What are the TSA-friendly multitools...if any?

[Bolster]

I really miss carrying my Leatherman Wave on trips that require airline travel.

Do any of you carry a TSA-friendly multi-tool, and if so, which one? Can you mod an existing multi-tool (eg, take out the knife) to make it legal?

In general, what multi-tools are TSA friendly these days? (If any?)

[copierguy_mobile]

They took an SAK classic off the keys in my carry-on last July despite the then new rule that you could carry on tools under 7 inches long (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#6). after a short talk with the TSA manager (she made it clear that anything with a blade was not a tool.) I left the SAK with her and went off to have a good time on my cruise.

Whatever tool you try to carry can't have a knife blade, saw blade or box cutter and an awl or marling spike may fall under the ice pick prohibition. screwdrivers, wrenches, scissors and pliers, all under 7 inches should be okay for carry on.

If somebody has a suggestion that fits the "no sharp or pointy bits" rule, I'd love to know too.

-Greg

[carrot]

The knifeless Fuse is close, but apparently the TSA may take issue with the combo can/bottle opener. If you grind that off, you're pretty much good to go.

[Bolster]

Hi Carrot! I see you are a moderator over here. I just found EDC forums a couple days ago. Glad to see a friend here. I'll check out the Fuse.

[normshapiro]

Take a look at SOG multitoolssog link (http://sogknives.com/store/tools.html). You can take out any of the tools and replace them with other tools in their multitool line (except the smaller cross grip and cross cut tools) or you can leave the tool out and put in a spacer. SOG sells the tools individually and can let you know what will work for each tool.

[ChopperCFI]

I have heard of one instance where TSA refused to allow the knifeless Fuse. (Sorry, I can't find the link.) Apparently TSA chose to open the longest tool while keeping the handles open, all in a straight line. While not usable, they said it was over 7 inches and refused to allow it.

For simple pliers/screwdrivers I carry an IDL T7 (http://www.idltools.com/products/t7/). TSA regularly finds it, but has always let it pass. Quality and design of IDL is much better than Swiss-Tech equivalent.

What I don't understand is why sharp, pointy scissors with 4 in blades are ok to carry, by the 1 in blade on a Utili-Key is not. How tough is it to disassemble the scissors into two knife like objects?

[Bolster]

Wow, I was moments away from pulling the trigger on the similar Swiss-tech tool like this. Thanks for recommending the IDL T7. Good to know it is a better tool.

[celler]

Never underestimate the poor training and arbitrary acts of the TSA. In short, they don't play by their own rules. Do not "test" your interpretation of their rules using an expensive SAK or Atwood or anything else you would mind losing. At best, winning an argument with a supervisor will cause you to miss your flight. If in doubt, put it in checked luggage. Not the best solution for those who don't like to check luggage, but until the current waive of political "feel good" measures are traded in for common sense restrictions, you are out of luck.

Craig.

[Twitchy]

There is one big advantage to the TSA - if they search your luggage they fold everything up real nice and pack it like it should be. I used to use a duffle bag to travel while I was in the military and it must have had traces of 'interesting' material because it was always searched. Was fine by me as I just stuffed my crap in there before I checked in and when I arrived at my destination, voila :woohoo: everything nicely folded, socks paired and an apology notice( ;D) about them searching my bag.

[snarkdek]

I just flew and forgot to take my leatherman squirt off my keychain. I meant to put it in my luggage before checking in but forgot. I threw it in the grey tray that goes through the x-ray scanner and it went right through. In fact I didn't even realize I had done it until I got OFF of the plane and felt it in my pocket. This is the second time I accidentally flew with a leatherman. Last time was my Wave which was right after 9/11. I completely forgot it was in my backpack and it went through security. Both times i didn't realize my error until after I landed. Obviously I would never do this on purpose as I don't want the hassle during security nor lose my tools but clearly this stuff slips through all the time.

[bpa]

I just flew and forgot to take my leatherman squirt off my keychain. I meant to put it in my luggage before checking in but forgot. I threw it in the grey tray that goes through the x-ray scanner and it went right through. In fact I didn't even realize I had done it until I got OFF of the plane and felt it in my pocket. This is the second time I accidentally flew with a leatherman. Last time was my Wave which was right after 9/11. I completely forgot it was in my backpack and it went through security. Both times i didn't realize my error until after I landed. Obviously I would never do this on purpose as I don't want the hassle during security nor lose my tools but clearly this stuff slips through all the time.


I've done that several times with liquids, among other things. Purity of motive is sometimes the best camouflage.

[vadsoom]

Just because the TSA misses something this time, there's no guarantee they'll miss it next time. I, for one, would be upset if I lost something I value or need at my destination.

[Lunal_Tic]

I have heard of one instance where TSA refused to allow the knifeless Fuse. (Sorry, I can't find the link.) Apparently TSA chose to open the longest tool while keeping the handles open, all in a straight line. While not usable, they said it was over 7 inches and refused to allow it.


Was this it over on ETS (http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=102623&fpart=1)?

-LT

[normshapiro]

I was about to buy a knifeless fuse from the Leatherman store in Portland this summer until they told me they didn't think the tool would pass TSA inspection. Take a look at SOG multitools. You can remove and/or replace their tools in their larger models. But I'm not sure how they would be with the pliers and cutter on the tool.