Last Updated on September 16, 2022
Key Takeaways
- According to the TSA, you can bring small screwdrivers shorter than 7 inches in carry-on bags
- Larger screwdrivers can only be packed in your checked bag because of the weapons rule
- Electric screwdrivers can only be packed in checked luggage
TSA Screwdriver Rules
The Transportation Security Administration have a 2 rules about which screwdrivers are allowed through the airport security checkpoint.
Screwdrivers shorter than 7 inches can be packed in carry-on baggage or checked baggage.
Screwdrivers longer than 7-inches can only be packed in checked bags. You can’t pack a screwdriver shorter than 7 inches in your carry-on bag.
You can’t bring a screwdriver in two separate pieces that will be longer than 7-inches when it is assembled.
The TSA applies this 7-inch rule to any hand tools you want to bring in hand luggage.
So you need to get out your measuring tape and measure how long your screwdriver is.
The TSA officers would not permit the red screwdriver above in the airplane cabin but the shorter tool would be allowed on the plane.
You should really measure all the tools in your toolbox to check they are under the permitted length if you want to take them on the plane.
The reason for this rule is that the TSA is concerned that a large screwdriver could be used as a potential weapon.
To use Michael’s word, large screwdriver is too “stabby” to be brought on a plane.
The weapons rule is also is the reason why you can’t bring an electric screwdriver with a battery on the plane in carry-on luggage.
And it doesn’t matter what size your electric screwdriver is. Power tools, regardless of size, must be packed in checked luggage.
If you are bringing an electric screwdriver in checked luggage the lithium-ion battery must be installed. You cannot pack a loose lithium-ion battery in checked baggage because of the fire risk.
Consider posting any large screwdriver to your destination rather than paying for checked luggage. Alternatively, buy or borrow a screwdriver locally at your destination.
It’s always best to travel light and paying for checked luggage only because you want to fly with a large screwdriver will be an expensive solution to this problem.