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Ultimate Pepper Spray Volume Remaining

Ultimate Pepper Spray Volume Remaining: This page will explain and demonstrate different ways you can estimate the percentage of pepper spray formula left in your OC unit.

Once you buy a can of pepper spray use one of the following methods on this page to measure the volume of pepper spray product; than test fire the pepper spray unit. If you haven't already done so, please review the page on Pepper Spray Training at Home.

Additionally, other information you need to understand is that the content of the Pepper Spray Container is in the aerosol form, and the propellant liquid is under pressure.

It is possible that sometimes the bottle leaks the pressure out, so testing your bottle periodically is absolutely necessary. You want to be sure of how much product remains in the pepper spray unit, and be sure there is enough pressure remaining to use in an emergency. Here are two techniques you can use at home.

Ultimate Pepper Spray Volume Remaining: Techniques for Measuring Volume of OC Formula Remaining # 1

The new OC / Pepper Spray Canister on the left in this photo is good for 8 one-second bursts. How about the OC Container on the right?

First, we will check out the new Pepper Spray Canister using a "float test" method.

You can see that when this new canister is placed in a bowl of water only a small portion of the canister is above the water.

The portion of the canister that is submerged is an approximation of the amount of solution inside the canister. The portion of the canister above the water is an approximation of the volume of the pressurized propellant inside the canister.

Before you test fire your new Pepper Spray I suggest that first you float the OC canister, as illustrated above, and marking it at the waterline. After you test fire the OC spray you can re-float and re-mark the canister and have a comparison of the amount of usage and the approximate remaining solution.

When using this same "float test" on the Pepper Spray Canister on the right you can see a dramatic difference in "float" results.

I don't see any previous markings on the older container, so I can only conclude based on the "float test" that there is very little OC content left.

It is suggested that the OC canisters are shaken periodically to keep the pepper spray formula well mixed, if not, the remaining pepper formula will not be as powerful!

Placing the two Pepper Spray Canisters side by side quickly lets you know which one has more OC solution.

I don't have any history on the older pepper spray canister, so my conclusion is not to trust the product with my safety, and dispose of the old canister for a new Pepper Spray Unit.

Closing Comments: It is possible that some of the pressurized propellant may leak off after a long period of storage. Remember to shake your canister of OC periodically and do an occasional test firing at a tree or post to make sure the OC canister still has a charge.

Ultimate Pepper Spray Volume Remaining: Techniques for Measuring Volume of OC Formula Remaining # 2

1. A second "float test" method or technique involves a glass of water. The glass needs to be about 1 or 2 inches taller than the OC canister, and contain enough water to be able to submerse the pepper spray unit under the water.

Some Pepper Spray Units come with a side sticker that have percent volume indicator markings on the side of the canister. If your unit doesn't than this is how I marked my plain OC canister, so I could get a good approximate value of the volume contents.

2. Place the OC canister with the nozzle side down into the glass of water. Balance the canister in this position by simply placing your extended fingers loosely around the unit. The pepper spray canister sort of bounces between your fingers tips while floating in this upside-down position.

3. Using a permanent marking pen I mark the spot at the top of the waterline.

4. I than test fired the pepper spray at a tree in the backyard at a distance of about 6 feet. My OC canister contains about 8 one second bursts according to the manufacturer, so I was careful to fire the unit for only about a half of a second. Always be careful of the wind direction, and moved back immediately after firing the unit.

5. I than re-tested the OC canister using the "float test", and re-marked the new approximate volume with a marking pen on the side of the unit.

Most OC canisters have an expiration date somewhere on the unit, so be sure to read all the manufactures directions carefully. Remember to think about shaking the pepper spray unit occasionally to keep the contents well mixed...and ready for any emergency!

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