Originally Posted by ralfp
Given that reasonable people (including those here) can argue whether a tape measure is a tool, couldn't a screener decree that a tape measure (or level) is a tool and give one the choice of losing it or not getting on the plane? What would the OP do then? We all can say that, of course, a tape measure is not a tool for the purposes of TSA screening, but if a TSA agent decrees it to be, we're SOL.
I find it amusing that "Tools" under the category "Tools" are forbidden (on the TSA list), except some tools. Of course they never define what it tool is.
I think, and I may be wrong, that "tape measure" is on the allowed list. Some tools that are allowed are tools used to attach or adjust a prosthetic limb, eyeglass repair kits, things they just don't think will be used to take a plane apart.