Pepper Swap

Damsel in Defense offers a wide variety of Pepper Spray outer shell designs which range from a simple black to a bright bling. Whatever your pick, you can be assured that you are holding one of the most powerful pepper products on the market which also contains UV Identifying dye and can cover a distance up to 16ft. However, what happens when your beloved protection product expires? Can it still be used for a while longer? And, most importantly, how do you change the canister once it is unusable? We are here to answer all your questions and guide you on how exactly to change your pepper canister! 

Of course, to get a hands-on tutorial by your local Damsel Safety Educator, simply click here! 

What happens when my pepper spray expires? 

Our pepper spray specifically is not designed to lose its effect even after the expiration date. Instead, the propellant formula we use will grow weaker and not shoot as far of a distance. We always recommend replacing the pepper spray as close to the expiration date as possible for the best performance from the canister. While we have not tested the verified amount of time before the pepper is no longer usable, we do recommend that the pepper be used no later than 6 months after the expiration date.

How to Change the Canister:

You have suddenly discovered your canister is well overdue for a swap or you are simply wanting to know what the date is on your specific canister. Depending on your pepper shell type, you will want to look below for the picture of your specific pepper spray and below will be the specific instructions based on the type of shell you have.

Protected Pepper with Shield Technology: 

1. Ensure the Pepper Spray is in the “locked” position, or the clear tab on top has been turned to the left.
2. Using the kit’s screwdriver, or your own, remove the screw that is under the Damsel in Defense logo on the back of the device. Then, pull the disable pin from the device by holding the body of the product upright and pulling the wristlet towards you. The bottom may pop off with the pin; if so, skip to step 4. If not, place the screwdriver in the hole where the disable pin was and push up to pop the bottom off. 
3. At the top of the device, take your screwdriver and place it at the bottom of the Shield button. Using a similar motion, push down to lift the button up and out of the device. 
4. Carefully move the clear tab from the left to the middle. Slide the pepper spray out and place the new one in, locking it to the left again when the new cannister is fully in the case. 
5. Once locked, click the button back into the case that was just removed. 
6. Back at the bottom of the product, click in the bottom of the product and re-screw the screw into the rightful place. Pop the disable pin back in and you are all set!

Hardcore or Pepper Slay Pepper Spray: 

1. Ensure the Pepper Spray is in the “locked” position, or the clear tab on top has been turned to the left.
2. If you have the Hardcore Pepper Spray, hold the body of the product with one hand and grab the silver ring with the other. Pull apart the bottom from the case. If you have the Pepper Slay, keep the tab in the locked position and grab the cannister and hold the body of the product with the other hand. Twist and pull apart to release the cannister!
3. If you have the Hardcore, carefully move the clear tab to the middle of the device and slide it out. Put the new one in, and move it to the locked position again. 
4. Pop the bottom back on and you are all set to go!