Can dropping an aerosol can make it explode?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety of using an aerosol can, specifically a can of silly string, after it has been dropped. Participants explore the risks associated with potential damage to the can and whether it could lead to an explosion upon use. The scope includes safety concerns, anecdotal evidence, and personal experiences related to aerosol can integrity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that dropping the can may have caused a dent or weakened a seal, which could pose a risk of explosion.
  • Others argue that if the can did not explode upon impact, it is unlikely to explode when used later, as using it would relieve internal pressure.
  • A participant shares a personal experience of a spray paint can reacting violently when struck, implying that significant force is needed to rupture the can.
  • Another participant notes that even minor handling could potentially lead to failure, citing experiences with dented cans that later failed unexpectedly.
  • There is a suggestion that caution is warranted, especially given the original poster's concerns about safety.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the risks associated with using the can after it has been dropped. While some believe it is safe if it did not explode initially, others highlight the potential for failure due to handling or unseen damage.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge uncertainty regarding the internal pressure of the silly string can and the specific conditions that could lead to an explosion. There are also references to personal experiences that may not generalize to all aerosol cans.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals concerned about the safety of using aerosol products after accidental drops, as well as those interested in the mechanics of aerosol can integrity.

hammertime
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As I was going through my closet, a can of silly string dropped from one of the highest shelves. It hit the ledge of one of the other shelves quite hard before landing on the carpet.

This can has standard warnings for aerosol cans written on it: "Don't store at 120 degrees plus", etc. My dad tested it out and it worked fine even after the drop.

Is there any risk of this can exploding if it's used? If I put it back and don't touch it again for another few weeks, will there still be any risk?
 
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Yes. It might have a dent, it might be weakened at a seal.

However, I'm not sure how much pressure there is in a can of silly string. I suspect not a lot.
 
Dropping an aerosol can can indeed make it explode provided you have dropped it into a campfire or something similar. :smile:
 
If it didn't explode when dropped, using it later won't make it explode, it'll relieve the pressure inside it and move it away from any possible danger.
 
When i was a kid i hit a spray paint can with an axe in the garage, and it violently shot paint all over including the ceiling, All tho it didn't really peel the metal back from where i made the incision it just shot it from the cut i made. It would take a decent force to rupture the metal can.
 
russ_watters said:
If it didn't explode when dropped, using it later won't make it explode,
Uh, presuming one handles it with kid gloves...

A jostle could be enough to do it. I've seen pop cans get dented at the store, then spontaneously fail an hour later once they got home.

Sure, it's unlikely, but the OP is obviously worried about it, and I presume he'll want to err on the side of caution.
 

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