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Flying with turning tools

Kalia Kliban

Kalia Kliban

Joined
Feb 16, 2012
Messages
196
Likes
906
Location
Sebastopol, California
I don't fly with tools often, but whenever I do it's a real struggle to figure out how to pack them safely. My gouges are fixed-handle, so they're longer than my usual luggage. I have good-quality tool rolls to keep them from rattling around loose, but figuring out what to transport the tool rolls _in_ is the tricky bit. I don't fly with tools enough to make it worthwhile investing in a whole alternate set of removable-handle tools.

If you've found a duffel or other luggage item that works well for long, skinny, heavy tools, both containing them and keeping them from getting damaged, could you post either a photo or a style # here? I'd love to see what you all use.

Many thanks,
Kalia in Sebastopol, CA
 
For several years I used Craftsman behind the seat tool boxes but they only hold tools that are so long. I finally broke down and made all of my tools removeable from the handles. For wooden handles I just used a hose clamp for the ferrul. A few others I made aluminum inserts and used set screws. I know you can purchase the aluminum inserts now from a few people. I think Doug Thompson sells some. I also made a couple of handles from PVC with aluminum inserts. I now have several Thompson handles that are great. I cover the tips of my tools with Heat shrink tubing with a small piece of wood to go inside the tubing and touches and protects the tool tip. I've reached a point now where I have extra tools and may just start shipping my tools ahead instead of flying with them. TSA has damages my tool box and several other items over the years.
 
Sorry, no direct experience with tools. I once had a piece of luggage get the super security check with some blocks of wood that was suspicious to the X-ray tech. I assume your tools must be checked in. I'd use something like this if the situation would arrive. https://www.amazon.com/gp/slredirect/picassoRedirect.html/ref=pa_sp_btf_tools_sr_pg1_3?ie=UTF8&adId=A02203103MMC6DQIYLTMW&url=/Merdia-Precision-Protective-Convoluted-Case-34-05/dp/B07GGS8NM9/ref=sr_1_33_sspa?crid=3W3S3BCGV20DM&keywords=rifle+case&qid=1582227556&s=hi&sprefix=rifle+%2Ctools%2C153&sr=1-33-spons&psc=1&qualifier=1582227556&id=7388072427582970&widgetName=sp_btf
 
PVC pipe, glued cap on one end and a threaded cap on the other end for inspection. Make a handle. Pad with packing foam or cut up a moving blanket from Harbor Freight, cheap item. If you know of anyone who sews, make a roll-up case; pockets and a flap to cover the ends. Might also cover the tool ends with blue tape. If you have a business card or something to document your trip, all the better.
John's idea of shipping is good. There is a company that has a box made for shipping golf clubs to your destination. Box is marked clearly...but an invitation to thieves, IMHO.
 
Richard, flew Frankford, missed connecting flight because of security extra check of baggage.....had Peter pan creamy peanut butter and single packets of black tea in my checked bag....also crispy oats but the other items will set off alarms
 
John Torchick said:
PVC pipe, glued cap on one end and a threaded cap on the other end for inspection. Make a handle. Pad with packing foam or cut up a moving blanket from Harbor Freight, cheap item. If you know of anyone who sews, make a roll-up case; pockets and a flap to cover the ends. Might also cover the tool ends with blue tape. If you have a business card or something to document your trip, all the better.
John's idea of shipping is good. There is a company that has a box made for shipping golf clubs to your destination. Box is marked clearly...but an invitation to thieves, IMHO.
Click to expand...
Not sure flying with luggage that looks like it's filled with pipe bombs on the X-ray machine is a great idea!
 
I believe there are prior thread(s) on flying with tools on the forum. They might not exactly address your situation, but they should contain a wider range of experience and recommendations than you may get now. Try a search and see what you get.
 
Like Richard I was thinking Rifle cases but those he linked to look very thin. Look at Academy Sports or Bass Pro for better cases.
Also I like the PVC idea but then it will roll around unless you bind two or three tubes together to make somewhat flat sides. Oh use the sewer clean out caps for easy removal.
 
If it a multi demo trip I have a big pelican case I got on sale before they got expensive.

If i just need gouges for making chips in the trade show I put them in a canvas tool roll in a wheeled duffle bag.
TSA always take a look so I tape a sharp tool warning on the roll.
The tool roll always has the straps pulled tight.

I think any wheeled duffle will work. The frame for the handle gives it a solid bottom.
Tools in the tool roll are pretty indestructible as far as cargo handling is concerned.
 
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If you do a search for Club Clean Golf TeleBag Hard Case Collapsible Travel Bag, these hard case containers collapse down to 24" and have wheels on the bottom
of the case to roll it around. This hard case golf bag will extend to any size needed depending on the tools you store inside. The airports are used to seeing these
hard case golf bags with steel shaft clubs inside, turning tools would look very similar under imaging equipment.
 
I'm a professional pilot and see a lot of the luggage going on the planes. The PVC pipe thing is more common that you might think. We get a lot of fishermen up here in the great white North and a lot of them use PVC pipes to transport their expensive fly fishing rods etc. If I were to take my tools anywhere I'd roll them in a blanket/towel and stuff them in a PVC pipe and cap the ends. Drill a small hole in the end and insert an appropriate size screw. Check your individual carrier for the maximum length of an item and go from there.
 
Recalling the story of a guy who was wrestled to the floor because they thought his rod case was a rocket launcher. With all due respect to the security people, some don't have a lot of common sense. Took a sample gas IR burner on a flight to Los Angeles. When I mentioned gas, the idiot thought the burner had gas in it. Like his kitchen range came with gas or electricity?
I see these humorous photos taken at airports. One was a person who was supposedly watching the X-ray but was playing Solitaire on the computer!
 
I use this DeWalt tool box for car travel. If I was flying I would add a letter of introduction and explanation for TSA.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-28-in-12-Gal-Mobile-Tool-Box-DWST28100D/206463159

The box is advertised as 28", the inside reality is 24" at the bottom and 25" plus at the mid depth.

This is the longest wheeled box I could find for retail sale, and the only thing I will bring to an airport that is not on wheels is people.
 
When I take my electric guitar with me flying, they always think it is a gun.... Case is identical. There should be some sort of hard shell plastic case with foam interior, or maybe find the case and make your own...

robo hippy
 
I wrap mine in canvass. I also add a big note inside a plastic sleeve that says “dear TSA agent, I'm a professional traveling woodturner, super sharp tool are inside this case" I also add my name and cell number. Got this idea from Andy Cole.
 
Kalia Kliban said:
I don't fly with tools often, but whenever I do it's a real struggle to figure out how to pack them safely. My gouges are fixed-handle, so they're longer than my usual luggage. I have good-quality tool rolls to keep them from rattling around loose, but figuring out what to transport the tool rolls _in_ is the tricky bit. I don't fly with tools enough to make it worthwhile investing in a whole alternate set of removable-handle tools.

If you've found a duffel or other luggage item that works well for long, skinny, heavy tools, both containing them and keeping them from getting damaged, could you post either a photo or a style # here? I'd love to see what you all use.

Many thanks,
Kalia in Sebastopol, CA
Click to expand...

Hi Kalia,

Have a look at this: https://www.globalgolf.com/golf-bags/1026417-golf-travel-bags-guardian-travel/?_abt=b

It's hardshelled, has wheels and a drag handle, and is designed to carry for some significant weight. It's just the first one I hit in the search, so there are many more options out there.
 
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