Bringing power tools on plane

[FiendFX]

Hello.

I am moving out of state and planning to them bring on the plane. Does anyone knows if there is a limit of how many power tools are we allowed to bring? I know for fact as long as it's under 100 wah, it's allowed. I tried calling the United Airlines and they couldn't give me an answer. Told me to contact FAA. Hoping anyone has experience with this can help me out. Thanks in advance.

 

[Professional Tool User]

As long as it's not carry on (I got hassled over a ratchet), I don't see why there would be a limit for checked luggage as long as it's within the weight limit.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Another option which I did was ship the boxes to your new address or to a carrier that can hold it for you

 

[anndel]

TSA's website: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all

Carry on/checked bags:
Electric drills and drill bits: NO/Yes
Wrenches,pliers: Yes/Yes
Screwdrivers >7 in: No/Yes
Screwdrivers <7 in: yes/yes

 

[L.Cheapo]

https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/hazmat_safety/more_info/?hazmat=7

The batteries could be an issue. See above.

And chances are the TSA, Baggage, and other airport employees won't have a clue. I'd print it and bring it with me.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Check w TSA for over arching rules, then look at airline rules:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/tools

I definitely see batteries being an issue.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security...g/items/lithium-batteries-more-100-watt-hours

How's the rest of your stuff moving? You moving Conus or Oconus? Can you ship stuff to yourself?

 

[pgray007]

Batteries (especially Lithium ion) will be a problem as you generally can’t check those (fire risk), as will the arbitrary and capricious nature of airport security.

I had the Italian TSA equivalent take away a bicycle multitool (no knives or sharp edges) because “you might disassemble the plane” and various other global authorities take things that had been fine for months prior. You basically have no recourse if you want to catch your flight so you generally just kiss your stuff goodbye.

I wouldn’t risk it. I am in no position of aviation authority but I do fly 100+ times per year.


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[RPH]

Almost lost a set of metric ignition wrenches in Milwaukee. Was told by TSA I might take the airplane apart. Largest wrench was 10 mm. So the opinions are all over the map and you can’t win.

 

[driftpin]

Shipping them to someplace like a destination 'mailbox' is your only hope of not losing the items. If you try to board with anything, sounds like you will lose it.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

If its lithium its better to ship ground.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I lost a set of Allen wrenches to TSA. It is a bit random on what is ok. But lithium ion batteries must be hand carried.

 

[VinceG]

I travel every other week and I check the tools in a Pelican case and Carry on the Batteries in my backpack never had a issue.

 

[GrayFlattop]

Even before 9/11 I was given widely different treatment by airport security when it came to tools (almost lost a Fluke 83 DMM to security because they were clueless). It seems that smaller airports give you more scrutiny, but honestly I wouldn't chance it. And since you have to leave your checked baggage unlocked (or locked with the cheezy TSA locks, the risk of loss is always there if somebody in the bowels of the airport wants your stuff.

Pack it up and ship it UPS or USPS ground - appropriately insured.

 

[VinceG]

Even before 9/11 I was given widely different treatment by airport security when it came to tools (almost lost a Fluke 83 DMM to security because they were clueless). It seems that smaller airports give you more scrutiny, but honestly I wouldn't chance it. And since you have to leave your checked baggage unlocked (or locked with the cheezy TSA locks, the risk of loss is always there if somebody in the bowels of the airport wants your stuff.

Pack it up and ship it UPS or USPS ground - appropriately insured.

I never had a issue and I Travel bi weekly with a Pelican case with zip ties and TSA locks. they cut the Zip ties and inspect it. I lay to zip ties on top in the case and they usually put them on. I have 2 fluke VOMs a Fluke123, a Hantek 6074 scope, projector, electric Impacts, some hand tools, and some training aids never have I had anything missing the only state I don't go to is California.

 

[GrayFlattop]

I never had a issue and I Travel bi weekly with a Pelican case with zip ties and TSA locks. they cut the Zip ties and inspect it. I lay to zip ties on top in the case and they usually put them on. I have 2 fluke VOMs a Fluke123, a Hantek 6074 scope, projector, electric Impacts, some hand tools, and some training aids never have I had anything missing the only state I don't go to is California.

I applaud your good fortune and hope that it continues. Leaving extra zip ties inside is smart. Thankfully I no longer have to schlep tools around for work.I would prefer not to chance it.

Of course I was almost denied entry to an airport because the TSA agent checking my boarding pass and ID said that my Global Entry ID was not sufficient to board... So maybe it's just my luck. Thankfully a supervisor overruled him after a few minutes wait.

 

[FiendFX]

According to the FAA, if the power tools is installed with Lithium battery under 100wAh, it is consider legit. It also states no limit of how many one could bring. Also we are allowed 2 spare batteries under 100 wAh in our carry on. I keep getting mixed answers, don't know what to believe. So the question still remains.

 

[FiendFX]

https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/hazmat_safety/more_info/?hazmat=7

The batteries could be an issue. See above.

And chances are the TSA, Baggage, and other airport employees won't have a clue. I'd print it and bring it with me.

I read your link. It states no quantity limit for batteries that are under 100 wAh.

 

[FiendFX]

Update. I just called TSA, gentleman told me it is OK to bring power tools with lithium batteries installed that are under 100wAh. There is no limit of one can bring. I asked him is this an official answer so that I wouldn't need to call else where. He stated this information is from DOT. So to those who are in my position, you can rest assure and bring your power tools with you without fear. Bringing them on the plane is much cheaper than shipping ground.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I read your link. It states no quantity limit for batteries that are under 100 wAh.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_or...fo/media/Airline_passengers_and_batteries.pdf
This makes it a little easier to understand. Of course, the airline itself is allowed to be more restrictive.

 

[pgray007]

Update. I just called TSA, gentleman told me it is OK to bring power tools with lithium batteries installed that are under 100wAh. There is no limit of one can bring. I asked him is this an official answer so that I wouldn't need to call else where. He stated this information is from DOT. So to those who are in my position, you can rest assure and bring your power tools with you without fear. Bringing them on the plane is much cheaper than shipping ground.

Do yourself a favor and print those regs and bring with you. TSA can do whatever it wants and you have zero recourse so stay polite and ask for a supervisor when someone makes up a rule on you. They can call the police and 99% of the time the cops side with them and they’ll deny you boarding for “feeling threatened.”

I’ve never had this happen but have seen plenty of people carted off planes for nothing worse than getting snippy.

You essentially give up all rights and recourse the second you step into the security line.


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