will leave color stains and the latter is often perfumed.

Keep in mind that humidity retention will depend on your frequency of opening and stock turnover.

Wilkey

[Variant2]

NJ here too! I keep a digital hygrometer in the coolidor / humidor room to keep track of the ambient humidity and it's currently 21% --- and that's in my basement!

Since the coolidors have an airtight seal, they have no problem whatsoever maintaining their target humidity range. My two humidors, on the other hand, are a different story. Due to the very dry ambient conditions, it'll be hell trying to keep that seal so you'll either have add more humidifiers or find a way to seal the unit better.

The simplest fix I found was to add masking tape around the non-lipped side (flat side) of the humidor. For my humidor, it was on the lid side. It's a simple fix and it works.

[Ginseng]

NIce idea, Variant2! If the deviation from flatness is small, then the crushability of the creped masking tape and the compliant adhesive should give you just enough flex to even out the little dips or peaks.

Wilkey

[Variant2]

Thanks! I had to try and figure something out that requires the least amount maintenance so I can spend more time enjoying my smokes than tending to them.

[boyin]

Thanks for the tip, I will deficiently need to try that

[Variant2]

Just make sure that the tape is applied perfectly flat. Avoid any overlaps or creases as they can negatively affect the seal.

[napbo00]

having the same problem currently, so i will try these tips thanks

[RickHendeson]

Can you please specify exactly what kind of tape this was?  Thanks!

[Fuzz]

13 minutes ago, RickHendeson said:

Can you please specify exactly what kind of tape this was?  Thanks!

You do realise that this was posted 4 years ago, and the member in question hasn't logged in for over 16 months? I don't think he will be back to answer.

It was just masking tape.

[RickHendeson]

Figured he might not be the only one.  Also figured the color might be significant

[Fuzz]

Looks like blue painters tape.

[MD Puffer]

On 2/12/2019 at 4:03 AM, Fuzz said:

Looks like blue painters tape.

I intend to keep this resurrected thread going indefinitely for no other reason than sheer boredom, and I will also confirm the above.  That does indeed appear to be blue painters tape...

[MD Puffer]

On 2/11/2019 at 10:11 PM, RickHendeson said:

Also figured the color might be significant

It is.  It's blue to make it easy to find against newly painted walls for removal.

 

Btw, did you use to play for the A's?

[RickHendeson]

Thanks guys, and you are right!  Unfortunately it did not cure my woes.

[aphexafx]

On 2/21/2019 at 7:27 PM, RickHendeson said:

Thanks guys, and you are right!  Unfortunately it did not cure my woes.

Post a pic?  Some humidors never had a chance.  If you're handy in the shop, you can remake or shim the inserts.  Some people even resort to weather stripping.  ? It's never pretty.

[shadowACE]

Have you tried wiping down the lipped edge with water? I find that the lip edge of the seal really soaks up the water. It should expand and tighten up that seal.

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