Can you take hand tools on a plane?

Tools that are 7 inches or smaller (measured from end to end once assembled) can be carried in hand luggage. Power tools and all tools larger than 7 inches (measured from end to end once assembled) are prohibited in hand luggage; these items must be packed in your checked baggage.

Can you take hand tools on a plane?

Tools that are 7 inches or smaller (measured from end to end once assembled) can be carried in hand luggage. Power tools and all tools larger than 7 inches (measured from end to end once assembled) are prohibited in hand luggage; these items must be packed in your checked baggage.

Hand tools can be packed in hand luggage

and in checked baggage, but there are size limits for hand luggage and restrictions for anything with blades. You don't need to sacrifice basic preparation for the outdoors, to fix things, or for first aid just because you fly somewhere just as hand luggage.

Here are the tools you can carry on airplanes, how to pack them and how to use them. Having to ship a tool from the airport to your home or workplace is often expensive, so when in doubt, check it out. Finally, now that we've looked at both power and hand tools, let's quickly take a look at the hardware. The general rule when it comes to flying with power tools, whether with cable, battery or motor, is that they must all be in checked baggage and are prohibited in hand luggage.

There are certain tools and equipment that are totally prohibited and will not be allowed during the plan period. As an additional note about multiple tools and scissors, I understand that the maximum tool length cannot exceed seven inches; open it, expand the tools and try to create a configuration that maximizes the possible length of the tool. On the other hand, since, as you will see below, tools that are less than 7 inches long are allowed, in theory you should be able to have Phillips and plug bits. Engine-powered tools, such as chain saws, pruners and generators, are prohibited in both hand and checked baggage if there are traces of fuel left in them, even in the form of residual vapors.

A small adjustable wrench and a small set of Allen wrenches will complement the limited capabilities of standard tool kits very well and both will perform jobs that the pliers on the multitool cannot do. Specifically, you should find out what types of tools you can carry with you in your hand luggage and what tools you will have to check in your checked baggage. You still have options for carrying tools on board, as well as other items that may be useful to you during the flight. That's why, when it comes to battery-powered tools, I recommend that you remove the batteries and store them in your hand luggage, just putting the tool itself in your checked baggage.

If you want to carry your tool on an airplane, you'll need to pass it through the airport security checkpoint. I have traveled back and forth between Santo Domingo and the United States several times and the batteries for the drills and saws were in the checked suitcases, separated from the tools. Most tools can be packed in documented bags, but remember not to pack replacement batteries for power tools in checked baggage because of the risk of fire. While large tools, such as drills, saws, axes and anything more than 7 inches long, are prohibited in hand luggage, you can carry some small tools on board a flight.

After having recently traveled with about thirty cordless drills and dozens of other tools, I decided to take a closer look at what the rules are when it comes to flying with power tools, hand tools, screws, nuts and other accessories.

Darla Kinstle
Darla Kinstle

Incurable zombie geek. Professional beer advocate. Lifelong bacon guru. Friendly internet buff. Total twitteraholic.