Can You Bring a Drill On a Plane? 2024

Whether you are doing a job out of the state and need to take your drill. or just found a good deal and want to bring it home, taking drills and power tools requires plenty of forethought.

You can’t just toss your drill into your carry-on bag; If you do, you might find yourself stuck at the airport, because the airport security rules are more strict on taking such items onboard the airplane.

Here is a short answer before going deep into the topic.

According to the TSA drills and drill bits are not permitted through the security checkpoint and inside your carry-on baggage, drill bits are considered dangerous sharp items that can be used to harm someone, you can pack almost any type of drills and tools in your checked bag.

Let’s dive right in

Check out these most popular cordless Bosch Drills and tools for every project, they are for everyday use, lightweight to be carried and transported smoothly.

So can you bring a drill on a plane? and how to travel with your drill toolkit?

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GardenJoy Electric Power Drill Cordless / Courtesy of Amazon

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Can you take a drill through the TSA security checkpoint?

The TSA ( transportation security administration ) ensures that passengers do not take any dangerous or sharp items on board the airplanes.

It is always wise to know what they say before you take any items to the airport, to avoid any inconvenience.

And as stated above the TSA does not allow any type of drills, cordless drills or drill bits through the security checkpoint and carry-on bags.

Drills are heavy and can be a dangerous item if used inappropriately by some bad guys, though the TSA ban them in the cabin.

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

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Nick was not sure if he can bring this Milwaukee Mini drill inside his carry-on bag.

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Bring drills on a plane/ twitter courtesy

The TSA replied that “Drills with installed batteries or cordless drills must be packed in checked baggage, while chargers and spare, uninstalled lithium batteries need to be placed in carry-on bags.”

Can I Take a Drill In Checked Luggage?

All kinds of drills are allowed in checked baggage, regardless of their type, shape or size.

Spare uninstalled lithium ion batteries must be removed and placed in carry-on baggage, while the drill is in checked baggage.

Other small tools, such as a screwdriver or other tools , are welcomed in carry-on baggage as long as they are less than 7 inches in length, measured from end to end.

If you don’t have a checked bag, you may end up paying some additional fees.

Like this passenger who didn’t know that drills are not allowed in carry-on baggage and the airline charged him 150 bucks for checking his drill case.

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Bring a drill on a plane/ twitter courtesy

Can I bring my cordless drill on a plane?

Cordless drills are allowed on planes, but in checked baggage only, drill batteries, Ryobi batteries or any other type if they are detachable must be packed in carry-on baggage.

If you want to take other types of drills that you are not sure about, the AskTSA are more responsive on Twitter you can just hit them with your question and they will respond immediately.

Traveling with lightweight cordless drills

Cordless drills are much more convenient in terms of speed and handling, also they are lightweight and you can adjust them to fit any project you are working on.

Cordless drills are becoming more versatile, powerful and budget friendly especially Bosch cordless drills that are in the top tier for reliability and owner satisfaction.

When preparing your drill inside your checked baggage make sure they are securely wrapped to avoid injury to baggage handlers.

If you are traveling with your complete tool kit, you already have your tool bag seated otherwise a durable tool bag will help put all your tools together.

How do you pack a drill for a flight?

repair tools in container with hammer and screwdriver
Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels.com

Before traveling with a drill, it is important to do some prior preparation before heading to the airport.

Packing your items properly will enhance and make your flight more easy and comfortable.

Here are some tips on how do you pack your drill kit for a flight:

  • If you own several drills at home or atelier it is preferable to take the lightest one, a portable and cordless drill that is lightweight, user-friendly and with its accessories is great when traveling, unless you bring a new drill from your destination.
  • Your drill original box, or toolkit case will help to be more secure when traveling, but if you are not willing to pay extra fees you can place our drill in another bag that can be placed inside your checked bag.
  • You can secure your drill with a soft fabric that will help also secure it more.

Final Thoughts: Can you bring drills on a plane?

You can take almost all types of tools including drills inside your checked baggage, any tool that can be used as a weapon or will threaten the safety of the airplane will never be accepted in carry on baggage.

Also most airlines will not accept anything with sharp heads, a long blade or anything heavy that you can swing, so make sure to know what is included in your drill kit.

Also make sure to not put any separated batteries for your drill in checked bags because of a potential fire hazard.

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