The pepper spray is a chemical compound that when it comes into contact with the eyes causes an irritating and rather painful sensation. While it can stop an attacker, it rarely causes persistent damage. Consequently, it is a perfect tool for self defense. It is a commercially available product, but it is also possible to prepare it at home using ingredients you have in the kitchen.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare the Spray
Step 1. Get everything you need
You can make pepper spray using ingredients you already have at home. Here are the main ones:
- Cayenne pepper. It is recommended because it is spicy and can irritate the eyes. You don't need much: 2 tablespoons are enough to make an effective and long-lasting pepper spray.
- 95 degrees alcohol and vegetable oil. You'll need to mix them with cayenne pepper to get the spray.
Step 2. Pour 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper into a small bowl
A clear glass container is ideal, as it allows you to mix the ingredients more easily.
- If you don't have chili powder, you can grind it and add it to the mixture.
- Even if you want to use more than 2 tablespoons, it is best to start by observing the proportions given in this article. In this way, you will get a precise idea of the texture that the product should have.
Step 3. Pour the alcohol over the cayenne pepper until it is completely covered
The chili will then have a liquid to hold onto. Stir constantly to get an even mixture.
Step 4. Add the vegetable oil
Calculate 1 tablespoon of oil for every 2 tablespoons of chili. Mix it well.
Baby oil is a valid alternative to vegetable oil
Step 5. Add other ingredients
As the name suggests, the active ingredient of the pepper spray is chili. If you want to get a more irritating compound, you should replace the cayenne pepper with one that has a higher degree of spiciness on the Scoville scale. Also, since you will be preparing the spray for your own use, you are not forced to observe any rules regarding the ingredients. Citrus fruits tend to irritate the eyes, so adding some lemon juice will make the spray even more pungent.
- Soap is a well-known irritant that many add to homemade pepper sprays.
- If you plan on adding other ingredients, make sure they don't cause permanent damage in case of eye contact. Pepper spray is a self-defense tool that shouldn't have serious repercussions.
Step 6. Let the mixture sit overnight
Wrap the bowl in cling film and secure it with a rubber band. Let it sit overnight for it to stabilize. At this point, remove the transparent film.
Step 7. Filter the solution
Take another bowl and place a coffee filter or gauze over the opening. At this point, gently pour in the solution. The filter will retain solid parts, allowing you to get a liquid spray.
If you filter the solution, you do not run the risk of solid particles blocking the spout after use
Step 8. If the solution gets in your eyes, rinse them immediately
The pepper spray is very irritating to this area. If possible, try to work near an emergency eye wash, but the most important thing is to be careful when preparing.
Method 2 of 2: Prepare the Can
Step 1. Make sure you have everything you need
- An empty spray can. Make sure it has a safety cap and is free of puncture marks. Before you pour in the pepper spray, try to empty it as much as possible.
- One valve per tire. After pouring the spray into the can, the valve allows you to create a pressurized environment. You can buy it at a shop that sells auto repair items.
- A drill. It will allow you to pierce the bottom of the can. Use a 9mm drill bit.
- Epoxy resin. You will only need a few grams;
- A syringe or funnel
- An air compressor. Since you will be using the valve to pressurize the can, a tire compressor should work for this purpose.
Step 2. Drill a 9mm hole in the bottom of the can
You will need it to pour the solution and introduce compressed air. Hold the drill steady and try to get as even a hole as possible. This will make it easier to seal it with epoxy.
Alternatively, you can avoid this process by using a spray bottle with a cap. However, you should make sure that the liquid does not spill. Close the cap tightly when not in use (to be more comfortable, also wrap it with tape)
Step 3. Inject the solution through the canister hole
You can use a kitchen syringe to pick up the spray and inject it through the hole you made with the drill. Repeat until you have all the liquid transferred.
A funnel is a good alternative
Step 4. Fill the hole with epoxy
Take a small amount and dab it on the inside of the hole. Eliminate excesses and, before continuing, wait a few minutes to get it fixed.
Before handling epoxy, it's best to put on gloves
Step 5. Insert the valve into the hole while the epoxy is solidifying
This procedure allows you to quickly pressurize the can. Add some epoxy to the outside and smooth it with your fingers. Now that you have inserted the valve and that the hole has been completely covered with resin, the air will not escape. If you wait a few minutes, the resin should fix the valve.
Make sure you insert most of the valve. It needs to get past the epoxy and tick on the other side
Step 6. Paint the can with spray paint
Many people like to customize their homemade products. Dyeing the can will allow you to distinguish it from other bottles. This is especially important if there is a risk that someone will be misled by the label.
- Dyeing a can of black will make it more discreet;
- A decal can make it look more professional, plus it will clearly state what it is.
Step 7. Pressurize the can with an air compressor
Connect the valve to a compressor. Fill it with air and keep an eye on the pressure gauge. As the pressure increases, you should notice that the can will give you a different tactile sensation.
Step 8. Spray the contents of the can
Before putting it in your bag, test your aim on a solid surface to understand how the device works. Make sure the nozzle is facing out and press it lightly. Spray the spray with a short, controlled snap. If you have to use it against an attacker, you will need a small amount to KO him.
- Most pepper sprays have a range of around 3 meters.
- The effect of the pepper spray lasts 45-50 minutes. However, the persistent effects can last up to 3 hours.
Step 9. Store the spray at room temperature
Pepper spray is a volatile substance. As with any other pressurized product, you need to make sure you store it in a cool place to prevent it from spoiling in the heat. When not in use, store it in a cupboard, in a closet that does not have sudden changes in temperature or in an air-conditioned environment.
Also, keep it out of the reach of other people
Advice
- Industrially produced pepper sprays are at least 20 times more potent than food grade chili powder.
- The pepper spray works by swelling the mucous membrane of the person who comes into contact with it.
Warnings
- Make sure you use it legally. The pepper spray should only be used for self-defense purposes.
- When preparing the spray, be sure not to put your hands to your eyes. The chemicals in this product are intended to irritate the eye area. If you have a pair of goggles, use them.
