datlas 

We are flying in a month (domestic USA) and like to travel light. No checked bags. I will be borrowing a friend’s road bike at our destination but he uses funny Time pedals so I will be planning to bring my road pedals plus a Park Tool multi-tool in order to swap the pedals.

The “rules” for TSA carry-on state that tools shorter than 7 inches are ok (snicker), and the one I have is just under 6 inches when fully, uh, extended.

So by the book, I should not have a problem with TSA security. However, I expect that sometimes security might be more cautious and/or not read the rules. So I am asking the collective what experiences you have had with bike (or other) tools in your carry-on.

TL;DR, anyone carry on a multi tool for a USA flight and how did it go??

billridesbikes

Have not had a problem (TSA Pre-Check). I have a Silica Ti-Torque set that goes in the carry-on and TSA never even wanted a look.
But doesn’t you friend own a pedal wrench?

datlas 

Friend is clueless so I am on my own with tools.

sarhog

My piece of advice would be to print out the applicable section from TSA’s “rules” and have it available upon check in. That saved me a few times with other “tools” being brought aboard.
Good luck.

abshipp 

My concern wouldn't be whether I could bring the multi-tool with me, but whether a multi-tool would be enough of a tool to remove the pedals.

If he doesn't do any of his own wrenching, then likely the pedals haven't been off in a while, which always makes them fun to remove.

Maybe bring a single 6mm or 8mm hex wrench - whatever the pedals need, I can't imagine those would be longer than 7".

N2deep

TSA agents are unpredictable and putting tools in your carryon is asking for trouble. It amazes me how in consistent they can be, some airports you could carry a bazooka thru and others will check your tooth paste. They are consistent with checked bags, To date I haven’t lost a gun, tool, knife and or electronic device, bags opened and inspected but intact at your final destination. Yet Ive lost small rulers, screwdrivers, pliers, etc as carryon.

Koyote

I vote for putting the multi-tool, or better yet a proper pedal wrench, in a suitcase and checking it through. Not only will your tool not be taking away by TSA agents, but you won't be one of those annoying people who bring entire suitcases on the plane and clog everything up for the rest of us.

billridesbikes

Very interesting. My experience as an engineer carrying small tools, ICs, or circuit boards through TSA for many years is that I've never had anything taken or disallowed, and before the pandemic I was flying a lot (couple times a month). The only time I was ever asked to show something was some spools of wire I had wrapped around a plastic dowel. I've also carry a folding scissors in a sewing kit for about the last 15years. I have had things disappear from checked luggage however.

seypat

I would "gift" the friend who is loaning you the bike whatever you need to swap out pedals. Order it through the A-zon or pick it up local. You could always attempt to check it on the flight home.

tempocyclist

Can you express post your tools out there beforehand?


^ That. If you value your tools, don't risk it.

I've had a set of Allen hex keys confiscated from my carry-on before, from memory even the largest was under six inches in length. One time they wanted to confiscate my Look KEO pedals and road shoes! Luckily one of the other border agents knew what they were and explained to the other it was okay and I wasn't going to take down the plane using only my plastic road cleats...

bampilot06

When I brought the Ritchey home from Ohio, it came with a bunch of tools all different lengths. TSA didn’t say anything to me, but I was in uniform. That shouldn’t make a difference.

biker128pedal

Sounds like your friend needs some tools and a clue. I’d stop by a store (Harbor Freight, Lowe’s, Walmart, etc.) and pick up a few tools. Folding Allen keys may be. Then show your friend and leave them. They just may be there for your next visit.

Ogsarg

I've had all kinds of things in checked baggage and never once had a problem. Carry on is another matter altogether. Don't expect them to follow TSA guidelines or listen to any explanations concerning said guidelines. A pen knife is fine in one airport, confiscated in another. I lost a laser pointer to a TSA agent that had previously passed through at least 50 airports without a second look.

seedsbelize2

I have never had issues with carry-on tools, as long as they are within specs and not sharp.

bampilot06

Datlas I can bring my Lenzye T drive with me the next time I go to work. If they take it, will you buy me a new one?

datlas 

Hmm….is this a trick question?

znomit

Buy a cheap pedal wrench of Amazon and get it sent to them.

noisebeam

I had a 4mm ~4" long Allen wrench taken. It was accidentally wedged deep in a crack in my bottom of my fully packed bag and they kept having to run it though the x-ray to find it.

blacknbluebikes 

The smurfs still have one of my Park pedal wrenches. Ill-considered last minute decision to carry on. They just held it up and shook their blue heads. Gone. And, I implore you that anything short of a real pedal wrench may not do the job at your destination, so you're either checking bags or amazon-ing one to your friend. And, btw, consider taking your own saddle and putting it on the bike. That can avoid a disaster.

SoSmellyAir

For sure! But for that, datlas may need a mini torque wrench, and if so, I recommend: Amazon.com : Topeak Nano TorqBar 6 with 5 Tool bits, 6nm : Sports & Outdoors.