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Category: Airlines

  • Can You Bring a Crowbar on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ❌ No. TSA prohibits crowbars in carry-on luggage, regardless of size.
    ✅ Crowbars are only allowed in checked luggage.
    ⚠️ Must be packed securely to avoid damaging baggage or injuring handlers.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Crowbars, pry bars, tire irons, and similar heavy tools are banned from cabins.
    • Considered potential weapons.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Any size crowbar is allowed in checked baggage.
    • Wrap securely in clothing or a tool bag to prevent damage.
    • Other striking/prying tools:
    • Hammers, drills, and saws are subject to similar rules → checked only.
    • International flights:
    • Most countries follow the same restriction — no crowbars in cabins.

    TSA Crowbar Rules Summary

    Tool TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Small crowbar / pry bar❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Standard crowbar❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Tire iron / breaker bar❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ No size exceptions: Even mini crowbars are banned from carry-on.
    • ✈️ Checked bag packing: A loose crowbar can tear through fabric — wrap it in a hard case or padding.
    • ✈️ International rules: Crowbars are universally treated as prohibited in cabins.
    • ✈️ Weight factor: Heavy tool bags may exceed airline checked baggage weight limits.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Wrench or Pliers on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows wrenches and pliers in carry-on if they are ≤ 7 inches (18 cm) in length.
    ❌ Tools longer than 7 inches must go in checked luggage.
    ✅ All sizes are permitted in checked bags with no restrictions.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Small pliers, adjustable wrenches, and socket wrenches are allowed if ≤ 7 inches.
    • Larger wrenches or pliers must go in checked luggage.
    • Cutting pliers or sharp-edged pliers may be subject to extra screening.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Any size or type of wrench and pliers are permitted.
    • Must be packed securely to prevent injury to baggage handlers.
    • International flights:
    • Most countries follow the same 7-inch rule but some may ban all tools in cabins.

    TSA Wrench & Pliers Rules Summary

    Tool TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Pliers ≤ 7 in✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Pliers > 7 in❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Wrench ≤ 7 in✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Wrench > 7 in❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Adjustable wrench ≤ 7 in✅ Allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Length limit: TSA enforces the 7-inch maximum strictly.
    • ✈️ Mixed tool sets: If your toolkit includes larger tools, they must be checked.
    • ✈️ Agent discretion: Even allowed tools may be flagged if they look like weapons.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Carry only essential small tools, check everything else.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Screwdriver Set on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows screwdrivers in carry-on if they are ≤ 7 inches (18 cm) in length.
    ❌ Screwdrivers longer than 7 inches must go in checked luggage.
    ✅ All sizes are permitted in checked bags, including full sets.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Screwdrivers and screwdriver sets are allowed if each tool is ≤ 7 inches.
    • Longer screwdrivers are not permitted in cabins.
    • TSA may flag sets with sharp-looking tips, though they are technically allowed.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Any screwdriver size or full set is permitted.
    • Must be packed securely to prevent damage or injury to baggage handlers.
    • Power tool attachments:
    • Drill bits and powered screwdriver attachments are banned from carry-on but allowed in checked bags.

    TSA Screwdriver Set Rules Summary

    Screwdriver TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Single screwdriver ≤ 7 in✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Single screwdriver > 7 in❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Full screwdriver set ≤ 7 in✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Drill bits / attachments❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Length matters: TSA measures from handle tip to end of the blade.
    • ✈️ Mixed tool sets: If your set includes prohibited tools (like blades), the entire kit may be flagged.
    • ✈️ International flights: Some countries are stricter and may ban all screwdriver sets in cabins.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Pack small drivers in carry-on, check larger ones.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Tool Kit on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ⚠️ Tool kits are allowed, but rules depend on the tools inside:
    ✅ Tools ≤ 7 inches (18 cm) like small screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches may go in carry-on.
    ❌ Larger tools (hammers, saws, drills, crowbars) are prohibited in carry-on.
    ✅ All tools are permitted in checked luggage, but sharp items must be secured.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Small tools ≤ 7 inches (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches) allowed.
    • Larger tools (> 7 inches) must go in checked.
    • Sharp or dangerous tools (saws, drills, axes, crowbars, hammers) banned from cabins.
    • Power tools not allowed in carry-on.
    • Checked luggage:
    • All tools allowed, including power tools and large tool kits.
    • Lithium batteries for cordless tools must be removed and carried in cabin bags.
    • Special kits:
    • Compact bicycle repair kits with small tools are generally fine in carry-on.
    • Knife blades, razor blades, or box cutters inside a kit are prohibited in carry-on.

    TSA Tool Kit Rules Summary

    Tool / Item TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Small tools ≤ 7 in (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Large tools > 7 in❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Sharp tools (saws, drills, crowbars, hammers)❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Power tools (without battery)❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Lithium batteries (cordless tools)✅ Carry-on only❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Mixed kits flagged: TSA inspects tool kits closely; any prohibited tool in a kit can cause delays.
    • ✈️ Battery rules: Lithium-ion tool batteries must always go in carry-on.
    • ✈️ International flights: Some countries are stricter, banning all tool kits from cabins.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Only pack small hand tools in carry-on, and check the rest.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Saw on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ❌ No. TSA prohibits all saws in carry-on luggage, including hand saws and power saws.
    ✅ Saws are only allowed in checked luggage.
    ⚠️ Lithium batteries for cordless saws must be removed and packed in carry-on.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Hand saws, hacksaws, circular saws, and cordless saws are banned.
    • TSA does not allow any type of saw blade in cabins.
    • Checked luggage:
    • All saws are permitted if packed securely.
    • Must be wrapped or placed in a tool case to prevent injury to baggage handlers.
    • Cordless saws (battery-powered):
    • Lithium-ion batteries cannot go in checked luggage.
    • Batteries must be removed and carried in your cabin bag.
    • International flights:
    • Nearly all countries enforce the same restriction — no saws in carry-on.

    TSA Saw Rules Summary

    Saw TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Hand saw / hacksaw❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Circular saw (corded)❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Cordless saw (without battery)❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Lithium battery (≤100 Wh)✅ Carry-on only❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ No size exceptions: Even small hand saws are banned in cabins.
    • ✈️ Battery rules: Lithium-ion tool batteries must be removed and placed in carry-on.
    • ✈️ Weight check: Tool bags with saws may trigger excess baggage fees.
    • ✈️ Customs: Some countries restrict importing certain tools — check local rules.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Drill on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ❌ No. TSA prohibits drills (corded or cordless) in carry-on luggage.
    ✅ Drills are only allowed in checked luggage.
    ⚠️ Lithium batteries for cordless drills must be removed and packed in carry-on.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Corded drills, cordless drills, and drill bits are not permitted.
    • Considered dangerous tools that can be used as weapons.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Drills of any size are permitted.
    • Drill bits, accessories, and attachments are also allowed.
    • Battery rules (cordless drills):
    • Lithium-ion batteries cannot be checked.
    • You must remove the drill’s battery and place it in your carry-on.
    • Most airlines allow batteries ≤100 Wh without restriction; 101–160 Wh require airline approval.
    • International flights:
    • Most countries have the same ban on drills in cabins.

    TSA Drill Rules Summary

    Drill TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Corded drill❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Cordless drill (without battery)❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Lithium battery (≤100 Wh)✅ Carry-on only❌ Not allowed
    Drill bits / accessories❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Battery removal required: Cordless drills must have their batteries removed for checked luggage.
    • ✈️ Spare batteries: Always in carry-on — never in checked.
    • ✈️ Heavy tools: Airlines may charge extra if your tool bag exceeds weight limits.
    • ✈️ International flights: Tool bans are nearly universal worldwide for cabins.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Hammer on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ❌ No. TSA prohibits hammers in carry-on luggage because they can be used as blunt weapons.
    ✅ Hammers are allowed in checked luggage with no size restrictions.
    ⚠️ Must be packed securely to prevent injury to baggage handlers.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • All hammers, mallets, and similar striking tools are banned.
    • Includes claw hammers, ball-peen hammers, sledgehammers, and rubber mallets.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Any size/type of hammer is permitted.
    • Pack carefully in a tool case or wrap in clothing to prevent damage.
    • Other tools:
    • Screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers ≤ 7 inches are allowed in carry-on, but hammers are always prohibited in cabins.
    • International flights:
    • Most countries enforce the same rule — hammers only allowed in checked luggage.

    TSA Hammer Rules Summary

    Tool TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Standard hammer❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Sledgehammer / heavy tools❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Rubber mallet❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Small craft hammer❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ No size exceptions: Even very small hammers are banned in cabins.
    • ✈️ Toolkits: If your toolkit contains a hammer, it must go in checked luggage.
    • ✈️ International flights: Hammer rules are strict worldwide — expect confiscation if packed in carry-on.
    • ✈️ Checked bag safety: Wrap hammers to avoid shifting or damaging your luggage.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Screwdriver or Tools on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers in carry-on if they are ≤ 7 inches (18 cm) in length.
    ✅ Any size tool is allowed in checked luggage.
    ❌ Power tools and sharp tools (like saws, drills, axes) are prohibited in carry-on.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches are allowed if ≤ 7 inches.
    • Anything longer must go in checked luggage.
    • Tools that could be used as weapons (crowbars, drills, saws) are banned in cabins regardless of size.
    • Checked luggage:
    • All hand tools and power tools are allowed.
    • Must be packed securely to prevent injury or damage.
    • Special notes:
    • Power tools with lithium batteries (cordless drills, etc.) must have batteries removed for checked baggage — batteries must go in carry-on.

    TSA Tool Rules Summary

    Tool TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Screwdriver ≤ 7 in✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Screwdriver > 7 in❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Pliers / wrenches ≤ 7 in✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Large tools (crowbars, drills, saws)❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Power tools (without battery)❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Lithium batteries for power tools✅ Carry-on only❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Size rule: TSA uses 7 inches (18 cm) as the maximum length for carry-on tools.
    • ✈️ Power tools ban: Cordless drills, circular saws, and similar items must always go in checked luggage.
    • ✈️ Battery rules: Spare lithium-ion batteries must be in carry-on, not checked.
    • ✈️ International flights: Many countries follow the same 7-inch rule, but some ban all tools from cabins.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring Sewing Needles or Knitting Needles on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows sewing needles and knitting needles in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ✈️ Plastic, bamboo, and metal knitting needles are all permitted.
    ⚠️ Large or sharp items may be subject to extra screening, and international rules can vary.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Knitting needles (metal, plastic, bamboo) are allowed.
    • Crochet hooks are also permitted.
    • Sewing needles, cross-stitch needles, and small embroidery scissors (≤ 4 inches) are allowed.
    • Checked luggage:
    • No restrictions for any type of needle or knitting tool.
    • International flights:
    • Some countries are stricter about metal knitting needles and crochet hooks — always check airline policies if flying abroad.

    TSA Needle & Knitting Rules Summary

    Item TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Knitting needles (all types)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Crochet hooks✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Sewing needles✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Embroidery/craft scissors ≤ 4 in✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Scissors > 4 in❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Agent discretion: Large, sharp, or unusual-looking tools may be questioned even if technically allowed.
    • ✈️ International travel: Some countries prohibit knitting needles in cabins — check in advance if flying overseas.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Use plastic or bamboo knitting needles to reduce suspicion at security.
    • ✈️ Project bags: TSA suggests packing knitting kits neatly for easier screening.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Nail File on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows nail files in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ✈️ Metal, glass, and cardboard nail files are permitted in carry-on.
    ⚠️ Very large or pointed nail files may be subject to extra screening.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Nail files (metal, glass, emery boards, cardboard) are allowed.
    • No length restrictions are officially listed, but oversized or sharp-looking files may be flagged.
    • Checked luggage:
    • All nail files allowed without restrictions.
    • International flights:
    • Most countries follow the same rules, allowing nail files in both carry-on and checked.

    TSA Nail File Rules Summary

    Nail File TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Emery boards (cardboard)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Metal nail file✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Glass nail file✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Oversized pointed file⚠️ Allowed (agent discretion)✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Agent discretion: While permitted, sharp-looking or long files may be confiscated.
    • ✈️ Nail kits: Clippers, files, and small scissors (≤4 in) are all allowed in carry-on.
    • ✈️ International travel: Some countries are stricter — always check airline rules.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Pack small or travel-sized nail files in carry-on to avoid questions.

    Sources