CROWDFUNDING NEWS – If you like to carry the most basic tools with you when you’re on the go, you need to take a look at the Urbanix multi-function tool, which is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. You may have seen similar carabiner-style tools in the past, but this one has to be the smallest one that I’ve seen before. This tool is tiny enough to fit on your keychain but still offers some handy tools for quick DIY tasks.
What is it?
The Urbanix is a miniature multi-tool made of durable CNC-machined TC4 titanium. The built-in tools include:
- Blade (small enough that it’s TSA-compliant)
- Flat screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Bottle opener
- 3 Hex wrenches (4, 6, and 7 millimeters)
Why do I like it?
I like the Urbanix because it’s small enough to clip to a keychain, a belt loop, or just to carry in your pocket. The best tool is the one you have with you, and this little multi-tool can solve problems or fix issues on the fly when you don’t want to carry a full-sized multi-tool.
Where can I find more info?
The Urbanix campaign ends on 02/08/24, and they have already met their modest funding goal of $639. You can pre-order an Urbanix starting at $31. After the Urbanix campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in April 2024. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
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There is no such thing as a TSA compliant blade anymore. I hade a keychain multi-tool that got confiscated for having a recessed 2/16″ blade. When I mentioned the TSA compliancy they said that I couldn’t go any further in the airport with ANY blade.
Agree about the blade issue. TSA supervisor told me that a sharp edge is not allowed, even the not-sharp “blade” on a corkscrew! Now my corkscrew has a wheeled foil cutter and the corkscrew is TSA compliant! (No logic here.) Maybe TSA will not see the blade but if they do wave it bye-bye.
Interesting… When did TSA change their rules?
Hello,
It is always up to the discretion of the TSA agent as to what can be taken past the checkpoint, regardless of what the rules might be.
According to:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/knives
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/pocket-knife
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/swiss-army-knife
Generally speaking, any kind of knifey-bladey thing is not allowed. Scissors are allowed, though, with some restrictions: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/scissors
Multi-tools without a blade are okay: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/multi-tool-without-blades
However, if the agent decides your scissors or bladeless multi-tool pose a risk to the safety and wellbeing of other passengers, they will be confiscated.
Regards,
Aryeh Goretsky
As far as I know, anything with a sharp edge is prohibited by TSA and I’ve been business traveling since about 1980. Before TSA that was not an issue: I carried early Leatherman tools on my belt on the plane. However, as Aryeh said, it is up to discretion of the agent. I had to talk with a shift supervisor at OAK, but had 100% success with my SOG traveler. Leatherman used to make a blade less tool but when mine broke they replaced it with a bladed one so it got to stay home. SOG PowerLock Traveler Multi-Tool S61TR-CP – 16 Tools, Satin, Nylon Sheath, Compound Leverage, TSA Compliant, Travel Friendly https://a.co/d/4Eax38G