Flying with tools in carry-ons

[hifi_hokie]

Hey all,

I've been doing a lot more traveling lately, both for work and fun...I've been bringing my DSLR camera setup along on most trips. I have a combo camera/laptop bag that I bought specifically so I could always carry it on - I don't usually check luggage and overhead space is pretty tight on the turboprops/regional jets I end up on.

My camera's mounting brackets are held together with 5/32" hex bolts, so I'd like to bring something along that can tighten those if needed. I don't normally travel with a tripod, but I'd also like to leave a 12mm wrench and T25 Torx in there to adjust that, just in case.

Reading the TSA's regs, as long as I'm under 7" in length for the pieces, I should be good...? Or could I use a tiny 1/4" ratchet and get socket bits instead? They specifically disallow "drill bits", but yet screwdrivers are fine, somewhat confusing...

Thanks!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Reading the TSA's regs, as long as I'm under 7" in length for the pieces, I should be good...? Or could I use a tiny 1/4" ratchet and get socket bits instead?

That is what I would do !

 

[Warrenator]

I have carried small tools like sockets with me, and some longer ones, what I would do is carry the one wrench and torx bit specifically taped to the tripod, and also a copy of the regs so you can show it to the TSA guys. Just in case they haven't studied that particular bit. Be prepared to lose the tool, even if they are wrong, they are right. Smile and move on.

 

[IUEC Medic]

I have a pelican 1040 case that I use as a carry-on tool kit. It fits a wera bit ratchet and bit-check (around 20-30 1/4 bits including Philips, flat, hex, torx, square, and tamperproofs), 6" knipex plier wrench, stubby multi bit screwdriver, a wiha flat tweaker, and a 5 inch stainless flat pry bar. I've travelled international and domestic with it several times. I only had an issue one time in Mexico; boarding a flight home, they made me take the plier wrench out and check it, but allowed me to carry on the screwdrivers and pry bar.

 

[T45]

you can find lots of tools ... just keep in mine 180mm is the lagest siz

A T-25 torx key is likely under 100mm in normal L-key size

A 12mm wrench is under 180mm in standard (german) or short (snap on) lengths

A 1/4 ratchet is almost always under 165mm (rare exceptions)

1/4 bit sockets are typically 40-55mm in OAL, 125 or so in Long pattern

etc

just double check industry standards if you have to use something you have not measured

 

[toolmutt]

I have carried small tools like sockets with me, and some longer ones, what I would do is carry the one wrench and torx bit specifically taped to the tripod, and also a copy of the regs so you can show it to the TSA guys. Just in case they haven't studied that particular bit. Be prepared to lose the tool, even if they are wrong, they are right. Smile and move on.

This. My brother had to "educate" some TSA agents to their own rules. But be tactful. Raising your voice will probably mean missing your flight, if you know what I mean.

 

[T45]

A torx is a screw-head type, and a torx-screwdriver is just a type of screwdriver.

A drill is obviouly a hole-making devide, not a fastener installer/remover.

If there is any risk of losing the tool, I would consider a magnetic bit socket

much better to lose just the bit, than a bit-socket

(either expensive or hard to get singles)

I find it doubtful you would lose a "standard" tool (wrench or socket) under 7 inches.

they could conceivably get confused by a torx, tho

who knows

 

[theoldwizard1]

I thought screwdrivers were not allowed because they can be used to inflict a deep puncture wound.

 

[zhaddock]

I travel with tools quite frequently both in the USA and abroad. I always try to carry on everything when possible. The only absolute rule I have found as to what is allowed and what isn't is that it's completely dependent on the agent searching your bag. And, I assure you it will be searched if there are tools in it. I have flown out having no issues and then on return had the same tools denied. It's always a safe bet to have inexpensive hand tools and if they hassle you tell them to keep'em if it's that big of a deal. 9 out of 10 times they have handed it back to me and said move along.