Tools that are 7 inches or smaller (measured from end to end once assembled) can be carried in hand luggage. Power tools and all tools larger than 7 inches (measured from end to end once assembled) are prohibited in hand luggage; these items must be packed in your checked baggage. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries must be carried in hand luggage. Most other consumer devices that contain batteries are allowed in hand and checked baggage.
Yes, many hand tools can be checked or carried in hand luggage. You don't need to sacrifice basic preparation for the outdoors, to fix things, or for first aid just because you fly somewhere just as hand luggage. Here are the tools you can carry on airplanes, how to pack them and how to use them. The tools that can be brought without problems, provided they measure less than seven inches, are a multi-tool without blades, wrenches, pliers or screwdrivers.
Finally, now that we've looked at both power and hand tools, let's quickly take a look at the hardware. However, in any case, if you're not sure whether or not you can travel with a certain tool or piece of hardware, be sure to contact the local authority and your airline. Having to ship a tool from the airport to your home or workplace is often expensive, so when in doubt, check it out. While you can carry many of your important tools with you, there are some that aren't allowed on an airplane, whether carried or documented.
To protect yourself and your belongings, make sure you know ahead of time and pack any hand tools you have safely. I have traveled back and forth between Santo Domingo and the United States several times and the batteries for the drills and saws were in the checked suitcases, separated from the tools. The general rule when it comes to flying with power tools, whether with cable, battery or motor, is that they must all be in checked baggage and are prohibited in hand luggage. You still have options for carrying tools on board, as well as other items that may be useful to you during the flight.
While large tools, such as drills, saws, axes and anything more than 7 inches long, are prohibited in hand luggage, you can carry some small tools on board a flight. After having recently traveled with about thirty cordless drills and dozens of other tools, I decided to take a closer look at what the rules are when it comes to flying with power tools, hand tools, screws, nuts and other accessories. If you have any experience with flying with tools and hardware, I'd appreciate it if you could share them in the comments section below. The notable exception are hand tools smaller than 7 inches and scissors with blades smaller than 4 inches.
The general rule is that any tool, such as a screwdriver larger than 7 inches from end to end, should be archived. It has taught me to develop a flexible mental attitude backed by strong preparation, both in my own abilities and in the tools that complement them. If you have a specific tool in mind, or more than one, compare it to this list to see if you can take it with you on the plane.
