Hammer and Wrench in Carryon
 

My brother gave me a hammer and wrench for my birthday this past week and I am flying home to DC tomorrow. Can I pack the tools in my rollaboard and not get hassled by TSA or is it advisable to just check my suitcase?
Thanks,
GWU

I don't know the rules--I have never seen a hammer and wrench on the picture cards they have--but, IMHO, they're not going to let you bring them on the plane. I'd put them in checked luggage, or mail them book rate to your house.

Not that this is travel related, but all Media Mail (aka Book Rate) is subject to being opened and inspected by the USPS now...

I really don't care if they open the package it is nothing special at all; just a hammer and a wrench. I am more concerned about dealing with TSA bull at the checkpoint.

Check it.

They will not let you board with a hammer, which is considered a dual use item (tool/weapon). The wrench can be in your carry-on if less than 7 inches in length. Both can be in the bag if you check it. Otherwise, you'll need to ship them.

Check it for sure, or pay the TSA consequences. I can't imagine the ways they would search you. :eek:

Darn, my plan won't work :( It's probably going to be cheaper to send it on UPS. The cheapest way is to buy small bag, wrap them in towels and check the bag on the flight!

What about my gas chainsaw? It fits in my carry-on. :confused:

The point was that tools are not books and the USPS would not look kindly on being cheated out of their $$. Might even be considered fraud.

I'd suggest you ship the tools priority mail falt rate box. One price, $8.10, and as much as you can stuff in the box (up to a 70 lb. maximum). You buy the box at the Post Office.

I have a friend who lives right here in Austin, Texas, and who decided - almost unbelievably - that Paris, France was the perfect place to buy a gas-powered chainsaw. This friend then tried to check it in as hand luggage on a US carrier and was astonished at the reaction.

Actually true ...

I'd like to meet (and hire) the saleperson that sold it to him. I've bought some dumb stuff on vacation, but come on! :rolleyes:

Instead of putt-putt does it say zut-zut? Are you sure your friend didn't think he was in Paris Texas? :) Cute story!

I have to confess to buying a a boom box in the AMS duty-free before returning from my first trip to Europe many years ago, and then spending as much money again on return to buy a power inverter - The 110v-220v business never dawned on me even though I'd just spent six weeks there with wife and kids.

At least your friend's purchase is gas-powered!

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The 'he' is actually a 'she', and since she is a fairly high-powered executive and also very hands-on with power tools around her home, we were all rather surprised by her impulse purchase. She swears by it to this day, though.