Advocacy & Safety - What happens to pepper spray once it expires?

I have a few cans of pepper spray that have expired :mad:.

I'd like to hook some up to my bikes if they still work.
Does the burn completely go away?

Does the burn completely go away?It would not be pleasant to be sprayed with, but doubt it will have quite the punch new stuff has. At $15/2oz can for the good stuff(Fox Labs/Saber Red) I would just buy some new spray.

Test it on a friend?

*Incidentally, a quick Google search indicates that it would still spray fine, but would probably have less potency in that actual mace. Probably still good for about a year past expiration, but you should make an effort to replace them if you're interested in using them, as the burn will be significantly reduced / potentially gone (if they're seriously expired).

I have a few cans of pepper spray that have expired :mad:.

I'd like to hook some up to my bikes if they still work.
Does the burn completely go away?

Just be glad you never had to use them.

It turns into breath freshener.

It does lose some of its potency over time. If you want reliability it's best to replace the expired stuff.

Put it on your eggs ("mmmmm.....incapacitating")

It turns into party-streamer-in-a-can. just spray it around liberally at your next social function and you'll be sure to make a lasting impression!















:innocent:

It is buried with full military honours

test:

-spray it on your hand, if it works, you'll know it...!

a) no heat, throw containers away

b) HEAT-discomfort = usable

-if works, clean hand with "go-jo" (petro based oil cleaner), soak in milk, don't touch sensitive body parts, and wait for endorphines to kick in!

(the above is based on theory from habanero pepper prep/freezer experience :-)

Tomg, I had my assistant look into that exact scenario recently, and the hand is not the most ideal test surface. According to his research (and he's very good at this), the ideal test surface is either the left earlobe or the bottom of the left foot.

I've read somewhere it evaporates after expiration... :rolleyes:

Maybe you can use the old stuff to spice up your food with.

Tomg, I had my assistant look into that exact scenario recently, and the hand is not the most ideal test surface. According to his research (and he's very good at this), the ideal test surface is either the left earlobe or the bottom of the left foot.

just running on theory here, SH. i have handled habanero peppers for freezing (packing heat) and have been informed that that pepper is the one that these sprays are based on (a generalization).

in reality, i have used demanding voice, sprayed water, air-pump to nose redirections (for dogs). each have had varied levels of success! i have HALT pepper spray, but have never used it. there is no experation date listed on that bottle. hope i never need to use it, but it's within reach in my handlebar bag.

hope this spray is never needed on any of our rides!

hope you spin dog free! (i guess from your assistants clinical assesment though, we need to focus on the dog's left paw for optimal pepper spray effect, contrary to the assumed nose/eyes efficacy :)

t

I always thought that the propellant would probably go flat after the experiation date.


BTW, pepper spray is not the same as MACE. Mace is not as effective as pepper spray. MACE will not work on someone who is very intoxicated on drugs or alcohol, or unable to feel pain. Pepper spray is more effective because it causes the mucus membranes, linings of the nostrils and eye lids to swell up. No permament damage nor injury, but if used properly can offer a good self defense against human or canine attackers. I have used pepper spray against dogs that were chasing me, and they turn and run.

Pepper spray is a good way to train errant dogs that chasing bikes = pain which means they are far less inclined to chase bikes from then on.

I have a few cans of pepper spray that have expired :mad:.

I'd like to hook some up to my bikes if they still work.
Does the burn completely go away?

I think I heard that expired pepper spray turns into whipping cream you can put on your pie. Of course, I might be wrong, so be sure to try it out first before inviting company over for pie.

It is probably ok for a few years, but I use expired cans to practice with. If you have not actually used pepper spray, try it out. Standing still, riding, in calm and in winds.