Pepper pens are some of the top selling self-defense gadgets in the market.  Many people prefer them because they are handy, easy to hide and carry and can blend in with other everyday objects.  But pepper pens are not created equal.  Here are reasons why not all pepper pens work and what you can do to resolve it:

The pepper pen has a limited range of use
Manufacturers and self-defense experts often recommend that users be aware of the range of their pepper sprays.  Some of the best in the market can be used at a range of about 10 to 15 feet, with some types even stopping an attacker from as far away as 20 feet, depending on wind direction.  A pepper pen spray generally has a shorter range of about 5 to 8 feet.

So why doesn’t this range always work?  There are certain circumstances that may make it dangerous for the user who only has a pepper pen spray and little else.  If an attacker is coming on fast or running towards you, he or she should be able to cover a good 3 to 5 feet in as little as 2 seconds.  Although you could use the pepper pen by then, the momentum will have carried your attacker through the 5 or 8 feet distance in order to topple you.

You could remedy this by being aware at all times and to learn how to avoid an oncoming attack.  That way, you would be able to protect yourself and allow the pepper spray to work its magic so you can make your escape.

The pepper pen spray may be a bit difficult to use
Although quite effective, the shape and size of the pepper pen may sometimes make it difficult for some people to use.  Some people even find that their grip is a bit awkward and that aiming can be a bit challenging particularly during a surprise attack.

The pepper pen spray contents may not suffice during an attack
The key to the efficacy of the pepper spray is to always keep in mind that its main power is in providing a distraction to the attacker.  The effects of the spray is only temporary, which means the user is expected to either physically bring down the attacker after the spray has been used or to run away.

A pepper pen spray may contain only a limited amount of the substance.  Due to the small size of the container (the body of the pen), a pepper pen may contain only a few ounces of spray.  In an ideal situation, such as when the user is confident and is gripping the spray correctly, the pen may be effective enough.  If the user is panicking, he may have more difficulty aiming and firing such a small device.

The pepper pen is an excellent self-defense gadget — handy enough to conceal in your pocket, light enough to carry and easy to use.  Unlike self-defense lessons, the pepper spray does not have a steep learning curve, so pretty much anyone with sufficient eye-hand coordination can use it for self-protection.  But is it safe to use?  And how effective is it?  If you’re planning to buy a pepper pen, make sure you know how to use it.  Here are tips to keep in mind:

Understand your tool
The pepper pen is a small self-defense gadget that looks like an ordinary pen.  This works as a camouflage, making the pepper pen easy to disguise and carry.  What makes it an effective weapon against attacks is that it contains an irritant called capsaicin.  Capsaicin works on the mucuous membranes, causing inflammation.  Because mucous membranes are affected, the spray causes coughing and difficulty breathing.

Since the substance also affects the eyes, it also leads to the production of tears, which is the body’s way to rid itself of the irritant.  As a result, the pepper pen spray can also cause temporary blindness in an attacker.

The key here is to understand that the pepper pen spray can and will affect the user as well, particularly if you make a mistake.  If you hold the pen in the wrong direction, it probably will not affect your attacker or at the very least, do little damage.  You could also harm yourself.

To use the pepper pen, be careful that you point the spray in the direction of the attacker.  Be mindful, too of wind direction particularly if you’re outdoors.  When using the pepper pen, be sure that the wind is behind you.

Know the effective range of the pepper pen
The pepper pen spray may not be effective at certain distances.  Depending on the spray, it may not, for example, be able to throw as effective a dose from 20 feet away.  Check the manufacturer’s instructions prior to purchase so you know its limitations.

Not all types of pepper pen sprays are considered safe
Be aware that there are certain formulations that are marketed as pepper spray that can cause physical harm not just to the attacker but also to the user.  This is because they are toxic and not safe for the environment.  Some have been criticized because they are known to cause permanent damage to tissues and even cancer while others have not been tested for safety.

When choosing the pepper pen to use, make sure to check thoroughly the component or formulation.  Currently the best choice is one that contains OC or oleoresin capsicum, a substance that is sourced from certain types of peppers.  It can cause major discomfort but is non-lethal.  It’s also safe for the environment.