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Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 19 Mar 2014
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Italy and Russia
Posts: 29
fly with motorbike tools in the Usa

Hello guys , me and wife are going to fly in the Usa for start our adventures north and south

We will buy a bike over there so i can't put tools with the bike.

I read in this website that is possible or should be
Prohibited Items | Transportation Security Administration

Tools

Item Carry-on? Checked?
Axes and Hatchets NO OK
Cattle Prods NO OK
Crowbars NO OK
Hammers NO OK
Drills and drill bits (including cordless portable power drills) NO OK
Saws (including cordless portable power saws) NO OK
Tools (greater than seven inches in length) NO OK
Wrenches/Pliers/Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length) OK OK
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.

there is not of course all the list of all tools

Do u have any feedback about entering in the Usa with tools ?

U know i love my tools and would be stupid buy in the Usa other tools also because good tools are quite expensive.
Also would be even more stupid get them confiscate at the airport as I know in the Usa are bit sensitive about this stuff.

Obviously i will put them in the check in bags in proper tool box

That is why I'm asking if u have any feedback about it

Cheers Teo
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  #2  
Old 19 Mar 2014
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Posts: 377
With your clothes and riding gear a big amount of tools is unnecessary! Heavy tools may take you over the baggage limit! You can take tools in your checked luggage without any problems at all but excess baggage charges are very expensive!

The other thing is, reasonable quality tools in the USA are very well priced, this is where I bought mine for under $50 see for yourself ;-)

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977#

I have travelled far and wide including the USA, Europe, the UK and Australia with a set of ratchet spanners, Allen keys, chain breaker, a few small sockets, Tbar, pliers and 2 screwdrivers in my checked luggage, I never needed more and I never had a problem.

Good luck with it and happy travels, Dave
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  #3  
Old 19 Mar 2014
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I'm not sure I understand the original question. OP, you've already got answers to what you're allowed to bring in checked baggage (most stuff) and what you can't bring in carry-on (most stuff). So….bring whatever you want in your checked baggage and quit worrying about it.

If what you're asking is "Is this worthwhile," the answer is largely no, of course not. Don't bring a hammer, a crowbar, an axe, drill, or saw. Don't bring a cattle prod either unless you're planning to herd a lot of cattle…and even then. Bring a little kit of necessary tools.

As far as "quality tools," Harbor Freight sells Chinese junk which might satisfy you or not, depending on your personal standards and the sort of repair/maintenance you wish to do. Most stuff will be cheaper in the USA, but tools built to European watchmaker standards can be harder to find. Plus there's something to be said for hitting the road without spending a lot of time chasing around unfamiliar cities buying gear.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
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  #4  
Old 19 Mar 2014
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We flew with all our tools and spares out of the USA no problem. We didn't have a ton of tools and kept well under the weight limit. Besides, if you max out the scale, you will likely max out the load for your rack.
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  #5  
Old 20 Mar 2014
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Hi Teo:

As others have suggested, it would probably make more sense for you to purchase tools once you are in the United States, rather than bringing tools with you.

Because you have not yet purchased your motorcycle, you won't be able to determine (before leaving home) what tools are appropriate to bring. As you have already determined, the Americans are absolutely fearful about allowing any item that could possibly be used as a weapon to be carried on board an aircraft. My guess is that the only hand tool they would allow on board an aircraft would be a toothbrush. That means 100% of your tools will have to travel as checked baggage, reducing the weight available to check other items such as clothing, etc.

I think you could probably purchase an appropriate quantity of reasonable quality (not top of the line, but not Chinese crap either) hand tools in the USA for $150 or so. It is also possible that the moto you purchase might come with a small toolkit... another reason to not bring any tools with you.

Keep in mind that in addition to items such as tools being generally less expensive in the USA than in Europe, the VAT in the USA is also a heck of a lot less than in Europe. The average VAT in the USA (it varies from state to state, and is called 'sales tax', rather than VAT) is about 7%.

Michael
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  #6  
Old 21 Mar 2014
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Hello Guys, thanks for the answers.

I weight my tools box and is about 5kg.

After making bags i will check if I will be underlimit or not.

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  #7  
Old 10 Apr 2014
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harbor freight hand tools are now all guaranteed for life
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