Chili/pepper spray is a mixture of chemicals that will cause extreme stinging and irritation when in contact with the eyes. [1] Despite having the ability to paralyze a person, the effects caused by chili spray usually don’t last long. It is for this reason that chili spray is the perfect method of self-defense. Although chili spray can be found in stores, you can make your own mixture using ingredients you can find in your kitchen.
1. Mixing Formula
1. Prepare all the ingredients.
Chili spray mix can be made using ingredients you have at home. Here are the main ingredients needed to make chili spray mix:
1. Red chili powder. Red chili powder was chosen because of its spicy taste and its ability to irritate the eyes. You don’t need too much chili powder. Two tablespoons is enough to make a mixture that can be sprayed several times.
2. 92% alcohol and vegetable oil. Both will be used to mix the red chili powder into a sprayable substance.
2. Add chili powder to the mixing bowl
Pour two tablespoons of red chili powder into a bowl. A small, clear glass is best for this purpose as it allows you to mix the ingredients more easily.
1. Or, instead of using chili powder, you can grind the chili yourself and add it to the mix.
2. Of course you can use more than two tablespoons of chili powder, but it’s a good idea to start with the portions set here. That way, you get a first-hand experience of the texture and consistency of a good chili spray.
3. Pour in the alcohol until all the chili powder is submerged.
The rubbing alcohol will bind to the chili powder. Pour in the rubbing alcohol until all the chili powder is covered in liquid. Keep stirring to get a better sense of the condition of the mixture.
4. Add vegetable oil to the mixture.
Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil for every two tablespoons of chili powder you use. Stir all ingredients until well blended.
1. If you don’t have vegetable oil, use baby oil.
5. Add other ingredients.
As the name suggests, the active ingredient in chili/pepper spray is red chili/pepper powder. If you want a tougher mixture, substitute red chili powder with chili peppers that score higher on the Scoville Hotness scale. Plus, you make this chili spray at home, there’s no rule about what you can and can’t add. Oranges can be a natural irritant to the eyes. So, adding lemon juice will increase the eye sting caused by chili spray.
1. Soap is also known to cause eye irritation. So, many people add it to their homemade chili spray.
2. If you intend to add other ingredients to the chili spray mixture, make sure that they will not cause permanent damage if sprayed into the human eye. Chili spray is designed as a non-lethal (non-lethal) self-defense tool.
6. Leave the mixture for one night.
Cover the glass containing the mixture with plastic food wrap and secure it by tying a rubber band around the glass. Let the mixture sit for at least one night to allow the mixture to blend well. After enough time, remove the plastic cover of the container.
7. Strain the mixture
Take another glass and place a coffee filter or filter cloth over the glass. Once the sieve is ready, carefully pour the spray mixture through the sieve. This step will separate the solid waste so you get a liquid spray.
1. Filtering the mixture like this will help prevent the nozzles from becoming clogged with deposits after use.
8. Flush eyes immediately in case of contact with the mixture
Chili spray will cause a very stinging taste in the eyes. Have eyewash ready if you have one. Most importantly, be careful when making the mixture.
2. Preparing Cans
1. Make sure you have all the equipment you need.
1. Empty the deodorant can. Make sure the safety cap is on, and the can is in good condition, there are no holes. It’s best to make sure there’s no deodorant left before adding the chili spray.
2. Tire valve. The tire valve will increase the air pressure in the can after the liquid spray is added. You can buy it at a convenience store or motor vehicle repair shop.
3. Drill. An electric drill will allow you to drill holes in the bottom of the can. Look for a drill with a 9mm drill bit.
4. Epoxy. You only need a few grams of putty to seal the hole.
5. Syringe or funnel.
6. Air compressor. Since you’ll be using a tire valve to pressurize the air in the can, a car tire pump can do this too.
2. Drill a hole in the bottom of the can with a drill.
Make a 9 mm hole in the bottom of the can. The hole will be used to put the mixture and compressed air into the can. Hold the drill steady and make the holes as flat as possible. This will make it easier for you to patch it with epoxy after the perforation process is complete.
1. Or, you don’t need to do all of the above processes at all by using a spray bottle with a cap. However, it takes extra effort to ensure that the contents do not leak. Cover the head and nozzle tightly with tape when not in use.
3. Inject the spray liquid through the hole in the can.
Now it’s time to put the spray in the can. Use a syringe that is usually used for cooking, and suck the liquid spray and then inject it into the hole that has been made. Repeat this process until all of the spray liquid has been transferred to the can.
1. You can use a mouthpiece if you don’t have a syringe.
4. Cover the hole with epoxy.
The hole in the bottom of the can must be filled with epoxy. Take a small amount of epoxy and apply it to the hole. Wipe off any excess epoxy you don’t need, and let it sit for a few minutes to harden before you move on to work.
1. We recommend wearing gloves when working with epoxy.
5. Put the tire valve in the hole.
While the epoxy is starting to harden, screw a tire valve into the hole. This step allows you to quickly add air pressure to the can. The epoxy patched holes will keep the air that has been pumped in so it doesn’t seep out. If you let it sit for a few minutes, the epoxy will be able to hold the tire valve firmly in place.
1. Make sure you push most of the valve rods in. The nipple should penetrate the epoxy to the other side of the can.
6. Spray the can with paint.
Some people prefer to decorate their own products. Painting old cans will set them apart from other cans. This step is very important if there is a possibility that someone will take the wrong bottle because of the writing on the can.
1. Spraying the can with black paint will make it easier to hide.
2. Adding stickers can make a homemade can look more professional. Plus, the sticker will make it clear what’s in the can.
7. Use an air compressor to pressurize the air into the can.
Connect the tire valve to the air compressor. Fill the can with air, and watch the pressure gauge. Once the pressure inside the can increases, you can definitely feel the difference.
8. Spray can.
Practicing spraying the can onto a hard surface will get you used to it so you won’t have a hard time using it in a real emergency. Make sure the nozzle is facing the opposite direction from you, and gently press the spray head. Try to produce short, controlled bursts. When it comes to using chili spray against an attacker, you only need a small amount to knock him out.
1. Most chili spray cans can be used effectively up to 3 meters away.
2. The chili spray effect can last about 45 minutes to an hour. However, it can take up to three hours to get rid of the residual stinging sensation in the eye.
9. Store chili spray at room temperature.
Chili spray is a volatile substance. As with anything that is placed in a pressurized container, you should ensure that the spray is kept at a moderate temperature so that it is not affected by extreme heat. Store the spray in a locked place, such as a cupboard or temperature-controlled storage area when not in use.
1. Another thing that is not less important, store the spray in a place that can not be reached by others.