Travel Products - Flying With Tools / Measuring Insturments

Does anyone have any experience flying with tools / precision measuring equipment as a carry on (or checked)?

Thanks

A few of us do, what would you like to know?

My first thought when i skimmed this thread title was "flying with tools...". I have flown with a few "tool" over the years...:):)

What are your experiences with the 7" rule in regard to carrying items like calipers, bars for a mag base, inside mic, or 12" feeler gauges? A fair amount of the PME I use eclipses the 7" rule , so I would be forced to check my case and that sort of sketches me out. Mailing prior to traveling is not really a great option for me if it can be avoided.

I haven't tried the items you specifically listed, but I recently tried to get through security with one of these (http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW5847-Ground-Driver-Shank/dp/B00004RHFC) and they made me check the bag.

Most of your items are of a similar size (although maybe not a similar weight), so I would guess they will make you check it.

Yeah, I usually check the regular tools that I fly with in the same bag as my harness, hard hat, and boots, but PME makes me nervous to check just because of the cost of the equipment. (Maybe it is an unfounded fear, but I still have it!)

What are your experiences with the 7" rule in regard to carrying items like calipers, bars for a mag base, inside mic, or 12" feeler gauges? A fair amount of the PME I use eclipses the 7" rule , so I would be forced to check my case and that sort of sketches me out. Mailing prior to traveling is not really a great option for me if it can be avoided.

As always 'YMMV'.
I'd say you will be checking those items almost exclusively. I've been forced to check/surrender a 6" screw driver while the leatherman wave went unnoticed :rolleyes:
I've been 'let threw' with a small socket set (6" extender) a couple times.
Over all its too inconsistent to feel safe NOT having a way of securely checking your tools.


InkUnderNails travel with some nice test/ts gear, perhaps he can chime in with some thoughts/feedback.

I always have one checked bag due to the issue of tools and other metal items including real scissors that I need for our show booth. I have experimented with a variety of bags for checking and have given up hard sided (they crack and fail) for an Ebags Mother Lode 25 inch suitcase. I pack the tools so that the align with the wheels structure of the bag and are less obvious on xray.

Many years of doing this with no issues.

You do have to be careful of weight.

I always check in all my tools just keep my laptop in my carry on.

I've never had anything stolen only one delayed case as they thought it was cargo and went to the cargo centre and I got it delivered a day later. This is travelling to many africian, Middle East and Asian countries.

My fibre optic termination kit has been ok in my peli case. I normally have around 50Kg of checked in Luggage.

You will be able to take in some electronic equipment in your hand luggage. But no large metal objects.