Sorry to everyone, I know there was a thread on this a while back, but I can’t find it with the advanced search (That’s a side thread…I can’t get good results from it–any tips?).
I’ll be leaving next Saturday for New Mexico to help a friend build a log cabin. Most of our old crew is heading out there, and the 3 of us that are leaving Saturday are just responsible to bring our hand tools (stuff we normally have in our bags).
I don’t think anything I’m bringing is particularly fragile, but do you have any tips for packing up my tools safely (checked bags on Southwest), bags, locks, etc? Anything I need to know prior to attempting to check them?
Thanks in advance.
Replies
here's what I did. I called the airline to find out what the size and weight restictions were. I then built a box to their size specs, that had sliding compartments, and could hold up to 3 skill saws along with a bunch of other stuff. I put wheels on it so i could roll it thru the airport. worked out great! you would not belive how many positive comments I got about the box from the air line staff, both going there and coming back!
I ended up being slightly over weight and ended up having to put one of the skill saws in a suit case along with my sawzall.
also, I now use the box everyday to keep tools in, and if need to fly somewhere I'm ready to go :)
Edited 7/27/2007 2:12 am by alrightythen
A little late, but when I was investigating this a couple of years back, someone pointed out a site that sold some halfway reasonably priced plastic cases that were lockable and rugged enough to be used as checked baggage.
But if it's just tool pouch tools, pad them well and stick them in your checked luggage with your clothing. Try to distribute the weight evenly, though more towards the bottom. Keep the per-bag weight below 45 pounds or so.
Do lock the bags (with an "approved" lock) or use tamper-evident seals. (Actually, you should probably do both.)
You can't lock bags anymore on US flights.
Yes you can. You just have to use an "approved" lock (one that's easily picked).
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
"one that's easily picked"They don't want the baggage handlers to take too much time picking the locks, it could keep them from robbing enough passengers.If you used a good lock, I'm sure they have bolt cutters that would handle any lock that would fit on luggage.
There are now TSA approved locks with a TSA universal key number on the bottom. I have a few I don't think you would need bolt cutters a cheap pair of pliers would do-it. I also love zip ties for that sort of thing.
Bright, florescent colored zip ties not only keep the zipper secure, but its easy to spot my bag among all the other black luggage...buic
I prefer a big X on the side with colored electrical tape.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Isn't that the mark the bomb squad puts on it just before they blow it up??? buic
Whereabouts in New Mexico?
I'm a NM refugee.
I'm not sure where it is, aside from close to the CO border. Actually, you have to go into CO and back down to get into this place. I guess it's 2-3 hours from Santa Fe, but I can't remember what forest it's in.I just figured it's an opportunity I didn't want to pass up.
OK, I'm back, and it's right up and kissing the CO border, almost right in the middle of the state. Actually, the nearest town of any real size is Antonito, CO. We were about 20-30 minutes down a forest road, and then another 30-40 minutes down a rough dirt road from there.The Rio de los Pinos ran just behind the cabin, with the Cumbres/Toltec Railroad on the mountain in front of us.
I've been in the area, awesome country.
In the middle of nowhere, for sure.
Check out tthis site- http://www.stormcase.com.
I travel with tools on almost a weekly basis and these are nearly indestructible. The handle and wheel set up make it ideal for whipping through any airport.
I travel with my tools 5-6 times per year.
I just load them in a suitcase, and go. Standard stuff. Tape, chisel, hammer, speedsquare, toolbelt, and all the other usual stuff.
I've never locked them, or weighed them, and never had a problem.
I ship power tools with the casework.
It's not too late, it's never too late.
That's a good thing to hear.I was sort of hoping to pack up a day in advance, but I think work is going to keep me too busy. All things considered, I figure that's not a bad problem to have.I just found some of those TSA locks, and they look so puny you could bite through them.