Whether you are a tradesman or a DIY enthusiast, figuring out if you can bring your pliers on a plane can be confusing as pliers come in many shapes and sizes. If you’re wondering whether you can pack your diagonal pliers, wire cutters, or other types of pliers in your carry-on or checked bags, you’ve come to the right place.
The quick answer is: unfortunately, not all types and sizes of pliers are allowed on board airplanes. This is because the TSA 🚫 does not allow tools longer than 7 inches in carry-on bags.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a rundown of the TSA and airlines rules on bringing pliers and other similar tools on flights.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- Pliers are allowed in carry-on bags if they are 7 inches or shorter.
- Pliers longer than 7 inches must go in checked baggage.
- Sharp or pointed pliers, like wire cutters, may be restricted in carry-ons.
- Multi-tools are allowed in carry-ons only if they don’t include knives and are under 7 inches.
- TSA rules apply to all U.S. airlines.
- International rules vary some countries ban all tools in carry-ons.
- Always pack pliers securely in a pouch or case to prevent damage or injury.
Can You Take Pliers on a Plane? TSA Rules
According to the TSA website, pliers are good to go in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are some conditions and limitations that you need to keep in mind.
First of all, your pliers must be less than 7 inches (17.8 cm) in length when fully extended. This is because the TSA considers any tool longer than 7 inches a potential weapon.
If you have pliers or pliers set that are longer than 7 inches and assume nothing will happen at the airport, they will inevitably end up confiscated.
You should pack them along with any other tools in your checked baggage or leave them at home.
Secondly, the pliers must not have any sharp edges or points that can possibly harm or injure someone.
For example, needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, or fishing pliers may not be allowed in your carry-on baggage, depending on how sharp they are.
Thirdly, the pliers must not be part of a multi-tool that contains other sharp or prohibited items, such as knives, scissors, or saws.
Multi-tools are generally allowed in carry-on baggage if they don’t have a knife and the other tools are less than 7 inches.
There are certain scenarios when your multi-tool meets these criteria, but the TSA may still reject it if they find it suspicious.
So, it’s best to pack your any multi-tool in your checked bag or opt for a small plier-only tool.
If you have another type of plier and are not sure whether it will be accepted or not, you can always snap a photo of it and tag @AskTSA on X (formerly Twitter), and they will reply as soon as they can.
For example, @kiwimaille wanted to bring a chainmail plier that is less than 5 inches but has a chisel nose.
The @AskTSA team replied with the usual answer: “Pliers that are 7 inches or less are good in carry-on baggage.”
@kiwimaille followed up for more clarification about the chisel nose.
They replied that pliers like the one in the picture are allowed through the security checkpoint and in carry-on baggage.
Airlines Rules
If you are flying within or from the U.S., regardless of the airline be it United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, etc. the TSA rules always apply.
When packing heavy pliers or traveling with a wide array of tools, just ensure that you don’t violate your airline’s rules.
Review the airline’s checked baggage size and weight policies to avoid any surprises at the airport.
The unexpected always happens.
Can You Bring Pliers on International Flights?
If you’re traveling internationally, you may wonder if you can bring pliers on a plane overseas.
The answer is yes, but with some caveats. As mentioned earlier, the TSA rules for pliers apply to flights departing from the United States.
Some countries, especially in North America, may have similar rules and regulations for pliers or any item that could be used to hurt someone.
Others may have stricter rules than the TSA and may not allow pliers less than 7 inches in your carry-on baggage at all.
For instance, the UK bans any tools in carry-on baggage, regardless of their size or shape.
Other countries may have more lenient rules and may allow pliers in your carry-on baggage as long as they are less than 6 inches (15.20 cm) in length.
For example, Australia allows tools up to 6 inches in carry-on baggage, as long as they are not sharp or dangerous.
How to Pack Pliers for Travel
Now that you know what size of pliers you can bring in your carry-on or checked baggage, here’s how to pack them properly:
- Take small pliers I possible: As I mentioned earlier, your pliers must be less than 7 inches in length if you want to put them in your carry-on bag, or, you’ll need to put them to your checked bag.
- Pack the pliers securely: Whether you’re packing the pliers in your carry-on or checked bag, protect them to prevent them from moving around, opening up, or causing damage to your suitcase or other items. You can use a piece of cloth, plastic bag, pouch, or case to wrap or store your pliers.
- Pack the pliers separately: If you’re taking more than one pair of pliers, like a pliers set consider separating them to avoid scratching or tangling. You can use different cloths, bags, pouches, or cases for each pair.
Final Thoughts:Can I Bring Pliers on a Plane?
Pliers are super handy and useful tools that you can use for various purposes, such as cutting wires, bending metal, gripping objects, or even making jewelry.
But they can be used as an improvised item for self-defense.
If you want to bring your pliers with you on a plane, you need to follow the TSA and your airline’s rules and tips to avoid any trouble or hassle.
Within and from the U.S., you can bring any size of pliers in checked baggage, but only pliers less than 7 inches in length are allowed on board and they must not have any sharp edges or points.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
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