When to replace pepper spray?

bquinlan

bquinlan

Joined
Jan 5, 2001
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I used to carry an ASP Key Defender and the cartridges had expiration dates on them. Now I'm carrying a Fox Labs Keychain and I can't find any kind of date or other indicator on the cartridge. Do they just not mark them? How often should they be replaced?

--Bob Q
 
The stuff we get issued gets replaced every three years as I recall. Probably a good bet. We just got a new issue of "Taser Friendly" spray, so as not to have the BG burst into flame if we have to Taser em'.
 
It would take a VERY long time for the pepper to "go bad", but the propellent can slowly leak out...Generally the canister is good for two or three years.
 
So I am in my garage, oh, about May of 1998, cleaning up, and I find a can of pepper spray that is about 3 years past it's expiration date. I open up the garage door, and, hey, there's no breeze, so I "push the button". Fog/stream comes out like it is supposed to, as advertised. Breeze kicks up and blows said fog back in my face. Product works as advertised, definitely not for tacos or omelets. This is the Mk II stuff that the cops use, 2 oz can or whatever. I had runny eyes for about two weeks, because everytime I went into the garage, the residue from the initial spraying acted as advertised. DO NOT SPRAY THIS STUFF INSIDE YOUR HOUSE, especially if you have a wife, children or pets. The will be very aggrivated to say the least. ;)

Now I have the Bear Repellent from one of the more well known companies. The main ingredient does not break down, much, but the propellent can leak, as previously stated. You are probably ok for a year or two after the expiration date, but do you want to risk it?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
but do you want to risk it?
Click to expand...

That is the operative question right there. If you're in a situation where you suddently need and are depending on this stuff, you will darn well wish that you spent that $10.



Test spraying, even a little spritz, accelerates the rate of leakage.
 
a bud of mine used some def tech that was 5 yrs out of date (ie '00) and it worked fine(another story lol), i have heard some lose propellent though, they say to get a new one after 2-3 yrs IIRC. cheap insurance for sure. BUT i wont sweat it if they are only a few months outta date myself.
 
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