Can I carry on a 20 pound bolt?
Oct 9, 2017, 9:31 am
#16
Join Date: Aug 2008
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I don't know about carrying it but I've checked in stuff like that in a suitcase or a box and I've never had an issue. If you use a box just make sure the box is substantial and not flimsy (can survive a drop without the bolt tearing out). Usually that kind of stuff triggers TSA to open it up to take a look but then they put it back.
Oct 9, 2017, 2:16 pm
#18
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Oct 9, 2017, 2:45 pm
#20
Join Date: May 2011
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Strange question, I know and I'm not sure if this is a more of a United question. Or a TSA question:
I'm in the upper peninsula of Michigan to climb the Mackinac Bridge. I've been offered a steel bolt and nit from the bridge Together they weigh just under 20 pounds (and about 2-2.5 feet long and about 4 inches in diameter)
I'm traveling super light -- no checked luggage and based on the weight I don't trust just checking it in a cardboard box and having the box survive the journey.
So odds of being able to get it through security and into a CR2 overhead bis? Or am I better off just leaving it with relatives and pick it up the next time I drove up here?
I'm in the upper peninsula of Michigan to climb the Mackinac Bridge. I've been offered a steel bolt and nit from the bridge Together they weigh just under 20 pounds (and about 2-2.5 feet long and about 4 inches in diameter)
I'm traveling super light -- no checked luggage and based on the weight I don't trust just checking it in a cardboard box and having the box survive the journey.
So odds of being able to get it through security and into a CR2 overhead bis? Or am I better off just leaving it with relatives and pick it up the next time I drove up here?
Oct 9, 2017, 6:07 pm
#21
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I can see it now:
Article from huffpo - Michigan Governor Submits Bill to Rebuild Mackinac Bridge: "Too Many Bolts Missing"...
David
Article from huffpo - Michigan Governor Submits Bill to Rebuild Mackinac Bridge: "Too Many Bolts Missing"...
David
Oct 9, 2017, 6:20 pm
#22
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Fast forwarding to today, my grandmother won a tour/climb in a charity raffle and knowing that I take after my grandfather in many ways, least of which the interest in engineering, offered it to me and my then-fiancée now wife as a wedding present. It took me no more than 1/2 a second to accept. Our previous attempt was foiled due to weather , today it was glorious
Oct 9, 2017, 10:57 pm
#23
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
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Soooo... Long story long: My grandparents were brought together by the bridge. (My grandmother was born and raised in St. Ignace, my (late) grandfather was a civil engineer who moved to St. Ignace in hopes of working on the bridge) -- many years ago my grandfather had the opportunity to climb the bridge and it was a highlight. (The bolt in question was also originally a gift to him)
Fast forwarding to today, my grandmother won a tour/climb in a charity raffle and knowing that I take after my grandfather in many ways, least of which the interest in engineering, offered it to me and my then-fiancée now wife as a wedding present. It took me no more than 1/2 a second to accept. Our previous attempt was foiled due to weather , today it was glorious
Fast forwarding to today, my grandmother won a tour/climb in a charity raffle and knowing that I take after my grandfather in many ways, least of which the interest in engineering, offered it to me and my then-fiancée now wife as a wedding present. It took me no more than 1/2 a second to accept. Our previous attempt was foiled due to weather , today it was glorious
But where is the picture of the bolt!?
Oct 10, 2017, 12:41 am
#25
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That's exactly the reaction my grandfather (well...and I) would have . So here it is in its current habitat. Postcard for scale (guess the diameter is closer to 2.5")
Quite possibly 
It seems like I've been spending more time in the CLE club than the office lately. Next time, say Hi (my giveaway is a laptop bag with a combination of a "Remove before flight" streamer and flag pins for the countries I've visited thus far.
. So here it is in its current habitat. Postcard for scale (guess the diameter is closer to 2.5") It seems like I've been spending more time in the CLE club than the office lately. Next time, say Hi (my giveaway is a laptop bag with a combination of a "Remove before flight" streamer and flag pins for the countries I've visited thus far.
Oct 10, 2017, 12:43 am
#26
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Oct 10, 2017, 12:48 am
#27
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Oct 10, 2017, 12:49 am
#28
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Oct 12, 2017, 9:24 pm
#29
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 734
You will have no problem bringing the bolt as check-in.
I guarantee you though that TSA will want to open up your bags to look at it.
Carry-on may not work, because you could probably stop any terrorist with the bolt.
I travel with tools and hardware all the time. Samsonite won't cut it. Get a Pelican so that the things don't blow through the sides of your luggage.
I know a Swiss chef who served a resort in the Maldives. He brought a good-sized 20 lb mortar & pestle (think bowling ball) in his carry-on from Thailand to the Maldives. My concern is that such a heavy item is put in the overhead--better not be over my head! But if they don't know, nobody cares as long as it fits.