Frequently Asked Questions | TBOTECH Safety & Security

Yes, stun guns are effective through most clothing. Thicker or heavier clothing like heavy denim or leather jackets may slightly reduce effectiveness, but a quality stun gun will still penetrate and deliver a significant shock. Higher voltage models are better at penetrating thick clothing.

Stun gun power is best measured by amperage, not voltage. Voltage gets the charge through clothing and skin while amperage determines the intensity of the shock. TBOTECH carries stun guns ranging from entry level models to our highest amperage options. See our guide to the highest amperage stun guns for a detailed comparison.

A 3-5 second application typically causes muscle confusion, disorientation, and loss of balance lasting several minutes — giving you time to get away and call for help. Every person reacts differently so apply the stun gun as long as safely possible.

Yes. Stun guns are non-lethal self defense weapons. The amperage in a stun gun is too low to cause lasting harm, permanent injury, or death. They are designed to temporarily incapacitate an attacker without causing serious injury.

No. The electrical charge does not pass from the attacker to you. The effect is localized to the area of contact only.

Test fire your stun gun briefly in the air — you should see a visible arc and hear a loud crackling sound. Do not over-test as this can drain the battery and damage the unit. For rechargeable models, charge regularly and test monthly.

No. Stun guns are prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage on commercial flights by the TSA.

Stun guns are legal in most US states but restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Check our Stun Gun Laws by State page for a complete breakdown of restrictions by state and city.

Mace is actually a brand name, not a product type. Original Mace was a chemical irritant, but today Mace Brand manufactures OC pepper spray just like other brands. When people say "mace" they usually mean pepper spray. All pepper spray products at TBOTECH use OC (oleoresin capsicum) derived from hot peppers.

Stream sprays a direct liquid stream — good for outdoor use, less blowback risk, longer range. Fog sprays a wide mist pattern — good for multiple attackers but more affected by wind. Gel sprays a thick sticky substance that clings to the attacker's face — least affected by wind, reduced blowback risk, good for indoor use.

SHU (Scoville Heat Units) measures the heat rating of the pepper used. MC (Major Capsaicinoids) measures the actual active ingredient concentration and is the more accurate indicator of pepper spray strength. Higher MC percentage means stronger, more effective pepper spray.

Wildfire pepper spray is one of the hottest available at 1.4% Major Capsaicinoids. It also contains UV dye to help identify an attacker after the fact. Browse our Wildfire collection for the full range of sizes and styles.

Range varies by product and spray pattern. Most keychain pepper sprays shoot 6-8 feet. Larger canisters can reach 10-12 feet. Gel sprays typically have the longest range. Check individual product descriptions for specific range information.

Yes. Most pepper spray has a shelf life of 2-4 years. The canister can lose pressure over time reducing range and effectiveness. Check the expiration date printed on your canister and replace it before it expires. Never rely on expired pepper spray for self defense.

It can but use caution. Fog and stream sprays can linger in enclosed spaces and affect anyone in the area including yourself. Gel formula is the best choice for indoor use as it reduces airborne particles and blowback risk.

Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states but some states have restrictions on canister size, concentration, or age requirements for purchase. Check our Pepper Spray Laws page for state specific information. We also note shipping restrictions on individual product pages.

Pepper gel is a thicker, stickier formula that clings to an attacker's face rather than dispersing into the air. It has less blowback risk, is less affected by wind, and is harder for an attacker to wipe off quickly. It is ideal for indoor use or windy conditions.

Aim for the attacker's face, specifically the eyes and nose. Spray in a side to side motion for maximum coverage. After spraying, move away immediately — do not wait to see the effect. The reaction typically begins within seconds but move to safety regardless.

The key difference is range. A stun gun requires direct contact with an attacker — you must touch them with the device. A TASER fires two probes on wires that can reach an attacker from a distance of up to 15 feet depending on the model. Both deliver an electrical charge that temporarily incapacitates. See our full Stun Gun vs TASER comparison page for a detailed breakdown.

Range depends on the model. Consumer TASER models typically shoot 15 feet. This distance gives you a significant safety advantage over a stun gun by keeping you away from your attacker.

Yes. TASER probes are designed to penetrate most clothing including heavy jackets and denim. The electrical charge delivers through the clothing to the body beneath.

TASERs are legal in most US states but are subject to the same restrictions as stun guns in some jurisdictions. Some states require a permit or have age restrictions. Check our Stun Gun Laws by State page for state specific information before purchasing.

Yes. Most TASER models have a backup stun gun function — if the cartridge has been fired or is removed, you can still press the device directly against an attacker for a direct contact shock.

Each cartridge is single use. Once fired it must be replaced before the TASER can shoot probes again. The backup stun gun function still works without a cartridge. TBOTECH carries replacement TASER cartridges for compatible models.

Not necessarily after a single use but TASER batteries do lose charge over time. We recommend testing your device regularly and keeping a replacement battery on hand. TBOTECH carries replacement TASER batteries for compatible models.

TASERs and stun guns affect the neuromuscular system rather than relying on pain compliance, so they can be effective on people under the influence of drugs or alcohol who may not respond to pain alone. However no self defense device is guaranteed to be 100% effective in every situation.

We ship most orders the same business day or next business day. Orders placed before our daily cutoff time ship the same day whenever possible. You will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information once your order ships.

We mainly ship via USPS and UPS, depending on the size and weight of the order and your location.

Yes. Orders over $50 ship free to the continental United States. Orders under $50 ship for a flat rate of either $4.99 or $7.99. Alaska and Hawaii have separate shipping rates due to carrier surcharges.

Yes. Shipping rates to Alaska and Hawaii are higher than the continental US due to carrier surcharges. Orders $0-$24.99 ship for $7.99, orders $25-$49.99 ship for $9.99, orders $50-$99.99 ship for $15.99, and orders $100 and over ship for $19.99.

Some self defense products have shipping restrictions due to state and local laws. Stun guns cannot be shipped to Hawaii, Rhode Island, or certain cities. Pepper spray has restrictions in some states regarding canister size and concentration. Check our Shipping Restrictions page for a complete list, and individual product pages note any specific restrictions.

At this time we only ship within the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.

We offer a 90-day money back guarantee on most products. If you are not satisfied with your purchase contact us within 90 days of your order and we will make it right. See our full Return Policy page for complete details.

Once your order ships you will receive a confirmation email with your tracking number. You can use that number to track your package directly on the carrier's website.

We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. All transactions are processed through a secure encrypted checkout.

We process and ship orders quickly so changes or cancellations may not be possible once an order is placed. Contact us immediately if you need to make a change and we will do our best to accommodate your request before the order ships.

Yes. We offer wholesale accounts for qualified businesses. Visit our Wholesale Accounts page for details on how to apply.

For detailed information on minimum order quantities, product availability, and bulk pricing, please get in touch with our wholesale team.

The best self defense weapon is the one you are comfortable carrying and will actually have with you when you need it. For women, popular choices include keychain pepper spray for everyday carry, a compact stun gun that fits in a purse or pocket, or a personal alarm that draws attention in an emergency. Browse our Personal Safety Devices for Women page for curated recommendations.

Personal alarms are legal in all 50 states with no restrictions. Tactical flashlights have no legal restrictions. Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states though some have size and concentration restrictions. Stun guns are legal in most states but have restrictions in some jurisdictions. Always check your local laws before purchasing any self defense product.

Campus carry laws vary significantly by state and individual institution. Many colleges prohibit weapons including stun guns and pepper spray on campus regardless of state law. Check your specific school's policy and your state's campus carry laws before carrying any self defense product on campus. Our College Safety Kits feature products appropriate for most campus environments.

Lethal self defense weapons such as firearms are designed to cause serious injury or death. Non-lethal or less-lethal weapons like stun guns and pepper spray are designed to temporarily incapacitate an attacker without causing permanent injury or death. TBOTECH specializes exclusively in non-lethal self defense products.

Consider three factors — your environment, your comfort level, and your local laws. Someone who walks alone at night benefits from pepper spray for distance and a personal alarm for drawing attention. Someone concerned about home security may prefer a stun baton or diversion safe. Someone new to self defense may start with a personal alarm before moving to more active defense tools. Contact us if you need help choosing — we have over 25 years of experience helping customers find the right product.

Yes when used correctly. Stun guns, pepper spray, and TASER devices are proven effective at temporarily incapacitating attackers and creating an opportunity to escape. No self defense product is guaranteed to work in every situation — the goal is to create enough time and distance to get away safely and call for help.

A diversion safe is a product designed to look like an ordinary household item — a can of soda, a book, a electrical outlet — but contains a hidden storage compartment. Burglars typically spend less than 10 minutes in a home and rarely search through ordinary looking items. Diversion safes are an effective way to hide valuables in plain sight.

Know your local laws regarding carrying and using self defense products. Practice with your product so you are comfortable using it under stress. Always carry your self defense product where it is accessible — not buried in a bag. Use self defense products only when you genuinely fear for your safety. The goal is always to escape and call for help, not to engage further with an attacker.

For home security we recommend a layered approach. Door and window alarms alert you to entry attempts. Diversion safes protect valuables. A stun baton provides a powerful close range defense option. Fake security cameras deter potential intruders. Browse our Home Security collection for our full range of home protection products.

Start with something simple and effective that you will actually carry. A keychain pepper spray is an excellent first self defense product — compact, easy to use, effective at distance, and legal in most places. A personal alarm is another great starting point with no legal restrictions anywhere. Once you are comfortable with a basic product you can expand your personal protection. Contact us anytime for personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and needs.