U.S. TSA / FAA Rules · Updated October 4, 2026

Can You Bring Power Tools on a Plane?

Power tools must be checked. The 7-inch carry-on allowance is for eligible hand tools, not small power tools. Drills and drill bits are checked-only. Spare lithium batteries stay in the cabin, within battery limits and protected from short circuit.

Power tools: no carry-onChecked: YES

The rules

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Every tool, one look

Tool or battery	Carry-on	Checked	The rule
Drills & drill bits	No	Yes	Checked only, per TSA
Saws (circular, reciprocating)	No	Yes	Checked baggage
Sander, grinder	No	Yes	Checked baggage
Any tool over 7 inches	No	Yes	Measure end to end when assembled; checked only
Eligible hand tool 7 in or shorter	Yes	Yes	May carry on; not a power tool or otherwise prohibited item; TSA has final discretion
Spare lithium tool battery	Yes	No	Cabin only; protect terminals. Up to 100Wh normally; over 100–160Wh requires airline approval, max two spares

The official word

Straight from TSA

“Power tools must be packed in checked bags, including drills and drill bits.”

TSA What Can I Bring, Power Tools · official indexed guidance checked October 3, 2026

Before the checkpoint

Three calls that matter

Will it pass in carry-on?

Power tools, drills, drill bits, saws and tools longer than 7 inches must be checked. Eligible hand tools 7 inches or shorter may pass; officers make the final screening decision.

Where does it go?

Check power tools, drills and drill bits. Sheath or securely wrap sharp parts to protect handlers. Fuel-powered equipment has separate restrictions; equipment containing residual fuel or vapors cannot travel in passenger baggage.

Battery split

A checked cordless tool must be fully off and protected from damage and accidental activation, within battery limits. FAA recommends removing its battery, packing the protected battery in carry-on and checking the tool. Do not bring damaged or recalled batteries that could spark or overheat.

Pack-it tip: a hard tool case padded inside a checked bag keeps bits from shifting and puncturing. More in the gear library.

FAQ

Quick answers

Can you bring power tools in carry-on?

No. Power tools, including drills and drill bits, must be checked. The 7-inch rule applies to eligible hand tools measured end to end when assembled, not small power tools. TSA makes the final checkpoint decision.

Do drills have to go in checked baggage?

Yes. TSA prohibits drills and drill bits in carry-on bags; they must be packed in checked baggage.

How are cordless tool batteries handled?

FAA recommends removing the battery, carrying it in the cabin with short-circuit protection, and checking the tool. An installed battery may remain in a checked tool only when it meets the battery limits and the tool is fully off and protected from activation and damage. Lithium-ion batteries up to 100Wh normally qualify; over 100–160Wh needs airline approval, with a maximum of two spares. Airlines may be stricter.

What is the 7-inch tool rule?

Tools longer than 7 inches, measured end to end when assembled, must be checked. Eligible hand tools 7 inches or shorter may be carried on; power tools and other prohibited items remain checked-only regardless of their small size.

U.S. guidance checked October 3, 2026: TSA, What Can I Bring · FAA PackSafe, power tools and batteries. Rules change; confirm before you fly.

Keep reading

Carry-on essentials

Every tool, one look

Straight from TSA

Three calls that matter

Quick answers

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