Travelling with tools: what goes in carry-on and what does not

Multitools and airport security have a complicated relationship, and the rules change by country and sometimes by officer. This guide gives the general pattern; always check the current rules for the countries you are flying through before you pack.

The general pattern

• Blades: checked baggage, almost everywhere. That includes box-cutter and knife bits.
• Hammering surfaces and anything that looks like a hammer: checked.
• Screwdrivers: many authorities allow short screwdrivers (often under about 7 inches / 18 cm) in carry-on, but not all, and the officer decides on the day.
• Bits: usually fine, unless one of them is a blade.

What that means for Kelvin tools

The Kelvin 36 and 36 SL include a knife or box-cutter bit and a hammering surface, so they travel in checked baggage, full stop. The Kelvin 23 and Kelvin 17 have hammering surfaces, so the same applies. Our FAQ says it plainly: anything with a blade, a box-cutter bit or a hammering surface belongs in checked baggage.

The tools that tend to travel

The Retractor Mini and the Kelvin 07 spinner are small screwdrivers with no blade, which puts them in the category many authorities allow in carry-on. "Tend to" is the operative phrase. If losing it at security would ruin your day, check it.

The Kelvin 8 and power banks

The Kelvin 8 contains a 2000 mAh power bank. Lithium batteries generally must travel in carry-on, not checked, while the window breaker and seatbelt cutter raise questions at screening. Our advice is that the Kelvin 8 is a car tool, and the car is where it should stay.

Packing tips

1. Put tools in checked baggage inside a case or pouch so bits do not scatter.
2. Keep the bits with the tool; a loose box-cutter bit in a carry-on pocket is the classic way to lose it.
3. If you are only travelling with carry-on, take the Mini or the 07 and leave the multitool at home.
4. Check the rules for the return trip too; they can differ.

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