How to Make Your Own Pepper Spray Delivery System

Although you can buy high-pressure canisters of pepper spray at your local department store or on the Internet, homemade delivery systems are just as effective and substantially less expensive.

When looking at making your own pepper spray, avoid air pressure-delivery systems. Building one requires specialized equipment and runs the risk of explosion. Instead, use an atomizing system, which sprays the pepper mixture in a cloud of mist. These are easy and safe to put together using commonly available items.

Things You'll Need

• Small spray bottle
• Pepper spray liquid
• Sealable glass jar
• Gloves
• Safety goggles

Instructions

Getting the Spray Bottle

1. Choose a spray bottle that mists out the liquid inside of it, for example a plastic or metal perfume bottle.

2. Test potential bottles with water to make sure they don't leak. The last thing you want in your purse or pocket is a puddle of pepper spray liquid.

3. Spray water with each bottle. The spray should come out in a cloud twice the size of a person's head.

Prep the Bottle

1. Put on your safety goggles and gloves. Pepper spray liquid is extremely hard on the eyes--that's what it's made for.

2. Fill the spray bottle with pepper spray liquid. The spray bottle should be small enough to fit in the bag or pocket where you intend to carry it.

3. Seal the spray bottle.

4. Store remaining liquid in a sealing glass bottle. Keep it in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.

5. Rinse the outside of the bottle with a weak bleach solution. Capsicum (the active ingredient in pepper spray) is acidic. The bleach will neutralize any acid on the outside of the bottle.

6. Rinse and dry the bottle.

Carrying Your Pepper Spray

1. Check all local and state laws regarding pepper spray, self-defense and concealed weapons. Make sure you aren't breaking the law by carrying pepper spray.

2. Treat your pepper spray like any other weapon. Take time to practice with it, to clean it and to learn proper usage techniques.

3. When using pepper spray, be aware of wind direction and your planned escape route. Don't spray pepper spray in a way that could get it in your eyes or on your face.

References

• Will Pleasant, self-defense instructor; Albuquerque, Mew Mexico