Can you re-seal ammo cans?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Can you re-seal ammo cans?

Posted: 6/5/2003 10:32:59 AM EDT

I've noticed when you crack open an unused ammo can, it has a nice suctioning seal on the lid. After you've filled the thing up with whatever you want to store in it, is there any way to get such a tight seal back on the lid, or is that just a one-time deal?

Posted: 6/5/2003 10:47:33 AM EDT

[#1]

More than likely what you're feeling is the pliable seal peeling away from the paint on the lip of the can. The cans are probably closed while the paint is not fully cured.

If the seal is still soft and uncracked, you should get an airtight seal when closed again. You don't really want a "vacuum" seal anyway, since if the seal is ever compromised, the can will suck moist air, or perhaps even moisture, in.

Posted: 6/5/2003 10:51:20 AM EDT

[#2]

Thanks for clearing that up.

Posted: 6/5/2003 11:18:11 AM EDT

[#3]

Once ammo cans are filled, boil them 45 minutes to 1 hour in a large pot with water at least half way up.

Posted: 6/5/2003 11:28:02 AM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
Once ammo cans are filled, boil them 45 minutes to 1 hour in a large pot with water at least half way up.

View Quote

??????????

Posted: 6/5/2003 11:37:26 AM EDT

[#5]

It's like canning. It heats everything up and the internal pressure is enough that it drives air past the seal. When things cool down that creates a vacumn that is enough to seal the can (hopefully) but not enough to pull air and moisture past the seal.

verges on the edge of overkill, but (Can't comment on the heating of the ammo though)

Posted: 6/5/2003 12:39:34 PM EDT

[#6]

I understand the process. It is the ammo heating that concerns me!

Posted: 6/5/2003 12:43:13 PM EDT

[#7]

Well, it looks like one of us has to go back to sarcasm school! (It's probably me, it's always me.)

Posted: 6/5/2003 12:43:33 PM EDT

[#8]

I throw a sock filled w/the silica kitty litter into the can w/the ammo and use silicone chaulking to create a new seal.

Posted: 6/5/2003 5:02:32 PM EDT

[#9]

Actually, military ammo cans are filled with nitrogen and sealed, much like your Doritos. But I wouldn't worry too much about trying to recreate that. Simply add a fresh desiccant pack to the can and close the lid. Don't open it again until you're ready to use the ammo.

-Troy

Posted: 6/5/2003 6:55:34 PM EDT

[#10]

Naysayers be damned, welding the lid shut is the ultimate in preservation techniques.

cynic

Posted: 6/5/2003 8:43:42 PM EDT

[#11]

If You use/have a MIG or TIG welder, just shoot some of the gas into the can before You close the lid (Also works great with paint/varnish).

or You might try a >Small< piece of dry ice. I'd let it sit with the lid cracked untill it was almost all gone. CO2 is heavier(sp?) than air, so it will stay in the can even with the lid open,

Tall Shadow

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Can you re-seal ammo cans?

General » General Discussion

Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us