Two questions about shears

[bkotheimer]

Like many others, I'm chasing that elusive "carry on only" configuration for dive travel. Without starting yet another thread on the larger topic, I had 2 quick questions about shears (like EMS style shears):

1. Are they allowing these as carry-on items lately?*
2. Can you cut through thick 2" webbing (like BP/W stuff) with a pair of these?

*optional followup question: If no to #1, is there a make/model that won't set off a metal detector? ;-)

 

[fireflock]

#1 - don't know

#2 - yes

 

[Dirty-Dog]

I think you can still carry on EMT sheers. Given that TSA rules seem to change every 12 minutes, and have no basis in sanity, this may well be wrong.
Cutting wise... I've cut through seatbelts, race car harnesses (which are much tougher), leather work boots, zippers, jewelry... there will be no difficulty cutting through a harness.

 

[robint]

I have some but only take them with me when diving lakes where I might run into fishing line. I never take them on tropical dive trips.

 

[diver 85]

Where are you heading??? ie---2 weeks ago in Cozumel(more so than in the past), they were really stressing NO gloves & knives/shears allowed inside the marine park.....now, on the east side was no problem(out of the park there)........I find most places come & go on these policies, seems like CZM is on the come thingy now...

EDIT:---not saying if you don't say anything & stick them in a BC pocket you'll be OK(just don't tell a lot of people, lol)

 

[knotical]

Right now,
TSA: Prohibited Items
says scissors with sharp points and up to 4-inch blades are allowed in carryon.
EMT shears typically do not have sharp points. So presumably they would be allowed.
Subject to change in 12 minutes.

 

[idocsteve]

I'm surprised that these items would be allowed as carry ons, especially since everything from screwdrivers to nail clippers have been confiscated at one time or another by airport security

I wouldn't risk losing a vital piece of dive gear to the "airport collections bin" by trying to bring it onboard. Throw the shears in your checked luggage and forget about it.

 

[Aspendiver]

Just went to the Bahamas in January with shears in carry-on, and no checked luggage. No questions or problems.

For me, they're not "vital", and at less than $10, worth the risk.

 

[Jay_SMART_Diver]

I am a paramedic and have a small fanny pack/first aid kit that I always have in my carry-on with a pocket mask and a pair of trauma shears, for the past few years and never had a problem.
Trauma Shears can cut a penny in half, I think I even made it through a quarter once.

Shears are cheap try:
Galls $3.99
Moore Medical
Heres some for a Buck 60 at Boundtree

 

[Damselfish]

It's a crapshoot. Better to check them, but if you manage to go the all carry-on route just accept you may lose them, and be happy if you don't.

I find it handy to have scissors when traveling in general and bought a pair of kids scissors with decent but short rounded blades for that purpose. Almost lost even those one of the few times I tried them in carryon.

I keep a pair of nail clippers in an outside pocket of my checked bag for removing nylon ties, a pair that has no file even though I believe that's not supposed to be a problem now. Apparently not finding a file to break off for the heck of it, they once simply broke the clippers into pieces.

<rant>I just came back from a trip (domestic) last night. My checked bag was searched on the way out and they took my new luggage scale, which I didn't even get to use yet. So you just never know what will go missing.</rant>