It looks like the new TSA rules slated to begin on Dec.22nd will allow tools (with limitations). Screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers will be allowed (with size limitations).

I'm thinking about picking up an inexpensive multi-tool and making it "TSA friendly" (remove any saw blade or knife blade) and using it as test fodder for carry-on. I haven't decided whether to grind the edge off the blade and round the tip (ala the permitted butter knife), or just cut the knife off and be done with it. If the tool has scissors, a bit of work with a dremel tool could round the tips for legal carry.

Looks like I need to hit a dollar store or some discount joint to pick up a tool that wouldn't bring tears to my eyes if confiscated.

I plan to toss the tool right into the change dish with my keys. I want the tool to be clearly seen (not hiding in carry-on baggage) so the reactions of the TSA are clear. Granted this is just anecdotal for the airport selected and the screener on shift, but it's a start.

Not sure when my next flight will be so I may not be a timely test case. If any frequent flyers choose to take up the cause you could report back here to the group on your success or lack thereof.

Packing a multi-tool on a flight is an excellent pacifier till they come to their senses and allow passengers to carry pocket knives again.

TR (flying naked)

Way to take one for the team. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Get your story straight before you go, though. I seem to remember that, technically, bringing a banned item to a checkpoint is illegal. Meaning, if they want to, they can do more than just take the item away. I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but I wouldn't say "I just wanted to see...". Be more like, "I thought sharps were allowed now.", maybe.

If you could get a multitool off eBay that was previously confiscated from someone by the TSA, that'd be cosmicly cool, too.

I see micras on eBay all the time for about four or five dollars when you figure in the shipping. Although, you sometimes have to two or three. These would make good fodder for such an experiment, but...

Does this mean that we are now all co-consipirators?

Groo,

As far as I know, multi-tools have not been singled out for prohibition. Removing any saw or knife blades should make it legal (assuming any scissors contained are blunt tip). The remaining tools (screwdrivers, file, pliers, etc) will be allowed after Dec 22nd. per new TSA guidlines. On paper, it's legal.

I have no intentions of carrying anything illegal. I'm just wondering what the reaction will be to a little tool that combines a bunch of tools that were previously prohibited. What will a TSA droid do when inspecting this tool?

My guess is there will be an initial rejection based on the assumption of the tool containing a blade. Further inspection should allow the tool to pass, but who knows?

I would hope that some of the multi-tool manufacturers would jump on the opportunity to make a TSA friendly multi-tool. If a TSA friendly multi-tool became common place, it would make packing a whole lot easier.

TR (Wondering how pissed off his wife will be if he pulls off this little stunt).

You know... a TSA friendly multi tool with a removable blade would be very, very cool.

Remove the blade, place in checked baggage. It's useless without the body, and the body passes through checkpoints.

"Does this mean that we are now all co-consipirators? "

I'm not going down alone! I'm taking you all with me!

By the way...Does TSA offer a "Witness Protection Program"?

TR (Desperately wanting to avoid being swapped for smokes in the slammer)

Wasn't me, officer, I swear. I knew this was going to end badly, really and truely.

(not having to worry about being swapped for smokes in the slammer- I'm too homely, and way too cranky)

I bought a cpl of micra clones at woolworths for about £1.50 each, the scissors are already blunt-tip as its sold as a personal grooming tool, the blades are easily removed, and as a little project Ive already removed things like cuticle pushers & a terrifying-looking implement to clean youre ears out & replaced them with keys & a slim flint-rod.
I dont fly again until June '06 but I'm gonna try to take this on board attached to my keychain.

I have one of those little Swiss+Tech micro-plus pliers that I carried when I flew over Thanksgiving. I left it in my pocket going, and it didn't set off the alarm. When I flew back, it did set it off, the guy asked what it was, and I said pliers, and he said put it in the change dish, so I did. No problem.

"I dont fly again until June '06 but I'm gonna try to take this on board attached to my keychain. "

Stu,

I like the cut of your jib. (TSA- Testing Security Acceptability)

TR