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Holder Cracking Pliers on a Plane?
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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I cant imagine you getting through security with metal snips or any other type of scissors
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Checked baggage item should be fine. But not in your carry on.
WS
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
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.
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.
Had to crack a coin in a hotel once where I was staying. Had nothing to do it with, no tools, nothing! Ended up using the back (hinge side) of the door to my room, holding the holder in the space between the back of the door and its frame as I slowly closed the door and cracked the holder. Worked perfectly!
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
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.
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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
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)
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
Hammer
TSA took a plastic knife a few years ago. I had a large hunk of corned beef to eat on the plane and had to gnaw the whole thing apart. Was delicious and oddly satisfying.
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.
https://acoinshop.com/ —-> https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
TSA saw a cracker holding pliers.
at the local airport
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
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.
(Photobombing snout cameo by old Teddy the Dog, there. RIP, Teddy.)
Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.
For amusement, go to the Louisville airport and pass the huge plexiglass bin at the TSA security point filled to the brim with souvenir $12 mini baseball bats from the Louisville Slugger factory tour. In my imagination, its an endless cycle where they cart them back to the Slugger store each month to resell over and over.
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?
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.