Expiry Dates for Pepper Spray Gels

January 07, 2025, 01:31 PM

Rey HRH

I don't go by expiry dates for food or medicine as I know that's just based on when the manufacturer keeps a control lot of the same batch in controlled storage for determining where an issue arose in the manufacturing process or outside.

I also understand chemicals break down over time.

Does anyone have a definitive guess as to how long Pepper Sprays and Gels remain effective past epiry dates? These are three year expiration dates.

I also know they're not going to remain effective forever. And it's not like it cost an arm and a leg.

For those who carry pepper spray as part of their job, when do you replace them?

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January 07, 2025, 01:57 PM

RogueJSK

We replaced them every every 3 years or so.

The capsaicin doesn't break down, but the propellant does.

You can test them to see if the propellant still works. (But by doing so, you then shorten the useful life of the remaining propellant in the can.)

Just be sure to do it outside and upwind!

January 07, 2025, 02:51 PM

DaBigBR

The seal on the can also degrades over time, or so I'm told.

January 07, 2025, 06:58 PM

copaup

The issue isn't the active ingredients, It's the seals on the can and the propellant. OC doesn't do you a lot of good when you are trying to shake it out of the can like Tabasco.

I've seriously seen an officer pull out an old can and go to spray it to watch the OC dribble to the ground inches away.

I replace mine when they expire. It isn't worth the risk for such an inexpensive product.

January 07, 2025, 07:47 PM

Rey HRH

Okay, you guys convinced me. Pinching pennies is not worth it on this item and I found out I can just buy the inserts. Thank you.

January 07, 2025, 07:49 PM

ryan81986

That reminds me that my vexor spray is nearing its replacement date. But looking online, getting an MK3 can isn't as easy as it used to be through them.

January 07, 2025, 09:09 PM

FiveFiveSixFan

quote:
Originally posted by ryan81986:
...my vexor spray...

Good choice! That stuff is vile!

January 08, 2025, 01:50 PM

chongosuerte

quote:
Originally posted by FiveFiveSixFan:
quote:
Originally posted by ryan81986:
...my vexor spray...

Good choice! That stuff is vile!

Vile is putting it nicely! My first agency used that stuff and it was LIQUID HELL IN A CAN.

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January 08, 2025, 03:36 PM

RogueJSK

Um... I don't think there's an OC spray out there that isn't vile and liquid hell in a can.

That's kind of its whole point.

January 08, 2025, 03:45 PM

ryan81986

quote:
Originally posted by RogueJSK:
Um... I don't think there's an OC spray out there that isn't vile and liquid hell in a can.

That's kind of its whole point.

Yeah but Vexor is 15 million SHU's whereas the next closest is Fox at 5 million.

January 08, 2025, 04:13 PM

RogueJSK

quote:
Originally posted by ryan81986:
Yeah but Vexor is 15 million SHU's whereas the next closest is Fox at 5 million.

And the human body's receptors can't distinguish past ~2-3 million SHU.

15 vs 5 million is just marketing fluff. It makes it seem on paper like it's 3x more potent, but in reality it isn't any more potent to the recipient.