Guide on How to Use
Pepper Spray
If you know how to use pepper spray properly, it
can serve as one of the most effective means of non-lethal self defense.
At first glance its application seems quite straightforward, and it is
for the most part. However, there are a few techniques and strategies
that you can use to maximize the effect of pepper spray. Follow the
guide below to learn how to master your pepper spray weapon.
Textbook Use
1. Stand in a standard self defense position at least 8 feet from your
attacker (most defensive sprays have a maximum effective range of 8 feet). This
position requires that you keep your knees slightly bent with your weak
leg being the closest to your attacker. Make sure you create a strong
center of gravity for yourself by not having your feet to far apart or
too close together.
2. With your strong arm (furthest away from your
attacker), keep your pepper spray armed and ready behind you so that it
is hidden from your attacker. Your thumb should sit atop the discharge
trigger while you firmly grip the canister in your palm.
3. With elbow slightly bent, extend your weak
arm (closest to your attacker) out towards your attacker 8-10 inches in
front of you with your palm facing him.
4. Shout "STOP" to allow your attacker the
opportunity to withdraw his pursuit.
5. If your attacker continues to pursue you,
raise your pepper spray 8-10 inches in front of you with elbow bent. At
the same time, grasp the bottom of your spraying hand with your weak
hand (hint: this is the basic handgun grip).
6. With the thumb of your strong hand, press and hold your pepper spray's trigger
button. While your pepper spray is discharging, slowly back away from your attacker. Keep your eyes open and on
your target. Stay poised. Adjust your arm position so
that you hit your attacker in the face with your pepper spray.
7. When your attacker is finally disabled, run
away. DO NOT attempt to attack in retaliation. Just run away and call
for help. Note: Of course, this isn't a
perfect world. You also need to know how to use your pepper spray in a
non-textbook way in scenarios where you have little time to prepare.
Click here for the quick method of
using pepper spray.
Knowing Your Pepper Spray Unit Intricately
Not knowing how to use pepper spray quickly and effectively is just
the same as not having it at all. Learn how to draw and engage it
smoothly and as quick as possible. Find your most comfortable grip, and
practice with different grips for both hands. Most importantly, always
keep it in a place where it's easy to reach. It will do you no good if
you have to fumble around inside your purse or backpack in order to get
to it. I always keep mine in the front key pocket of my jeans.
It will not help if you are carrying
around a malfunctioning unit. Replace your pepper spray every 12
months. Over time the pressure inside will weaken, decreasing the
strength and distance of the spray. Test fire your unit for 1-2
seconds once a month and while you're at it, do a little target
practice. Examine the spray from various distances and angles.
Examine the characteristics of the spray - does your unit fire a
thin stream or thick mist? How fast is it? How does it fly through
the air? Or does it have a floating cloudy effect? Pay attention to these little
details, otherwise you're just giving yourself a false sense of
security. I know this is a cynical cliche, but it could mean the
difference between life and death.
Pepper Spray Links
Pepper Spray Products
How to Use Pepper Spray: Textbook
Method
Using Pepper Spray: Quick Method
Effects of
Pepper Spray
Where to Get Pepper Spray
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