can you fly with power tools manufacturer

Power tools and all tools longer than 7 inches (measured from end to end when assembled) are prohibited in carry-on baggage; these items must be packed in your checked bags.

Having traveled with thirty or so cordless drills and tens of other tools recently, I decided to look a bit closer into what the rules are when it comes to flying with power tools, hand tools, bolts, nuts, and other hardware.

If you are looking for a quick answer, here you go: in vast majority of cases, you can travel with your tools and hardware. Depending on the tool, you might be able to carry it on, however, I recommend checking all of them in to avoid any potential issues at security. The only exception to that are batteries from your cordless tools which need to be carried on.

While this article is based on FAA and TSA rules for traveling with tools and batteries, they can serve as a rough guideline for your other travels as well. In either case, though, if you are not sure whether or not you can travel with a certain tool or piece of hardware, make sure to get in touch with the local authority as well as your airline.

The general rule when it comes to flying with power tools – whether corded, battery-powered, or engine-powered – is that all of them need to be in your checked in luggage and are prohibited in your carry on.

Battery-powered tools such as cordless drills and saws can technically travel in checked in luggage with their batteries attached, but they have to be prevented from shorting and from accidentally activating.

As such, when it comes to battery-powered tools, I recommend you to remove their batteries and put them in yourcarry on luggage – only putting the tool itself in your checked in luggage.

While most power tool batteries should be within that limit, if you are unsure – and if there is no Whcapacity mentioned on the battery – you can calculate it as follows:

Engine-powered tools such as chainsaws, trimmers and generators are prohibited from both carry on and checked in luggage if there is any fuel left in them – even in the form of residual vapors.

Just like the drills themselves, you cannot carry drill bits in your hand luggage. And, given that sharp objects are prohibited from carry on luggage in general, things such as power saw blades should be packed in your checked luggage as well.

On the other hand, given that – as you will see below – tools under 7-inches long are allowed, in theory you should be able to carry on Phillips and socket bits. However, I would still pack everything in checked luggage to avoid any potential delays at the security check since the final decision rests on the security screening officer.

However, given that there is also the general rule of not being able to carry on sharp items and the fact that the security screening officer makes the final decision about whether or not you can carry something on, I recommend you to put all tools in your checked in luggage.

If you, for one reason or another, you insist on taking your tools into the cabin, here’s a list of some of the tools that are technically allowed in the cabin based on TSA’s website as long as they are under 7 inches long:Multi-tool without blades

As you can see above, in most cases, you will have to check your tools and hardware in. The notable exception being hand tools shorter than 7 inches and scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches.

One last tip: if for some reason you decide to carry on tools, make sure that you arrive at the airport early enough to have enough time to go back from the security check to the check-in counters in case the security staff determines that you must check the tools in.

You can pack almost all tools in checked bags. If you are bringing power tools any spare or loose lithium-ion batteries cannot be packed in checked baggage and much be packed in carry-on bags.

Gas powered tools can be packed in checked bags too. However, if they contain any residue or vapors of gas/oil, they would be considered a hazardous material & prohibited from being transported on the airplane. Even brand new tools can have residues because they are tested before sale. Check with your airline about bringing any gas powered tool in hold luggage.

You cannot bring power tools in carry-on luggage. Fans of the horror movie genre will understand why. Power tools can be used as weapons and that’s why they are not allowed in carry-on bags.

Regular hand tools must be shorter than 7 inches. This is because longer heavier tools could be used to knock someone over the head. Hammers or knives of any size are not allowed in hand luggage.

Recalled batteries and devices - Lithium batteries recalled by the manufacturer/vendor must not be carried aboard aircraft or packed in baggage. Battery-powered devices recalled because of lithium battery safety concerns also should not be carried aboard aircraft or packed in baggage unless the device or its battery has been replaced, repaired or otherwise made safe per manufacturer/vendor instructions. The FAA and your airline may offer further public guidance on individual recalled products. Product recall information is available at http://www.cpsc.gov/recalls. Learn more.

Any common object that could be used as a weapon should be packed in your checked bag. This includes anything sharp, baseball bats, canoe paddles, hiking poles, hockey sticks, power tools, and hand tools over 7 inches end-to-end fully assembled.

Safety clips or retainers shall be securely installed and maintained on pneumatic impact (percussion) tools to prevent attachments from being accidentally expelled.

All fuel powered tools shall be stopped while being refueled, serviced, or maintained, and fuel shall be transported, handled, and stored in accordance with Subpart F of this part.

When fuel powered tools are used in enclosed spaces, the applicable requirements for concentrations of toxic gases and use of personal protective equipment, as outlined in Subparts D and E of this part, shall apply.

The fluid used in hydraulic powered tools shall be fire-resistant fluids approved under Schedule 30 of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Department of the Interior, and shall retain its operating characteristics at the most extreme temperatures to which it will be exposed.

Tools shall not be loaded until just prior to the intended firing time. Neither loaded nor empty tools are to be pointed at any employees. Hands shall be kept clear of the open barrel end.

Powder-actuated tools used by employees shall meet all other applicable requirements of American National Standards Institute, A10.3-1970, Safety Requirements for Explosive-Actuated Fastening Tools.

In equipment – The battery must be securely installed in the portable electronic device (PED). When carried in checked baggage the PED must be switched off (not in hibernation or sleep mode), have the on/off switch adequately protected against accidental activation and the PED must also be protected from damage. For example, the PED is packed in original retail packaging, a sturdy box/container or a hard-molded case for items such as power tools, where the on/off switch cannot be accidentally activated.

Spare or loose batteries - Are those batteries not installed in the device, carried separately or items such as power banks/packs designed to power or back-up another device. Spare/loose batteries (including power banks/packs must be in carry-on baggage onlyand must be protected against short circuit by, placing in its original retail packaging, placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch or insulating terminals by taping over exposed terminals.

Smart bags with a battery/power bank installed - Passenger baggage equipped with a lithium battery/power bank used to recharge/power a portable electronic device (PED) e.g. via a USB port, are permitted provided the lithium battery or power bank is removable from the baggage and is carried in the cabin. Baggage checked in must have the batteries removed and carried in the cabin.

Passenger baggage equipped with small inbuilt portable electronic devices (PED’s) such as bag tags, locks, scales powered by button cells or alkaline batteries are permitted in checked baggage.