Is it safe to store mini-dv/DAT/Hi8 tapes in a metal filing cabinet?

[Gil T Remnant]

I've just bought a tall four-drawer steel metal filing cabinet for storing my media in. But the thought just occurred to me - is it actually safe for storing tapes in? Would there be any issue with the metal structure affecting what's on the tapes? Sorry if this sounds like a daft question to some of you here but I just want to be sure!
Thanks,
Gil

[Case]

Dust, temperature and humidity should also be controlled for longevity of the tapes.
Static electricity or magnets wouldn’t be good for tapes, I suppose.

[Gil T Remnant]

Dust, temperature and humidity should also be controlled for longevity of the tapes.
Static electricity or magnets wouldn’t be good for tapes, I suppose.

Ok, then the metal cabinet itself will not be a threat to magnetic tapes?

[pandy]

It shouldn't - in fact it may even help and work as crude Zero Gauss Chamber - however it depend from many factors like material characteristic for cabinet - best it should soft magnetic characteristic with high permeability - some special alloys are best but even regular steel should be ok for some time.

[Gil T Remnant]

It shouldn't - in fact it may even help and work as crude Zero Gauss Chamber - however it depend from many factors like material characteristic for cabinet - best it should soft magnetic characteristic with high permeability - some special alloys are best but even regular steel should be ok for some time.

Great stuff. Many thanks.

[JVRaines]

The tape will fall apart long before the Earth's magnetic field has an appreciable effect. Tape reels and cassettes should be stored vertically, not lying down.