Carry-on Calipers?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 13
Carry-on Calipers?
I like to travel light when I fly, no baggage to check, so I was wondering, will there be any problems if I bring calipers with me as carry-on? I'm flying domestic US, if that makes any difference. I've had enough stuff confiscated that I'd like to double check before I donate anything else to TSA. I'm sure you could technically stab someone with calipers, but then again, a pen would probably do more damage.
#2
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
Non-cutting tools under 7 inches are supposed to be allowed. But as always with the TSA YMMV. As this looks like a 6" caliper it should be under the limit.
You might want to print this out just in case. I am not promising they will look at it, though.
You might want to print this out just in case. I am not promising they will look at it, though.
#3
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: LGA
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Posts: 154
I doubt it would be a problem, but as TSA has repeatedly shown us, it's up to the individual TSO you get that day. Because something that's allowed everywhere else (and might be explicitly permitted on the TSA website or app) may all of a sudden be denied by an individual TSO acting on their own authority. No common sense, no accountability, no appeal.
Last edited by Vidiot; Aug 9, 2011 at 8:10 pm Reason: taking image out of quoted portion to save screen real estate
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: DFW
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Some TSA types will think its a hatchet.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 13
Thanks, I'll bring a backup bag incase they won't let it through.
#7
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
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I pack a Priority Mail prepaid flat rate envelope, pre-addressed back to the office. Wadded up USA Today makes acceptable padding in most cases. Ask for permission to mail it home. There should be a drop box somewhere for USPS or the airline should drop it in outgoing.
What ever you do, do not take it out of your carry on. Let them find it. They probably will not.
What ever you do, do not take it out of your carry on. Let them find it. They probably will not.
#8
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 242
Don't forget to remove the battery, and store the battery in a ziplock bag.
#10
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You might want to print this out just in case. I am not promising they will look at it, though.
#11
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 242
Originally Posted by tripice351
Don't forget to remove the battery, and store the battery in a ziplock bag.
http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html
#12
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: DTW
Programs: Dirt Status w/ All
Posts: 5,040
That caliper uses a single button cell watch battery. The biggest danger would be swallowing it.
If you don't really need the accuracy of Mitutoyo, you might want to think about getting a $10 cheap one from Harbor Freight in case they want to take it away.
If you don't really need the accuracy of Mitutoyo, you might want to think about getting a $10 cheap one from Harbor Freight in case they want to take it away.
#13
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#14
Join Date: Nov 2010
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http://www.amazon.com/Prestige-46-EK.../dp/B00062N428
But as others have said, if you want to keep it, check it. I'd be more careful if the EKG calipers cost more than a few dollars.
#15
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NYC
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Posts: 43
Definitely YMMV.
I was bringing a mitutoyo caliper to China on one of my trips and the TSA agent at EWR said I was not allowed to take it because of the sharp "blades". I explained to them what it was for and they had to get the supervisor. The supervisor immediately knew what it was and said it was ok. I'm pretty sure it would have had it taken away if not for that "knowledgeable" TSA supervisor.
I was bringing a mitutoyo caliper to China on one of my trips and the TSA agent at EWR said I was not allowed to take it because of the sharp "blades". I explained to them what it was for and they had to get the supervisor. The supervisor immediately knew what it was and said it was ok. I'm pretty sure it would have had it taken away if not for that "knowledgeable" TSA supervisor.