Perhaps A Little Off-Topic: Flying With Leather Tools

[KCrimini]

Hi, everyone. I hope this is the right place to post this. I am about to move continents (from Argentina to the US). I have three suitcases, a carry-on and a cat. The weight of the carry-on is more flexible than the checked bags, and we all know tools and hardware can be mighty heavy.

My question is: has anyone flown a flight either within the US or US bound with tools and hardware? I have plenty of tools it would be a real stretch to re-imagine as a weapon, but TSA is weird and I'd rather be safe than sorry and lose my stuff. Pyramid studs are sharp, but I can't imagine how you'd hurt someone with them. I'm just wondering if anyone around here has flown with tools and hardware in a carry-on and if they had any trouble. If so, what did they take from you or hassle you about?

Thanks!

K

[chancey77]

You will not be allowed to carry on ANY leather tools. I have flown with my gear many times. They would not even allow my stamps. So I say you better get a good plastic indestructible pelican case or something similar. I use a padded metal case with straps these days myself.

Best of luck!

Edited May 6, 2013 by chancey77

[veedub3]

I haven't flown with tools in my carry on, but knowing how crazy TSA can get, I would suggest checking them just to be safe. Never know when you might run into one that is having a bad day and end up loosing your stuff. I live part time in the US and part time in Central America and I have to bring items back and forth all the time and it is just less of a hassle to put any times that may be construed as a weapon in my checked luggage. Don't leave it up to them to interpret if it is a weapon or not as it will never be in the customers favor.

When I return to the States next month, I will have at least 6 rubber maid containers filled to the brim with my tools and the rest of my crap, and it is always easier to just check them all.

Good luck with the move!!

Karina

[KCrimini]

Thanks a lot, guys. I figured I'd err on the side of caution, but just wanted to check. Some things, like my strap cutter with no blade in seem like they could make it in the carry-on. I made it through with my rawhide mallet in my carry-on last time. I wonder if an object being metal is what makes it seem dangerous to TSA. In any case, I appreciate all the advice!

[chancey77]

You just always roll the dice with whoever is working that day. I have lost flashlights like WHEN WAS LIGHT ILLEGAL!! and they have taken my hair grease and god knows what else over the years... But for some reasons huge chain in my wallet is ok?!?!!?! I just don't get it! I flew from Mossiuri to NYC and I had just gone to Tandy and bought a new hole punch... Well it was in my carry in any they took that... So just be safe and carefully plan ahead...... Last tip to England I had a huge serrated fold knife stuck under a panel in my carry on... Oops:) anyway I made it through the first airport in Finland and when I got to England and went through security I was met by 2 englih police officers and questioned for an hour:) hahaha that was a nightmare and a honest mistake... So like I said just pack right... Or split your tools through out the 3 bags so if something does get lost you haven't lost all your tools to Murphy's Law.

Edited May 6, 2013 by chancey77

[KCrimini]

Thanks again. Yeah. There's supposedly a new law that you can bring pocket knives on planes. I ain't trusting it. It's hard to imagine how punches or grommets could be used as weapons. Some of it's going to come down to weight, and I can try to bring my Argentina priced hardware with me -- if they make me throw out my snaps or d-rings, I won't be up a creek and it'll be worth it if I can take them with. Man alive, we get ripped off on the prices of those things in the States. I can get 1000 double-sided rivets here for about $7 US. If I can't make weight any other way, I'll be trying to get those in my carry-on for sure.

[Jazznow]

No experience flying in the USA but n Germany. I had some stamping tools with me. Didn't take anything sharp or pointy with me because I wanted to avoid problems. Had to explain the security guys what the use of the tools is and everything was fine. Everything but the little screwdriver that is delivered with the interchangeable stitching wheels. They thought I could start to unscrew the plane ... ... ... Would have taken along time with that tiny thing, lol

[groovytech]

I'd check into shipping via Fed-X,UPS, or other carrier. Insurance and no hassles- other than cost. Worth the peace of mind.....

[lightingale]

I wouldn't try to bring them in your carry on.

TSA rules are ridiculous, but rules are rules, and you don't want to lose your stuff. Heck, they confiscated from me a small bottle of cream I had hoped to bring home as a cat treat from Switzerland. Pasteurized milk cream made for cats... Can you get any more harmless than that? I've since found the same brand sold here in Canada!

Just put it in your check-out luggage. Don't risk it.

[KCrimini]

Sage advice, all. Thanks! Now, I just hope that the suitcases all make it.

Shipping from here is so, so expensive. Otherwise, I'd be shipping huge crates of leather to myself. It's so much cheaper here. Ah, well.