Frequently Asked Questions

Pepper Spray

What is the difference between pepper spray and tear gas?

Pepper spray is considered to be more effective than tear gas for several reasons.  The reaction to pepper spray is involuntary it works on everyone even if they feel no pain due to intoxication or drugs. Pepper spray will also work on animals for the same reason. Pepper spray does need to be sprayed into the eyes or inhaled to be effective, but it does not evaporate as tear gas does. Pepper spray acts faster than tear gas and wears off faster as well.  Because there are advantages to each, some products contain both pepper spray and a tear gas, along with a dye.

What is Mace?

Mace is technically a brand name for a type of tear gas, but has become widely used to describe all types of self-defense sprays.

What are the benefits and limitations of pepper spray?

Pepper spray is very effective and is used by most law enforcement agencies in the country.  It is non-lethal and will help an average person escape from an attacker. Because it causes no lingering health issues, people that have pepper spray are more likely to use it to save themselves.  It is also inexpensive and there are few legal restrictions.  However, pepper spray may take a few seconds to be effective and could be used against you if the attacker takes it away.  It may not work as well in rain or wind and could also blow back in the face of the person that sprayed it.

How do I measure the effectiveness of pepper spray?

The OC% (Oleoresin Capsicum percentage) of pepper spray tells how much OC is in the container relative to other ingredients.  The most common OC% is 10% with higher concentrations of 15%.  However, the OC% is only one of the important ratings. The SHU rating measures Scoville Heat Units, which is actual heat of the pepper spray.  The heat comes from the amount of capsaicin, which varies between manufactureres.  Staff Patrol provides products that are very effective and have high ratings in both OC and SHU.

Will pepper spray expire? How often should I replace my pepper spray?

OC does not degrade over time but the container itself will degrade.  It is possible that the container may leak out the aerosol propellant over the years.  For these reasons, pepper spray will have an expiration date and you should plan to replace your spray after the expiration date.  It is a good idea to test your spray every 90 days.  This may slightly reduce the contents, but will give you the assurance that the product is still functioning properly.

When will pepper spray start to work and how long will the effect last?

It may take up to 3-5 seconds before the pepper spray take effect and the effects can last up until an hour.  Some products come with a UV dye and it will wear off in about a week.

When should I use pepper spray?

Pepper spray should be used anytime you feel the need to protect either yourself or another person.  It would be a mistake and probably a crime to use pepper spray in instances other than an immediate danger.

How should I store & carry pepper spray?

Keep your pepper spray at room temperature if possible and away from children.  Do not leave it in your car during the summer because of the excessive heat that can build up.  When you carry the pepper spray, keep it in a place where you can draw it quickly.  Try several different places and practice getting it into firing position as quickly as possible.

How do I use pepper spray?

When you buy pepper spray, take it out into an open area and test how it sprays.  Notice how far it travels, how it reacts to wind, and how the stream looks.  If you encounter an attacker, keep as much distance between you as possible and don't threaten with the spray.  Just fire 2 or 3 second bursts directly into the eyes of the attacker.  As soon as the threat is stopped, run immediately and call the police.

Will pepper spray work on bears and dogs?

Yes, pepper spray will work on dogs and wild animals.  If you feel the need to protect yourself from animals, you should consider a product specifically formulated for deterring attacks by bears or dogs.

Is pepper spray legal?

Most states allow you to possess and carry pepper spray.  You should check with your local authorities because some states and cities do prohibit the possession of pepper spray.  Many government buildings, airports, and public transportation systems do not allow pepper spray.

How do I remove pepper spray from myself?

It takes soap and water to remove pepper spray.  Remove all contaminated clothing and flush the affected areas with cool water (do not use warm water).  Do not rub your face. Wash the affected areas with non-oil or cold cream based soap.  If you use oily lotions, they may trap the OC resin to your skin.  There may be some lingering discomfort, but most of the effects should wear off within an hour.

What is a Stun Gun?

A stun gun is a device that uses high voltage to immobilize an attacker.  Stun guns may look like guns, but often are shaped like small blocks or batons.  Regardless of how they look, stun guns have two prongs on the end.  When those prongs come in contact with an attacker, electrical current is transferred.  To be effective, the attacker has to be contacted with the stun gun for a half second up to several seconds.

Stun guns do not cause any serious or permanent injury because of the low amperage driving the high voltage.  Stung guns work because they affect the nervous system.  Energy is dumped into the muscles of the attacker at a high pulse frequency that makes the muscles work rapidly.  This depletes the blood sugar into lactic acid within seconds and the attacker cannot move or function.  The neurological impulses that normally travel through the body become interrupted causing disorientation and loss of balance.

While a half second contact may do the job, it may take a few seconds to immobilize an attacker.  The time will vary based on the attacker and how well contact is made and maintained.  Overall, stun guns are extremely effective safety devices that will not cause permanent damage to anyone.  Before purchasing, you should check the laws of your state to find out if there are any restrictions on the purchase or transport of this weapon.

If the attacker is touching me, will I be shocked?
No.  Even if you are standing in water, you will not be shocked.

Will a stun gun work through clothing?
Yes, stun guns are effective through at least one inch of clothing. 

Are stun guns legal where I live?
All customers should check the laws of their state and locality.  In some places, stun guns are restricted.

Will stun guns work on those under the influence?
Yes, stun guns work on those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

How important is the number of volts?
Not as important as it sounds.  The delivery system is more important than the voltage.  Some lower voltage stun guns may actually be more effective than high voltage guns with poor delivery systems.  We have chosen a variety of sizes and powers to give you perfect fit for your environment.

Can a stun gun be fired multiple times?
Yes, stun guns can be used numerous times.

  Read the full article on "How Stun Guns Work".

Returns and Damaged Shipments

Our guarantee is very simple.  You have a full 30 days to examine your purchase and if you decide that the value of our product does not match the price you paid, then notify us.  You can always expect to receive a complete and courteous refund within 14 days after your request.

There's no reason to give us an excuse or a lengthy explanation. Just advise us that you wish to return the product under our guarantee policy and we'll refund your credit card -- or issue you a reimbursement check -- shortly after your request.

Refusing Delivery of Damaged Items.

If you receive your package open or damaged, refuse delivery of the merchandise then contact our Customer Service Department right away at 800-383-1327 or support@staffpatrol.com to report the problem. We guarantee to get your purchases to you in good condition.

Post Delivery Damage Discovery

If you realize you received a damaged or defective product after accepting delivery, contact us immediately at 800-383-1327 or support@staffpatrol.com for instructions on returning the damaged/defective item. We will send you a replacement or issue you a full refund immediately after receiving the damaged or defective product. We will not charge you any additional shipping or handling fees for replacement shipments.

Returning a Purchase

Mail your purchase back with the return form and label included with your shipment or obtain a return merchandise authorization number by calling 800-383-1327.  Please allow 14 business days from the day you return your package for your return to be credited or exchange made.

Customer Notice:  It is the responsibility of the buyer, and not the seller, to ascertain and obey all applicable local, state, federal and in some cases international laws with regard to the possession of stun devices and pepper sprays, and the use of any self defense item sold on these pages. By placing an order, the buyer represents that the stun devices, pepper sprays and all other security products ordered will be used in a lawful manner and that he/she is of legal age to possess such items. No sales to minors.