Loose wheels on my bags, broken handles, and random pieces of airplane poking me in tender places; these are just a few of the problems I’ve had while traveling that required some sort of tool to repair. Because of these experiences, I prefer to have at least a simple set of tools with me wherever I am, as much as I can. That includes being ready to take care of the little things when I travel. For that, I need a TSA approved multi-tool.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Prohibited Items
The TSA website clearly lists the items that are prohibited, either on-board an aircraft or in your checked luggage. A review of this list reveals that, for the purposes of this article, the real issue is blades and cutting tools. So, our tool choices must not have knife or razor blades. Luckily, the list of choices without blades continues to grow. These tools are, in my opinion, the best TSA approved multi-tools available for air travel today.
Swiss Army Knives
The classic Swiss Army knife, built by Victorinox and/or Wenger, has always been a go-to choice for good quality, compact tool sets. As much as I love these multi-tools, the choices are limited when it comes to bladeless tools.
The Swiss Army Jetsetter 3 is a small keychain tool with six real functions:
- scissors
- bottle opener
- magnetic Phillips screwdriver
- wire stripper
- tweezers
- toothpick
The scissors is adequate for small tasks like cutting paper, but that’s about all. The Phillips screwdriver is too small for most screws and the wire stripper is difficult to use. Basically, you have a scissors and a bottle opener with a tweezers and toothpick. This is great if that’s all you need, but for $20, I think there are better options.
The Wenger Air Traveler has been retired, but can still be found on Amazon for under $20. In my opinion, the tool set here has much better options than the Jetsetter:
- fine screwdriver that works well on eye glasses
- nail file (I always need a nail file!) that could also be used as a Phillips screwdriver in a pinch
- scissors – the same size, but more robust than the one on the Jetsetter
- tweezers
- toothpick
For a little less than the Jetsetter, I recommend the Air Traveler, while they are still available, if this is the kind of tool you need.
Specialty Multi-tools
The recent popularity of keychain tools in the preparedness community has spawned a couple of interesting tool options for air travelers. Two that I find quite useful are the CRKT Get-A-Way driver and the True Utility FIXR.
The CRKT Get-A-Way driver is a small, compact bit driver that comes with two flat and two Phillips bits and includes a small flashlight and a bottle opener. The tool can be used as both a standard bit driver or an angle (T-handle) driver. It will also accept most 1/4 inch bits, like those found in most bit kits, so its capability is quite expandable. Watch this short video from the manufacturer about the tool for a better look.
The True Utility FIXR is advertised as having 20 different functions. You’ll need to remove the razor blade to make it TSA-friendly, but that still leaves quite a bit of functionality in a very small package. Some of those functions are:
- at least 4 screwdrivers
- nail pick
- pry bar
- ruler
- nail file
- wire stripper (same style as the Jetsetter)
- box opener
- sockets for 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/16, and 9/16 nuts
- carabiner that can also open bottles
Additionally, you can use the 1/4 inch nut driver to hold almost any 1/4 inch bit which, again, increases the functionality of the tool. For more, watch this cute video about the tool.
Both of these tools surprised me. I loved the sturdiness and functionality of the Get-A-Way driver and was surprised at the number of use-able tools included in such a small device as the FIXR. Either of these could be a good option, especially when traveling, to provide a small, useful set of tools.
Standard Multi-tools
The world of multi-tools is massive, but there are currently only two good options for air travelers, in my opinion; the Leatherman Style PS and the Gerber MP600 Bladeless.
The Leatherman Style PS is a keychain-sized tool with several functions:
- pliers
- wire cutter
- scissors
- nail file and pick
- tweezers
- carabiner with bottle opener (because there must always be a bottle opener on a keychain-sized tool!)
With a price tag around $30, this tool is, possibly, the best option for those who want to have a good set of small pliers handy when they travel. Combined with the Get-A-Way driver, the Style PS makes a great little tool kit for air travel.
If a full-sized multi-tool is what you need, the best (and only) bladeless option is currently the Gerber MP600 Bladeless. The name is actually a bit of a misnomer because there is a blade included, just not the kind we’re used to seeing. The MP600 comes with a “grit saw” which is, essentially, a jigsaw blade with a sandpaper-like material where the saw teeth would ordinarily be. I know some who keep this “blade” in the tool without issues at TSA checkpoints, but I’ve chosen to simply remove it to be sure there are no questions.
At just under $50, this single tool provides
- a full size needle nose / regular pliers with wire cutters
- both regular and Phillips screwdrivers in different sizes
- scissors
- coarse and fine files
- can opener
- bottle opener (surprise!)
All of the basic tools I may need while traveling in one compact package. One of my favorite YouTube channels did a good video on the MP600 during a trip to Alaska.
UPDATE: TSA’s rules say that no tool may be over 7 inches in length. I lost my MP600 to a TSA agent that managed to unfold it to a length that exceeded the 7 inch rule. The fact that it would be physically impossible to use the tool in that configuration was, evidently, irrelevant. My advice is to stick with the Style PS, described above, if you want a pliers in your tool kit.
Each of these tools has its place and, depending on your needs, can be a great addition to your carry-on bag. If you’ve been looking for some good tool options to carry with you, these tools offer great value. If this isn’t something you’ve considered before, give one of these a try. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll use these tools, when you have them with you.
A quick comment on dealing with TSA
I have, at one time or another, carried almost all of the tools discussed here through a TSA checkpoint. In the process of doing that, I’ve learned one thing that must happen to shorten your time at the checkpoint…
Take any tool you are carrying out of your bag and put it in a separate bin (opened if necessary) for inspection, before going through the metal detector/x-ray station.
Alert the scanner attendant that the tool is yours and that it is bladeless. I tend to just repeat, “That tool is mine and it is bladeless.” In the case of the MP600, I’ve also learned to open the pliers end so that they can inspect it. You would be amazed how many of these front-line TSA officers can’t open a multi-tool and, even worse, how many think all tools are prohibited.
Stay calm, remember the phrase, “It’s bladeless” and ask for a supervisor if necessary. Taking the tool out of the bag allows them to focus on the tool rather than destroying your carefully packed bag to find a “suspicious” item.
Once they return your property to you, grab a cup of coffee or a bottle of water and settle down to enjoy the rest of your trip!
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