Holder Cracking Pliers on a Plane?

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Proofmorgan
Proofmorgan Posts: 981 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

Based on the PCGS "Show Economy" grading having a minimum of 5 coins (I only have 3), cracking a couple coins may be the best options vs. searching for raw hopefuls or cherry-picks. Any issues bringing metal snips or other devices on a plane?

I've never been one to crack slabs often and never at a show.

Collector of Original Early Gold with beginnings in Proof Morgan collecting.

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  • WaterSport
    WaterSport Posts: 7,064 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Checked baggage item should be fine. But not in your carry on.

    WS

    Proud recipient of the coveted PCGS Forum "You Suck" Award Thursday July 19, 2007 11:33 PM and December 30th, 2011 at 8:50 PM.
  • johnny9434
    johnny9434 Posts: 34,068 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 24, 2026 8:43AM
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    @DCW said:
    I cant imagine you getting through security with metal snips or any other type of scissors

    if i cant get threw wirh a p38 can opener cause its a dangerous weapon then thats not happening, i agree
    check out the tsa safety rules :)

  • csanotes
    csanotes Posts: 491 ✭✭✭✭
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    Stop at a Dollar Tree, Harbor Freight or a pawn shop when you land. All of those will be the cheapest options. Or talk ahead with a friend who you can meet up with at the show who is either driving or has checked luggage and can pack you a set of pliers etc.

    Chance favors the prepared mind.

  • Proofmorgan
    Proofmorgan Posts: 981 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I did see where TSA says you can have pliers that don't exceed 7 inches of total length, but it is up to their discretion.

    Collector of Original Early Gold with beginnings in Proof Morgan collecting.
  • oih82w8
    oih82w8 Posts: 13,209 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    My wife's favorite set of tungsten darts was confiscated at Atlanta IAP in my carry-on. It probably would have made it through in checked baggage.

    If you gotta take them, checked baggage for sure.

    oih82w8 = Oh I Hate To Wait _defectus patientia_aka...Dr. Defecto - Curator of RMO's

    BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
  • epc
    epc Posts: 459 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 24, 2026 11:25AM
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    I've had (finger/toe) nail scissors confiscated, and was provided metal silverware for the in-flight meals.

    Collector of Liberty Seated Half Dimes, including die pairs and die states

  • Tramp
    Tramp Posts: 989 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    There are pictures on the Internet from TSA of the items removed during security; pics include crescent wrench, pliers, etc. I would think if a passenger was not allowed to bring a crescent wrench or a needle nozed pliers that a metal snips would be a no-go.

    If the metal snips has little value to you and you don't mind leaving it behind, give it a try.

    USAF (Ret.) 1985 - 2005. E-4B Aircraft Maint. Crew Chief and Contracting Officer.
    ✓ Everyman Mint State Carson City Morgan Dollars (1878 – 1893)
    ✓ Morgan Dollar GSA Hoard (1878 – 1891)
    ✓ Everyman Mint State Lincoln Cents (1909 – 1958)
    ✓ Matte Proof Toned Lincoln Cents (1909 – 1916)

  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,753 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Proofmorgan said:
    Based on the PCGS "Show Economy" grading having a minimum of 5 coins (I only have 3), cracking a couple coins may be the best options vs. searching for raw hopefuls or cherry-picks. Any issues bringing metal snips or other devices on a plane?

    I've never been one to crack slabs often and never at a show.

    It sounds like you're going to crack out coins at a coin show, I would imagine that most dealers there have something they would let you use to crack out your coins.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • crazyhounddog
    crazyhounddog Posts: 14,250 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Hammer

    The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
  • TwoSides2aCoin
    TwoSides2aCoin Posts: 45,217 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    TSA took my 4 ounce unopened jar of hot pepper jelly. I think they thought it was a hot explosive. I suppose it could be. I simply attributed it to hungry TSA agents needing a snack. It goes great with crackers.

  • Creg
    Creg Posts: 1,736 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    TSA saw a cracker holding pliers.

  • johnny9434
    johnny9434 Posts: 34,068 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    at the local airport :*

  • Maywood
    Maywood Posts: 4,385 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I am befuddled that in this day and age someone is even asking this question. There is one definitive answer: Take said pliers/tool in a bag at the gate and please report back with what happens.

    "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety," --- Benjamin Franklin

  • lordmarcovan
    lordmarcovan Posts: 45,335 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 27, 2026 5:41AM
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    Pliers? Pliers? I don’t need no steenkin’ pliers! 😜


    Gimme a good gap between some floorboards, or a sturdy metal door and doorframe, in a pinch.


    Yes, I’ve done this at shows. My primitive but effective “no tools” technique was actually a necessary improvisation when I found myself tool-less at the FUN show, once.


    image

    (Photobombing snout cameo by old Teddy the Dog, there. RIP, Teddy.)

    Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.

  • DarkSideVAMs
    DarkSideVAMs Posts: 15 ✭✭
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    I've always just submitted the coins in their existing slabs and specified "raw grading" on the form. Will they not do that for you if you hand-deliver them at a show?

  • Cladiator
    Cladiator Posts: 18,353 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I'm a TSA Officer at the airport.

    Scissors (IMO snips would fall under that category) can be brought on board in carry-on luggage if they are under 4" from the fulcrum to the point. Tools, like pliers, must be under 7" to be in carry-on.

    Knife blades of any material and any size are prohibited in carry-on luggage.

    Liquids, gels (like jelly) and aerosols must be in less than 3.4oz to be carried on.

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