Flying and Lockpicks - Updated rules?

[digital_blue]

I don't see what all the fuss is about here. I just can't imagine why it would be necessary to bring pick tools as a carry-on item. I could see why we might be put off if these items were not allowed in our checked luggage, but why would it be important to have these items reachable to us while onboard the plane?

I've travelled with pick tools myself, but I have *always* put them in my checked luggage. It hasn't come up yet, but if I was traveling a short distance with the intention to return that day, thus only intending to travel with carry-on, I would either make the choice to leave the tools at home, or check a small bag which included my picks.

The few times I've ever travelled with picks, I've never been given any grief at all about them, but they were tucked safely in my suitcase.

db

[Keyring]

but why would it be important to have these items reachable to us while onboard the plane?

You know I had a funny picture in my mind when you said this. I remember when I used to fly privately, praying on a commercial flight for that request over the announcement system "Is there anyone on-board who can fly a plane?". (We've all seen the movies...)

Well imagine, "Uh, is there anyone who can fly a plane, and also pick the lock to get into the cockpit?" The flying locksmith's dream come true?

[vector40]

The obvious reason you'd want them in your carry-on is so you could pick to pass the time. Though maybe carrying practice cylinders would be frowned upon; those things are pretty dense.

[SpaceCow]

Another reason would be to save time and not check in any baggage.

[digital_blue]

Another reason would be to save time and not check in any baggage.

Yes, I can understand that, but as I said, if the picks are THAT important that they can't be left at home, I'd think it'd be important enough to warrant checking a small bag.

db

[wraith]

Yes, I can understand that, but as I said, if the picks are THAT important that they can't be left at home, I'd think it'd be important enough to warrant checking a small bag.

db

Or a small box? Or possibly a set that attaches to your keychain?

Trey

[zeke79]

Yes, I can understand that, but as I said, if the picks are THAT important that they can't be left at home, I'd think it'd be important enough to warrant checking a small bag.

db

Or a small box? Or possibly a set that attaches to your keychain?

Trey

Attatching anything to your keychain is a bad idea. I had to fight to keep my wooden keychain which is just a 4"x1/2" hardwood dowel like item. The lady at the airport said it could be used as a weapon. I argued and her boss let me through with it. Just for the record, she was right .

BTW, this was before 9/11. I would not attempt the same thing now .

[wraith]

Attatching anything to your keychain is a bad idea. I had to fight to keep my wooden keychain which is just a 4"x1/2" hardwood dowel like item. The lady at the airport said it could be used as a weapon. I argued and her boss let me through with it. Just for the record, she was right

That sounds like a Kubaton...

Trey

[illusion]

Kubaton... you use those to strengthen your fist I think by holding it.

If I remember correctly you can get metal ones with pointed edges to strike preasure points

[zeke79]

[vector40]

Keychains are an old standby for carrying "weapons," kubatons being popular. Nobody's really fooled anymore.

[Dent]

Reasons:

1: I hate checking bags and avoid if I can

2: I'm a magician as previously mentioned and these go in my close-up case, cant check that and I want to make sure that I'm not stuck without picks due to them messing up my baggage

3: Had a few practice cynlinders and wanted to pass the time on the long flight.

4: I know they are a legit item and as a tax paying, law abiding citizen I'm stubborn and if I know they are legit to carry, I'm going to carry them.

As i've said, every single other time I've flown(inlcuding the outbound flight to vegas on this trip) the guards have been fine with it sometimes even asking to see some magic (in the same case as picks) or see a deadbolt picked...

I was just extremely suprised that this time they made an issue of it, especially after talking to to a manager.

As far as using them as stabbing weapons, I'd like to point out that they had no problem with me bringing about a dozen stainless steel forks on board, all which could easily be bent into stabbing devices on the tip(think fan of 4 or just 3 bent down) and the handle into a good weapon handle that will stick in your hand.

I know I could do a heck of a lot more damage with my forks than my picks...(forks are for magic effect)


Another question, is does anyone know what type of locks they have on cockpits?

[wraith]

I know I could do a heck of a lot more damage with my forks than my picks...(forks are for magic effect)

Yes, but what can you do with a spoon?

Dent, i'm with you about being stubborn at airports.

2 years ago, when I went to FL for a vacation. I took my metal compass, as I was drawing a tattoo at the time. This was a $40, profesional compass that was given to me as a gift more than 15 years ago. The security gaurd made me throw it away because he claimed if he confiscated it, I would have 24 hours to pick it up.

An hour later I was chatting to an old PD buddy and asked about the compass. My buddy told me the gaurd was full of something, and we went to get my compass back. Unfortunately, the trash had already been picked up...

Nice thing, he was fired, and the security company sent me a check for $50. I still miss my compass...

Trey

[DrStu]

Kubaton... you use those to strengthen your fist I think by holding it. If I remember correctly you can get metal ones with pointed edges to strike preasure points

Kubaton's are not designed to be impact weapons. The things you are talking about with points are not technicaly Kubaton's. Kubaton's are used for Joint Locks and Takedowns relying on pain compliance to control your suspect. A good solid cross type pen or a mini mag lite works just as well and does not attract as much attention.

[illusion]

I must admit I'm more at home with a broadsword, or a straightsword...

never trained with Kubatons so I can't say anything for definate, and the ones with the points I saw on some site selling junk... there is a book
written especialy for these weapons, the guy modified his by adding starps to his so they were attached to his hands and he was free to grapple and the like.