Just like you wouldn't step onto the court with an untested pickleball racquet or wear new shoes without checking the fit, you shouldn’t carry pepper spray without making sure it’s working properly. Your pepper spray is a personal safety tool—and like any tool, it needs to be in working condition when you need it most. That’s why regular testing and keeping an eye on the expiration date are crucial steps to ensuring its effectiveness.

SABRE Pepper Spray with Quick Release Key Ring

How to Test Your Pepper Spray

We recommend testing your pepper spray once a year to make sure there are no issues during deployment. Pro tip: Mark your calendar so you never forget when to test your pepper spray.  

Follow these steps on how to test your pepper spray safely.

Read the Instructions

Before you test your pepper spray, review the product manual and how-to instructions for any usage guides that came with your pepper spray. Every model may have slight variations in how it’s used and stored.

Pick a Safe Outdoor Spot

Choose a well-ventilated, open area like a backyard or empty field. Make sure there are no people, children, pets, or strong winds nearby to avoid accidental exposure. Additionally, take note of how the wind is blowing and position yourself so that the wind is blowing directly at your back to avoid potential blowback.

Perform a Test Spray

Hold the canister securely and if you own the fast flip top, extend your thumb upward to flip up the top cover. If you own SABRE’s pepper spray with twist lock, it has a safety mechanism that turns to the right to unlock—it’s simple and only takes a second. Then aim down toward the ground or at a target, and press the actuator with your thumb for a quick ¼-second burst.

Watch the spray pattern to confirm that it:

• Sprays in a clean, consistent stream
• Doesn’t leak or sputter
• Feels responsive and easy to use

Safety Tip: Always check the wind direction before spraying—spraying into the wind can blow pepper spray particles back toward you. Also, avoid testing your pepper spray indoors since the particles can linger and affect bystanders.

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How to Check Pepper Spray Expiration Date

Even though the pepper formula remains strong, the pressure inside the canister can decrease over time. If that happens, the spray might not fire the way it should, leaving you without the protection you expect when it matters most.

Pepper Spray Shelf Life

All SABRE pepper sprays and gels have a 4-year shelf life from the date of manufacture. After this period, the pressure may diminish, even if you’ve never used it.

Where to Find the Expiration Date 

The expiration date on a SABRE pepper spray is printed directly on the canister or included on a sticker on the product packaging.

If your pepper spray is expired or you’re unsure about its condition, replace it immediately. When it comes to personal safety, it's always better to be proactive.

Testing your pepper spray and checking its expiration date are small steps that can make a big difference in an emergency. Make it a part of your annual safety routine, alongside checking smoke detectors or refreshing your emergency contacts.