Please Note: The chance of accidentally firing your pepper spray until step 3 below is quite small. Subsequent risk is also virtually non-existent if you continue to properly follow directions. However, if you ever have a question or concern about use or safety, please contact us immediately.

1) Unsnap the leather case and orient the pepper spray within the case so that the red areas are visible from the sides when the case is closed. (This may have been done already by the person who provided the spray to you.)

2) Snap the leather case closed. The larger red area should be visible on the left side, when the snap faces toward you (right-handed users). If you are left-handed, the larger red area should be visible on the right side.

3) Unsnap the leather case again. Rotate the red actuator tab counterclockwise until it snaps into the unlocked position. The nozzle hole should now be visible in the larger red area.

4) Resnap the leather case and place the key ring at the bottom of the case over the pinkie of your right hand (left-handed users should place it on the left pinkie). The unit is now oriented properly, so that spray will always be directed away from you.

5) Outside, where the wind is not blowing at you, aim the nozzle hole toward an open area for test firing.

6) Press the red tab with your thumb firmly, through the leather case, for a short (less than 1/2 second) burst, noticing the pattern of spray (it should come out in large and small droplets, in a one or two foot wide swath at 6-8 feet).

7) Unsnap the leather case and rotate the red actuator tab clockwise until it locks into the safety position. Resnap the leather case and unit is ready to store for use.

We recommend testing the unit in the above manner every 90 days. The expiration date is printed on the unit, which can be safely removed from the case when the red tab in in the safety position. The expiration date will be on the canister, no earlier than 2010.