I’m starting to become an ECD (Every Day Carry) enthusiast. While tons of items fit into this category, one that caught my eye is the Piranha from PocketToolX, which specializes in what I call keychain multitools. It’s a single-piece, stainless steel, multi-purpose pocket tool with a built-in neoprene bit holder that secures up to 1.5″ long bits, such as the included double-ended Phillips/flathead. Tighten screws, loosen bolts, pry things open and pop the tops on your favorite BEvERages. And since you’ll barely notice this 1.9 oz, super-slim multi tool in your pocket, it’s perfect for everyday carry. $49.
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I was looking for these today but; was hoping for the 9 dollar price not the 49 dollar price. 🙂 It is cool; you have to admit.
I wonder if the TSA would let this on a plane?
Great looking tool. I wonder if it will pass through TSA at the airports?
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@harold – Did you see the Piranha for $9 somewhere, or was it a similar item? I agree, I’d like to carry one with me, but I’m not sure I want to spend $49 on this.
@Jeff, @1000Acres – I had the same thought as I was typing up the news item. I don’t have an answer on that one. My experience with TSA is that they don’t have official policies to fit every type of item that might come through their security checkpoints, but things can be highly variable depending on the zeal and attitude of the inspectors. Anyone have any more info?
According to TSA Guidelines it SHOULD be acceptable since it does not have a blade and is less than seven inches in length.
According to their published guidelines the following are acceptable in carry-on baggage:
Tools (seven inches or less in length)
Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length)
Wrenches and Pliers (seven inches or less in length)
The problem with most multi’s is they usually contain a blade (albeit in some cases a very small one) and that’s what gets them banned.
Keep in mind, however, that guidelines notwithstanding if the TSA Inspector says no then usually you aren’t gonna get it through although I have seen a couple of folks successfully get things through by carrying copies of the published guidelines.
TSA Guidelines: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#7
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Thanks for the tip, Tip! I totally agree that the locale TSA Inspector’s opinion (affected by mood, attitude, etc) trumps all the guidelines; I’ve seen it happen that items that would be allowed by the guidelines are confiscated anyway. I guess TSA has done this to allow interpretation for safety’s sake.
Still, though a lot of these types of tools do include a blade, the Piranha technically includes “pry tips,” but not an actual blade. But I’m sure that wouldn’t stop a surly TSA inspector from making you toss it into a bin filled with everything from Buck knives to metal nail files.
The Piranha looks more dangerous than a Predator:
http://www.pdws.biz/
which could probably do more damage.