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Can You Bring a Drill on a Plane? TSA Rules Explained (2024)
Yes, you can bring a drill on a plane, but it must be in your checked luggage. The drill’s lithium-ion batteries, however, must be carried in your carry-on bag for safety reasons. Power tools like drills are not allowed in the cabin of the plane.
Are you planning a trip? Maybe you are moving, helping with a project, or working on a job site far from home. And you need to bring your trusty power drill.
This brings up a common question: Can you even bring a drill on a plane? It can feel confusing. Airport security rules seem to change all the time. You don’t want your expensive tool taken away at the security checkpoint.
You are in the right place. This guide will give you clear, simple answers. We will walk through the official TSA rules, step by step. You will learn exactly how to pack your drill and its batteries to travel without any stress.
Understanding the TSA’s Rule on Power Tools
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is in charge of security at all U.S. airports. Their job is to keep passengers safe. When it comes to tools, their main concern is whether an item could be used as a weapon.
The official TSA rule is clear: Power tools and hand tools longer than 7 inches must be in your checked bags.
A drill, especially with a bit attached, is easily longer than 7 inches. It’s also heavy and solid. For this reason, you cannot bring a power drill in your carry-on bag. If you try, the TSA will likely confiscate it. The simple solution is to always pack the body of the drill in your checked luggage.
Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage: The Golden Rule of Flying with a Drill
This is the most important part to remember. Where you pack your drill and its parts makes all the difference.
In Your Carry-On Bag: A Big No
Let’s be very clear: The drill itself is not allowed in your carry-on bag. This includes the main body of the drill and any drill bits. The TSA considers these items a security risk in the cabin of a plane.
- Why? A drill is a large, heavy object that could potentially be used to cause harm.
- What about drill bits? Drill bits are sharp and pointed. They fall under the category of “sharp objects” that are not allowed in the cabin.
- The final say: Even if you think your tool is small enough, the final decision always rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. To avoid any problems, just don’t pack it in your carry-on.
In Your Checked Luggage: The Right Way
Your checked bag is the correct place for your power drill. Here, it is safely stored under the plane and is not accessible during the flight. You can pack the drill body, the charger, and all your drill bits in your checked luggage without any issues.
But what about the battery? That’s where things get a little different.
The Most Important Part: How to Pack Drill Batteries
This is where most people get confused. While the drill goes in your checked bag, its batteries have special rules. Most cordless drills use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are powerful, but they also carry a small risk of catching fire if they are damaged or short-circuit.
Because of this fire risk, there are very strict rules for flying with lithium-ion batteries.
Crucial Safety Rule: Spare or uninstalled lithium-ion batteries are NEVER allowed in checked luggage. They must be in your carry-on bag.
TSA and FAA Battery Rules Made Simple
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the rules for batteries, and the TSA enforces them. Here is a simple breakdown:
- Batteries Installed in a Device: A battery installed in your drill can sometimes be left in the tool in your checked bag. However, the safest and most recommended practice is to remove it.
- Spare Batteries: All spare (uninstalled) batteries must be in your carry-on luggage. This allows the flight crew to respond quickly if a battery has a problem.
- Battery Size (Watt-hours): The rules also depend on the battery’s power, measured in Watt-hours (Wh).
- Under 100 Wh: Most drill batteries are in this range (e.g., 18V or 20V batteries are usually 40-80 Wh). You can bring as many of these as you need for personal use.
- 100-160 Wh: These are larger, professional-grade batteries. You can bring them, but you need airline approval first. You are usually limited to two spare batteries per person.
- Over 160 Wh: These batteries are forbidden on passenger aircraft.
Pro Tip: Not sure about your battery’s Watt-hours? It’s usually printed on the battery itself. If not, you can calculate it: Volts (V) x Amp-hours (Ah) = Watt-hours (Wh). For example, a 20-Volt, 4.0 Ah battery is 80 Wh.
How to Pack Your Drill for a Flight: A 4-Step Guide
Ready to pack? Follow these simple steps for a smooth trip through the airport.
Step 1: Separate the Battery from the Drill
The very first thing you should do is remove the battery from your drill. This is the most important step. Place the battery to the side to be packed in your carry-on later.
Step 2: Pack the Drill Body, Charger, and Bits in Checked Luggage
Take the drill body, the battery charger, and any drill bits or other accessories. Pack them securely in the suitcase you plan to check. If you have the original hard case for your drill, this is the best option. It provides excellent protection. If you don’t, wrap the drill in soft clothes like sweaters or towels to prevent it from getting damaged.
Step 3: Safely Pack the Batteries in Your Carry-On Bag
Now, take the batteries you set aside. You need to protect them from short-circuiting. This means the metal contacts on the battery should not touch other metal items like keys, coins, or jewelry.
Here are the best ways to do this:
- Keep the batteries in their original retail packaging if you still have it.
- Place electrical tape over the battery’s metal terminals.
- Put each battery in its own separate plastic bag or a protective pouch.
- Use a special battery case designed for travel.
Once protected, place the batteries inside your carry-on backpack or roller bag.
Step 4: Check with Your Airline for International Flights or Large Batteries
If you are flying internationally or carrying large batteries (100-160 Wh), it is a good idea to check with your airline ahead of time. Different countries and airlines can have slightly different rules. A quick look at their website or a call to customer service can save you a lot of time and trouble later.
For more details on international rules, you can check the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines.
What About Other Tools?
The same general rules apply to most other tools. Here’s a quick guide:
- Screwdrivers, Wrenches, Pliers: If they are longer than 7 inches when measured end-to-end, they must be in your checked bag. Smaller ones may be allowed in carry-on, but it’s safer to check them.
- Hammers, Saws, Crowbars: These are always prohibited from carry-on bags. They must be in checked luggage.
- Measuring Tapes: These are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
When in doubt, the best advice is to visit the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool on their website. You can type in any item and get an immediate answer.
Conclusion: Fly with Confidence
So, can you bring a drill on a plane? Absolutely! You just need to pack it correctly.
Remember these three key takeaways:
- Drill Body & Accessories: Pack these in your checked luggage.
- Drill Batteries: Pack these in your carry-on bag, with the terminals protected.
- When in Doubt: Check the official TSA website or ask your airline.
Flying with your tools doesn’t have to be a hassle. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your drill arrives safely with you, ready for whatever project awaits. Now you can pack with confidence and focus on your trip, not on airport security worries. For more travel tips, check out our other packing guides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I bring a cordless drill in my carry-on bag?
No. The TSA prohibits power tools like cordless drills in carry-on luggage. The drill body and any drill bits must be placed in your checked bag.
2. Where do I pack my drill bits?
Drill bits must be packed in your checked luggage. Because they are sharp, they are not allowed in the cabin of the plane.
3. Do I have to take the battery out of the drill?
Yes, this is the best and safest practice. While some rules might allow a battery to be installed, removing it and placing it in your carry-on is the clearest way to follow all safety regulations and avoid any confusion at the airport.
4. How many spare drill batteries can I bring?
For most standard drill batteries (under 100 Wh), you can bring a reasonable quantity for personal use in your carry-on. If your batteries are larger (100-160 Wh), you are limited to two spare batteries and you must get airline approval first.
5. What happens if I accidentally pack my drill in my carry-on?
If the TSA finds a drill in your carry-on bag during the security screening, they will not allow it through the checkpoint. You will be given the option to put it in a checked bag (if possible), give it to someone who is not traveling, mail it to your destination, or surrender it to the TSA.
6. Are the rules different for international flights?
The basic principles (drill in checked, batteries in carry-on) are generally the same worldwide because they are based on international safety standards. However, specific quantity limits or airline policies can vary. It is always best to check the rules of your airline and the airport authority in your destination country before you fly.
7. Can I bring a small, hand-powered drill on the plane?
A small, non-powered hand drill (like a pin vise or brace) might be allowed if it’s less than 7 inches long and doesn’t have sharp, exposed parts. However, the final decision is up to the TSA officer. To be safe, it’s always recommended to pack any type of drill in your checked luggage.
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