Difference between revisions of "Make Pepper Spray"

Pepper spray is a chemical mixture that causes severe pain and irritation when it comes in contact with the eyes.<ref name="rf1">http://www.crimedoctor.com/self_defense_1.htm</ref> Although it has the ability to incapacitate someone, the damage it leaves is seldom long-lasting. Because of this, it's a perfect method for self-defence. Although you can buy bottles of pepper spray at a store, it's very possible to create a DIY mixture of your own using kitchen supplies.  

#Gather your supplies.<ref name="rf2">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxcknRv1_HM</ref> Pepper spray mixture can be made using household ingredients. Here are the main ingredients you'll require for your mixture:

#Add pepper to a mixing cup. Add two tablespoons of cayenne paper to a small cup.<ref name="rf2" /> A small, clear glass is best in this case because it will allow you to mixture proportions more easily.

#*Alternatively, instead of using powder, you can grind peppers up yourself and add them to the mix.<ref name="rf3">http://bestpepperspray.net/how-to-make-pepper-spray/</ref>

#Submerge pepper in alcohol solution.<ref name="rf2" /> Rubbing alcohol will give the cayenne powder a liquid to grip onto. Pour rubbing alcohol over the cayenne pepper until the pepper has been completely submerged. Stir constantly to get a better idea of the mixture's progress.

#*Baby oil is a viable alternative to vegetable oil.<ref name="rf3" />

#Include extra ingredients. True to its name, pepper spray's active ingredient is pepper. If you want a more intense mixture, you should replace the cayenne pepper with a pepper that scores higher on the Scoville Hotness meter.<ref name="rf3" /> In addition, because you're making this pepper spray from home, there's not necessarily any rule to state what you can and can't add. Citrus is a natural irritant on the eyes, so squeezing in a lemon will add to the sting your spray causes.

#*Soap is a known irritant that many add to their homemade pepper sprays.<ref name="rf4">http://survival-mastery.com/diy/useful-tools/homemade-pepper-spray.html</ref>

#Allow the mixture to settle overnight.<ref name="rf2" /> Place a layer of plastic wrap over the mixture and secure it by pulling an elastic band around the cup. Let it sit at least overnight for the mixture to properly settle. After enough time has passed, take off the wrapping.

#Filter your spray mixture.<ref name="rf2" /> Get another cup and fix a coffee filter or cheesecloth overtop. When a filter is in place, gently pour the spray mixture through the filter. This will pick up the solid matter, leaving the spray a liquid.

#*Filtering the mixture as such will help prevent clogging the nozzle with sediment after use.<ref name="rf3" />

#Wash your eyes immediately if you get any mixture on you.<ref name="rf4" /> Pepper spray is an intense irritant on the eyes. Keep an eyewash station nearby if you have the option. Most importantly, be very careful while you prepare the mixture.

#*A drill. An electric drill will allow you to open a hole in the bottom of the spray can. Aim for a 9mm drill bit.<ref name="rf2" />

#Drill a hole in the bottom of the can.<ref name="rf2" /> Drill a 9mm hole in the bottom of your spray can. This will be used to fill the can with mixture and compressed air. Hold your drill steady and try to make as even a hole as possible. This will make it easier to patch up with epoxy once you've filled the can.

#*Alternatively, you can avoid the can process altogether by using capped spray bottle. You should take lengths to make sure that the spray has no chance of getting out however. Tape the head and nozzle shut when it's not in use.<ref name="rf3" />

#Inject the can's hole with spray fluid.<ref name="rf2" /> It's now time to add pepper spray to your can. Taking a cooking syringe, suck up the mixture and inject it in the hole you drilled. Repeat this until all of your mixture is in the can.

#*A funnel is a solid alternative in lieu of a syringe.<ref name="rf4" />

#Attach a tire valve in the hole. While the epoxy is still solidifying, push your tire valve through the hole. This will give you a quick way to pressurize the can. The hole you covered with epoxy won't let the air escape once it's inside. If you give it a few minutes to sit, the epoxy should hold the tire valve in place.<ref name="rf2" />

#Spray paint your can.<ref name="rf2" /> Some people prefer to decorate their homemade products. Painting over the old can will distinguish it from all other cans. This is especially important if there's a risk that someone might mistake the pepper spray for the can's written contents.

#Pressurize the can with an air compressor.<ref name="rf2" /> Hook the tire valve up with an air compressor. Fill it up with air, and keep your eye on the pressure gauge. As the pressure increase, you should be able to tell a difference in the feel of the can.

#*Most pepper spray cans have an effective range of about 10 feet.<ref name="rf5">http://modelmugging.org/pepper-spray/</ref>

#*The effects of pepper spray last from 45 minutes to an hour.<ref name="rf3" /> However, lingering effects will last up to three hours.

#Store the spray at room temperature.<ref name="rf6">http://sayfty.com/pepper-spray-faqs/</ref> Pepper spray is a volatile substance. Like any pressurized contents, you need to make sure it's store in a temperate area where it won't be affected by extremes in heat. Keep it locked away in a cupboard or climate-controlled storage room when you're not using it.

*Professionally made pepper sprays are at least 20 times more potent than kitchen chili powder.<ref name="rf6" />

*Pepper spray works by swelling the mucus membrane of the person it's sprayed at.<ref name="rf6" />

*Make sure to review the legality of pepper spray in your state or country.<ref name="rf3" /> Pepper spray should be used purely for the sake of self-defence.