Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Well, it's time to upgrade. Due to recent bombs and lopsided trades, both my 100 count desktop and 30 count Cigar Caddy are about to burst.
I think my only option will be a coolerdor, due to limited funds. I have a 1/2 lb. of Scott's beads on the way, so I think I should be good up to about a 75 qt. cooler. I'll have to check Wally World and BJ's to see if they have anything on clearance.
One question, what do you coolerdor owners do for singles storage? Spare boxes? Buy a tray to sit on top of your box storage? I buy a lot of 5ers and singles, both to try new stuff and because I can't afford boxes of the pricier sticks. Right now the top tray in my desktop is stacked 3 high with various sticks, and it's a PITA to take the tray out without dumping sticks all over.
Another question, with Oust fans getting scarce, what's a good alternative? I'm thinking with a 75 qt. cooler, I could get by with two fans.
Oh, one more thing: with my current lack of storage space, I'm declaring my little corner of NY a No Fire Zone. :r
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

I've seen people use the plastic bins/trays that you would use to hold pencils and stuff to hold singles. Personally, I have a few old boxes that I toss singles into. 5-packs, either put the cigars in a box, or just open the bag and toss it in the cooler somewhere.

For a 75qt cooler, you probably don't need oust fans. :2


----EDIT
adding picture of plastic basket/tray to avoid confusion:

http://www.healthaccessories.com/ima...ids/66078m.jpg
6"x5"x3"

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Jeff: I Bought 4 Nice Spanish Cedar Trays Here: They Look & Work Great In The Coolidor!:)
http://www.cheaphumidors.com/TRAY.html

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I use ziplocks and 5 finger bags and the occasional empy box for single storage. And you don't need a fan.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Also, The Igloo Marine From Wally World Seems To Keep RH Better and have a better seal than my Coleman Cooler. Good Luck!

Thanks for the link. What size cooler do you have?
I was thinking about the Marine cooler, mainly because of the slots. I could put in trays at some point. It will depend on whether I can find one on clearance. The last time I was looking, they were almost as much as a Havana Footlocker.
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

please check out www.coolidor.com

also, if you have a sams club near you, i saw the big 150 qt marine igloo for about $75

That was one of the sites I found in my research. The closest Sam's Club is a bit over an hour away. We have a Wal Mart and BJ's locally.
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

I have a couple coleman coolers I use . I believe they said something like 8 day cooler , meaning ice will last 8 days . Which to me means better insulation inside and a better seal when closed . Always rock solid at 65% with my Heartfelt beads . They have a ledge inside that the trays from bargainhumidors.com fit perfectly on also . If all you can swing is a smaller cooler right now that is still better then nothing . :tu

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

:tpd: Just leave the bags cracked open a little and stack them :tu

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I have mostly trays, old boxes and the occasional 5-finger bag for single storage. I've also seen others use tupperware without the lid.

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Thanks for the responses, guys. I'm gonna try and make it to WM and BJ's tomorrow, unless of course the rain holds off and I can golf. :r
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Jeff, I Have 1 72 Qt. Coleman & 2 48 Qt. Igloo Marines. Marines were around $30 A Piece at Wally World If I Remember Correctly.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

:tpd:

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...r/DSC02607.jpg

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I also buy mostly 5ers but like the extra buffering of cedar. A local B&M sells empty wooden boxes at $2 a pop, so I just filled mine up with that. :ss

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

From what I understand, you want to keep the cooler as full as possible to prevent huge RH swings, even if it's mostly empty boxes. I'll have to check with my local B&M for boxes.
It's absolutely pouring here right now, so I haven't been inclined to go out to check on cooler prices. :r
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

I use empty boxes for singles storage. I had been doing that for a few years. Just recently, I bought to cedar trays and like them very much.

If you are in and out of your cooler regularly, you don't need a fan. I have two coolers and one is for longer term storage which is rarely opened. I use one fan in there. The other cooler is opened at least once or twice a week - sometimes more. Absolutely no need for a fan in that one.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Not true. I have a 78qt that has two boxes in it and it stays at 63% like a rock and doesn't move. I like the Coleman Xtreme coolers because of the extra insulation.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

So you have <130 cigars.

Anyone have Kreth's address?

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

To add on, I've had both an empty 100qt cooler and a near full one. It held RH rock solid with Heartfelt beads and no fan.

I simply put my loose sticks in spare cigar boxes I get for free from a local B&M.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

I'm a big fan of reusing boxes and using 5-finger bags for storage. I use old boxes (cabs usually) if I have some sticks that I want to put down for some time. I use 5-finger bags for singles where I will probably smoke them or gift them in the near term (next 6 months or so). Both approaches seem to work quite well.

I've recently exceeded my box storage (3 vinotemps) so will use my coolers until I decide on how best to go for long term storage - either an aristocrat or converting a walk-in closet to a walk-in humi.

btw, I keep all my empty boxes in coolers at 65% humidity so that they are ready to go when I need to press them into service. I mostly save all wood boxes, which mostly means cabs.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

I have a hygro that shows the highs and lows over a 24 hour period. The coolers are more stable than my humis even with me opening and closing the cooler multiple times.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

The struggle continues.
I'm fighting to keep my desktop at 60% with a Puck from Cigarmony, even with the beads fully saturated. I think I can fix this by replacing the Puck with another 8 oz. bag of Scott's beads, and maybe a bead of silicone around the glass top.
For additional storage, I appropriated a 28 qt. Sterilite bin that we had laying around. Crappy seal, but I built it up a bit with masking tape, and the RH is reasonably stable with 8 oz. of Scott's beads. I just need to throw in a damp sponge for a few hours every couple of days when the RH dips.
I've been watching eBay, craigslist, and the WTS for better options. Since I can't smoke more than 1-2 cigars/week in this cold, I should really stay off the devil site for a few weeks and save my cigar budget for better storage and maybe another digital hygrometer. :r
[/ramble]
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

:tpd:

I also re-use boxes currently in a 50 icecube and its packed my recommendation would be to try and get empty boxes to fill makes organization easier

I'm planning to stop down at the B&M today for a smoke. I'll see if they'd like to off-load any boxes.
Any issues with varnished boxes?
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

My B&M sells them for $3 a pop and usually has tons of 'em.

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Sounds like you are doing a hell of a lot of screwing around when you could buy a small good sealing cooler for 12 bucks at Wally World.

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Assuming the paint/varnish is fully cured, none that I've ever found.

Unvarnished boxes will breathe/pass humidity better, but I can't say that I've ever noticed any differences between the random NC's I store in varnished/painted boxes and unvarnished boxes.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

The Sterilite bin is just going to frustrate you. My situation was similar to yours last year--started with a 100ct & a 50ct for cc's. For about $15, I picked up a 28qt Coleman cooler at WM. It holds about 5-6 boxes stacked (mostly because it's narrower at the bottom than at the top) with lots of additional room for bags & singles stuck here & there. It's not fancy, but it works--even much better than my desktops. The wife hates it because it's blue and sits in the corner by the piano. Oh well. I think it looks great with all my CA & herf crew stickers. :tu

It's not even half full, and I've only had to recharge my HF beads just once in the past year. Holds humidity like a champ. :2

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

I have yet to regret moving into coolers. It's as if they were made for keeping cigars at a consistent RH level.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

:tpd::tu

Did some price checking at Wally World today. The Igloo and Coleman 28 qt. are $16-17, but they also have the Coleman Xtreme 70 qt. for $42. I'll probably go with the bigger cooler so I don't have to do this dance again anytime soon.
While I was there, I picked up an Acu Rite hygrometer to try out. Also grabbed some Liquid Nails sealant, as they only had plain silicone in the big caulking gun tubes. Is this stuff OK to use in a humidor?
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

I don't know. Liquid nails = fumes.

Why the sealant? Check the lids on the coolers. Some just "rest on top" when closed, others seal tight. IMO, Get one that fits tight and seals without the need for sealants.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

I think he's using the sealant around the glasstop of his humidor. Sounds like a good idea, I probably need to do the same but just never got to it. That's where I'd bet I'm losing humidity in the winter (humi drops from 65% to 53% from about Dec thru March when the ambient house humidity plummets to below 25%.)

Not sure that I'd use Liquid Nails though.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Just go for the online 150 qt Coleman Marine Cooler from Wally. It's only $75 + tax and they'll ship it to a local store for free. If you don't want to do this dance again that's the way to go.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Liquid nails is less than ideal for sealing in the glass on your humidor, it's a construction adhesive, not a sealant. It's not easily formable so you won't get a nice even bead that you can smooth with your finger, it's a PITA to trim and remove if you have excess, you can't "work it" like silicone or caulking, and if you ever have to remove it, fugataboutit.

Easiest thing to work with is a tube of DAP Kwik Seal Plus Kitchen and Bath Caulking. It's a red tube, costs about $1.75. Comes in white, off-white and almond IIRC. Just barely cut the tip on an angle and squeeze down a bead. The stuff is super formable (holds it's shape after you drag your finger across it, like when you are caulking pieces positioned perpendicular to each other), cleans up very easily with just a damp rag, the tube is super pliable for controlling the bead, it gives off very little odor when drying and none once it's dry (unlike liquid nails which can reek for weeks).

If that won't work due to cosmetics, go to the auto parts store and get a tube of permatex brand silicone, either in clear or cosmetic black (the cheap black for trim work, not the expensive oil resistant black for doing head gaskets)

That's it exactly, Gerard. Yeah, I don't think the Liquid Nails is going to work. I put some on a piece of cardboard and let it set, and it still reeks. Guess I'm off to Home Depot tomorrow.
I'd love to, Mario. Unfortunately, we're in an apartment, and SWMBO would not approve of a monster like that. :r
Sounds like Permatex is it. There's an auto parts store just a few blocks from here. I was surprised Wal Mart didn't have the smaller tubes of silicone.
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Just to clarify, Permatex is just a brand name, just happens to be what most auto parts stores here sell. Any quality clear or black slicone should be fine.

(Don't want you accidentally buying something like Permatex #1 or #2, that would be bad... #3 or #4 would be worse, but auto parts stores don't normally sell those)

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Sorry to hear that. Gotta do whatcha gotta do though Jeff.

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Fish tank silicone would be the best as far as outgassing, it is pretty pure, fish are sensitive.
Any pet store. Wait 3-4 days before re-introduction.

I figured it was a brand name. I'll check Advanced Auto Parts or Home Depot, whichever I get to first. Clear silicone would look better, I think.
You know, one reason I grabbed the Liquid Nails (aside from the smaller tube) was that it said it's safe for fishtanks right on the package. Guess the fish don't mind the smell. :r
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Home Depot will probably have GE Silicone II in squeeze tubes. It's a quality product.


Wait a second, did you buy liquid nails _construction_adhesive_ or some other product under the liquid nails brand name? If they have a silicone, you might be fine using it - I only have experience with liquid nails constuction adhesive and their underlayment adhesives, if they make a silicone, I've never used it, so no specific comments regarding it.

Package says Liquid Nails Clear Seal All-Purpose Sealant. It's not going to work, the stuff reeks.
Since this seems to be an area of expertise for you, I'll go with one of the products you recommended. Thanks for the tips. :tu
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

This one?

http://www.liquidnails.com/products/...sp?productId=4

Never used it and I don't know anything about it.

It might be fine. I just don't know.



No expert here on the other ones, just many years using them...

Yeah, that's the stuff. Just noticed it says *not* for use in aquariums (insert facepalm smiley here).
Unless you're Sarah Palin, experience = expertise. :r
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

Location: Oneonta, NY

Wait....your Senator was WHO???

:r

Check out PetSmart for stuff like this -

Aquarium Seal

Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

I just ordered a round container of heartfelt beads tonight. I'm running into the same problems as you Kreth, desktop is struggling at 57 to 60% RH. and its full plus the new cigar caddy is full as well.

So tell me why I've been looking into buying my first box? :confused:

I'll be coming back to read this thread when its time to setup my first coolador. :ss

We had another Senator before Gillibrand but I don't remember her name. She didn't do much... :r

Thanks for the tip, but the nearest PetSmart is an hour away. I'll probably go with one of the products Adam suggested.
Does your desktop have glass, by any chance? I'll update once I add a bead of silicone, plus I'm waiting to hear back from Scott (shilala) about picking up some more of his beads. The Puck I have in the desktop now has been pretty good up until the last couple of weeks, but I guess I need more horsepower now that the RH in our apartment is in the 30s.
One positive note: the Acu Rite hygrometer I picked up at WalMart is within 1% of the calibrated HygroSet I already have. Not bad for $7.97.
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Re: Storage Upgrade Suggestions?
 

aw crap....didn't realize it was THAT far away from ya!!

On those AccuRite's - that's a GOOD thing - I've had them all over the place - to the point of buying 8 of them at one time and returning the other 7 after checking their sensitivity.... O.C.D is a PITA when it comes to cigars!!!!