Customs/International travel questions.

by **datagram** » 26 Oct 2005 4:05

I am going on a bit of a trip in a few days, and also wanted to bring my picks along to help out a friend of mine who is a beginner with lockpicking. I will be taking a plane to my destination. With the strict laws being tightened all over as to what you can and cannot bring with you, what would happen if I tried to take a set of picks with me in my luggage to wherever I was going? Would it be flagged by the scanner, by customs? Would it be confiscated? I am not a "bonafide" locksmith, if that is an issue.

I'm just looking to be informed on the rule so that I don't get detained or have my belongings confiscated. Any help on this issue would be appreciated.

by **chopitup** » 26 Oct 2005 4:19

I've brought mine through on checked luggage, but I wouldn't try carry-ons. TSA inspected my bag, but didn't mess with my picks. I'm not sure how customs would handle it, but my guess is you could probably talk your way out of trouble. Just don't try to bring it on the plane itself, as they currently find nail-clippers threatening. That being said, if it's your heart and soul and you would be crushed to lose it, don't risk it.

by **Chrispy** » 26 Oct 2005 4:31

Don't even think about taking them in your carry-on. In your checked baggage should be fine.

by **toomush2drink** » 26 Oct 2005 7:06

It depends where you are travelling to and local laws i would think. How about you fill in your profile so we have half a chance of answering your question successfully.I mean say you are travelling to a middle eastern country it may not go down too well and you could be accused of all sorts of things.

by **Chrispy** » 26 Oct 2005 7:17

toomush2drink wrote:...say you are travelling to a middle eastern country it may not go down too well and you could be accused of all sorts of things.

Oooooohhh..... that wouldn't be good.....

by **Dimmy Locks** » 26 Oct 2005 7:28

I thought half the fun so many of you pickers got, was making your own tools from sticky backed plastic egg cartons and toilet rolls? Keep your prized jewels at home, and make new ones with your friend when you get there. Twice the fun AND s/he gets the buzz of picking their 1st lock with their 1st home made picks. How cool will you look having taught them how to do that eh?

I can see some countries not only confiscating such tools at customs, but, people have lost their liberty, their hands or their heads over carrying far less "sensitive" objects.

BTW, can you imagine if customs did find something they didnt like in your luggage? Big burly bloke approaches you as he is putting on a rubber glove........... <shudders>

by **raimundo** » 26 Oct 2005 9:29

If your proficient at pickmaking, you should never carry picks over a border, you can always make some up on the other side.

by **emm** » 26 Oct 2005 16:44

Here is an excerpt from the Montana Legislature:

45-6-205. Possession of burglary tools. (1) A person commits the offense of possession of burglary tools when he knowingly possesses any key, tool, instrument, device, or explosive suitable for breaking into an occupied structure or vehicle or any depository designed for the safekeeping of property or any part thereof with the purpose to commit an offense therewith.
(2) A person convicted of possession of burglary tools shall be fined not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for any term not to exceed 6 months, or both.

I know so many people that had problems flying into the US, that I wouldnt risk something like that. i.e. refused entry because of posession of steel cap boots, or confiscated undeveloped photo film (on US exit)....

If you look exotic and/or you have a beard, they might charge you with terrorist activities

References:
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/45/6/45-6-205.htm
http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/13/01505.htm
type burglary tools in http://www.google.com

again...check local laws.

by **SFGOON** » 26 Oct 2005 19:28

I don't risk my tools, I carry them in my briefcase when I travel. They're craftman's tools, they're not dangerous, and at least in the US, you have ev ery right to possess them and don't have to explain anything to anybody without probable cause.

But you should probably keep them in your checked luggage if you want to avoid trouble, and I'm sort of a nut who insists on keeping his sidearm and picks with him when he goes to say, get his mail. I should seek help

by **Dimmy Locks** » 26 Oct 2005 19:33

SFGOON wrote: I'm sort of a nut who insists on keeping his sidearm and picks with him when he goes to say, get his mail. I should seek help

There's just some types of people you just know you dont want moving in next door

<gggg>

by **digital_blue** » 26 Oct 2005 20:16

Dimmy Locks wrote:
SFGOON wrote: I'm sort of a nut who insists on keeping his sidearm and picks with him when he goes to say, get his mail. I should seek help

There's just some types of people you just know you dont want moving in next door

<gggg>

ROFL!!!

by **Chrispy** » 27 Oct 2005 0:16

Dimmy Locks wrote:
SFGOON wrote: I'm sort of a nut who insists on keeping his sidearm and picks with him when he goes to say, get his mail. I should seek help

There's just some types of people you just know you dont want moving in next door

<gggg>

Hehe.

I dunno. wouldn't you feel safer with GOON around? I know I would. :wink:

by **DaemonLee** » 27 Oct 2005 0:21

I would feel safer with Goon around, if I slept with Kevlar on.

by **SFGOON** » 27 Oct 2005 7:10

Hey hey! I'm a great neighbor! I bring good food to the block BBQ, I don't play my music too loud or anything like that, and if you DO see my sidearm ever, it'll only be for a split second...

Believe me :twisted:

by **SFGOON** » 27 Oct 2005 7:12

Oh, and Daemon, look where you live, then look where I live

Customs/International travel questions.

Customs/International travel questions.

pickmaking

Who is online