Can I Fly with Lithium Ion Battery Powered Tools

When preparing to travel to Texas for a project, I knew I wanted to bring some of my own tools. Specifically, some of my battery powered tools. Problem I encountered was finding any information on line when I asked if I can fly with my lithium ion batteries. Hopefully if you found this video, it is because you searched for the same thing I did. I hope it answers your question and clears things up.
Any lithium ion battery under 100 Watt Hours can go in your checked baggage. Make sure to separate them or cover the battery terminals. If batteries are over 100 watt hours, make sure you carry them on, but you are limited to two per person.
Lithium Ion battery powered tools just need to be handled properly and you should be fine.
If you'd like to support RRBuildings, below are various ways to help!
Top Tool List: bit.ly/TopToolList
Shirts: rrbuildings.bigcartel.com/
Hats: www.beachandbarn.com/collecti...
Patreon: / rrbuildings
Instagram: / rrbuildings
Check out the latest episode of the If You Build it Podcast with @Mikeythemaker and myself!!
iTunes : goo.gl/hWhMRw
Spotify : goo.gl/7awjQX

[@austinhenry4382]

I travel internationally with tool batteries often. Africa, Europe, Middle East. Most airports are similar to TSA rules. Best advice is to keep all batteries in tools and lock the tool trigger if possible. If batteries are loose, keep the travel caps on them (like the flex volt red caps, those Dewalt caps actually make TSA consider them as three separate small batteries instead of one large one getting past the 100 size rule). I print all regulations, highlight important parts and tape them to the batteries. Most TSA and gate agents I have run into don't have battery the rules memorized. This has saved me from having batteries confiscated several times. Check anything that you know 100% you can check. Anything that you aren't sure of or the regulations aren't clear carry on.

[@donpowell4025]

I remember an air paint sprayer getting confiscated because it "resembles" a gun. I tried to explain that if they want me to break it apart I could. She didn't seem to care. It was not expensive but I was annoyed. I would like to know if they take away blow dryers as well... This was JFK.

[@alexanderbockhold2886]

Can you provide links to what you print out

[@prokoph]

Can you send a link to what you print out?

[@cspace1234nz]

@@donpowell4025…JFK, that says it all

[@bachtam9161]

It’s great! My shed has been completed and it turned out nice looking and sturdy and it is way better than the sheds that many of my neighbors had put up. Of course, I'm pleased with the outcome and this Ryan’s kzbin.infoUgkxGZedDTcDfgD7fG_uU4esfx_EgxzlY2_1 Plans was extremely useful to me as a guide.

[@noconz0727]

I was imagining a small plane powered by M18s 😂

[@johnmorgan1629]

That why he had to carry them on, in case the plane needed a jump start.

[@kamurray67]

Noconz0727 MC ROFL

[@brianholland2916]

Tesla uses 18650s. Same batteries in an e cig or m18s

[@JJHDZ68]

Hey RR, thanks for taking good part of your time to inform the community! Awesome video. God bless!

[@kreparAZ]

I was literally just thinking of this a few days ago. Great video. Glad you made it. The websites information for tsa is not clear. Thanks!

[@lisacampbell99]

Thank you. I searched all day yesterday and even asked a couple of guys that work for the airlines and NO ONE knew.

[@stevenandrews6627]

Holy mackerel! What an interesting topic. My wife is a Hazardous Materials Shipping Specialist up here in Canada. She frequently ships products to the U.S. While there are some differences between our respective countries, as a rule any lithium Ion battery over 100 watt hours is fully regulated as a dangerous good and should only be shipped via a cargo aircraft or is required to be placed in a specific type of containment pkg. Its also typically considered for a battery to be safer when its attached to a device. You can get under that regulation if the battery has no more than 30% of its charge. There's lots of specific rules/regulations for lithium Ion batteries with changes occurring every year. Great topic.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Ship'em brotha.....just went through Houston Hobby yesterday and they gave me the 3rd degree with all the camera and drone equipment. Easier to just drop ship them sometimes. Safey first for sure...thanks for the info! I'm a youtube guy myself..just found your channel..very impressive my friend...I really enjoy watching the builds since we're getting ready to build on our farm!

[@petermayiii722]

Like your channel also.

[@RRBuildings]

That’s awesome man I’ll have to check yours out

[@bteamshorts]

Just make sure you tell the shipper that you're shipping Lithium batteries. Remember that you are liable for shipping undeclared dangerous goods.

[@zaydibrahim4532]

Sorry to be offtopic but does someone know of a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the account password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@kenzonikolai1469]

@Zayd Ibrahim instablaster :)

[@CheetoTheCat]

I am a professional installer and I travel for work extensively. I've had TSA (or baggage handlers, who knows?) actually confiscate tool batteries from my checked bags, even little Milwaukee M12 1.5 amp hour ones. They always leave a condescending note telling me they stole my property for my own safety though so there's that. It's happened enough times that I just carry on ALL my batteries, regardless of size. I can't afford to replace batteries just because some TSA asshole decided he wanted new batteries for his cordless drill. Of course, the down side to carrying on is that the TSA security checkpoint thugs treat you like a criminal and tear your carryon apart as if you are hiding explosives. It's part of the job, I guess.

[@taskbarenhancer3386]

I sent 8 Makita and Bosch batteries (2x4) in POST OFFICE they confiscated (stole) them !!

[@goerzen]

What about weight I have 2 boxes full of tools need to fly out n need all the tools hiw much weight can I have n how many check bags for tools. Money no issue

[@timothyjosephalvarez1103]

​@@goerzen hi.. any news about your tools? did you flew with it?

[@andrewgreen7234]

This is my life right now. It's so frustrating!

[@WalterRWC]

THANK YOU RR for the video. I've been looking for some decent explaination. You did awesome and explained exactly what I was looking for.

[@stim7578]

Thanks for the info! Flying next week with my Milwaukee tools and was wondering this same thing.

[@merlinagandara2137]

Hello! Can I ask you if you travel good with the tools?

[@illuminated77]

Thank you for the video! Answered all the questions I couldn't find online! Have a great day, now it's time to get back to work!

[@AndyDanMan]

When I travel with batteries, to try and comply with tsa and save on space in my carry-on, I’ve wrapped my socks around my batteries. They always open up my bag, to check what they are. Usually they are okay with it. If anything else, you can wrap tape around the conductors and still be good. But always have them in your carry-on

[@cogwun]

I think you're only allowed to carry 2 batteries between 100 and 160wh in your carry on. You can carry as many batteries under 100wh in your checked or carry on.

[@johnensalaco5012]

Good information to know as things other than construction tools use batteries these days as well such as diagnostic equipment.

[@petermayiii722]

I saw your 1 second cameo on Matt Bangs Woods at the IBS yesterday.

[@breezyresortsiaton4401]

Thanks for the info and I am about to fly and yeh airlines pretty much say check TSA rules. I am gonna go check the watt hours out now. I will probably still carry it on and cover the contacts with electrical tape to be sure.

[@odc43054]

You may find that it varies by airline. On a recent set of flights, we were told at checkin that NO lithium batteries were allowed in checked baggage, even the little ones in some suitcases that have chargers.

[@LarryTait1]

Great info. I saw a set of brand new 4A 18v batteries here in Montreal where I flew to. These same batteries are $89 each normally back home in Nova Scotia

[@ramirogarza3573]

Bro thanks man that's exactly what I was looking for. Quick decisive and informative. Good looking out man.

[@koonelos]

Very informative, useful info! Thanks

[@joshuarobichaud8065]

Yo, great vid. Theres something that may have gotten confused. TSA states ALL batteries and basically anything that stores transferable power go into the cabin in “carry on”. And these have to be under a certain Wh rating like you stated. So other than that you’re right on point. I might add that drill bits and tips are sharp and seen as a potential weapon. They go with in the “checked” bag along with the battery-less powered tools over 7” in length. Have a safe flight!

[@user-lx6vf5gx9o]

I have a drill, spare batteries and the battery charger. Which goes to carry on and which goes to checked bags?

[@swrconstructioninc.1158]

Hi Kyle, I’m not sure if the laws are the same in the United States as they’re here in Canada. We can only ship the batteries via ground transportation and the packaging needs to have all the appropriate labels. I’ve shipped via Canada post, UPS and Fedex. They require the batteries to have electrical tape covering the contacts, cannot be attached to any tool, and to not be more then 30% charged. From my understanding that is why all the new batteries are shipped with 1 bar as they’re “Air shipping compliant” Thanks for sharing all of your awesome content !

[@KBowWow75]

I believe Canada and the US share the same immigration and TSA policies. Shipping may be different, but I believe travelling by airport has the same policies between the two countries and then carriers can set their own restrictions on top of that.

[@justinscomp]

Love me some good PSA. Thanks Kyle!

[@Prariedog]

Another great video Kyle

[@grimreaper4556]

Nice review on the batterys

[@mehaffey5]

Very helpful information, thank you!

[@stephencooney9870]

Great thanks, need to travel soon hoping this saves me at chech-in

[@gregorymacneil2836]

Very helpful info!

[@joemontemayor419]

Thanks perfect video for those with tools 👍

[@jeffklein3723]

Thank you ! Exactly what I needed to know for tomorrow morning 🛫

[@romeogilbertperalta8374]

Thank you mate for that information.

[@erikamora7396]

Awsome video, I am goint to travel overseas and I need my battery powered tools and, you are absolutely right about the limited to none information on the TSA web page, THANK YOU so very much for this info

[@AmitKarmalkar]

Very important information. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobbiecharliehernandez3311]

Good info!

[@edpeachey1895]

That was super helpful. Thank you.

[@rosemaldonado6596]

Great video just what I needed

[@justin66446]

Thank you for sharing the information. I am going to travel to Europe and I need my tools with me.

[@jdelbrid]

Good information. Thanks. Found it interesting that you are in a T-shirt whereas the locals are dressed in winter attire.

[@dietz3099]

Got it!! Thanks man 🙏

[@wilbertlow7554]

Thank you for making time to let everyone know the rules.

[@adamtomes6943]

You were more helpful and gave me more information than my airline 😆 🤣 😂

[@aovoonthefarmsouthernillin3687]

Thank you for this video. I just bought a gumball, and power tools with lithium batteries. I need to bring them out of town with me.

[@Nathan-jv2pr]

Fly to Australia from uk in 9days with some power tools, very helpful. Thanks

[@parvezkhatra5997]

Hi. I want some information about tools and batteries? How can you manage tools and batteries?

[@diversdown2116]

im a diver and my dive lights & video lights, cameras & scooter there is a lot of batteries & chargers. i find it is easier to ship that stuff than try do deal with tsa let alone it is cheaper than the baggage fees

[@philliptoone]

2:30 Volts times amp hours = watt hours.

[@JorgeGonzalez-vb2cs]

Thanks man , been trying to find that out 👍

[@maxsojuchun]

Thank you for the information.

[@NathanAgnew-qx7fm]

This was honestly super helpful

[@stevewoods17]

Dude thank you for this.

[@TheDezertRatt]

Thanks for this!

[@btb6011]

You put your tools in a soft luggage to check in?? Seems like a gamble to me. But I haven't flown in a long long time. Good call and the video about batteries and the airline. Looks easier just to take them on the plane than it would be shipping?

[@lorenzoramirez447]

Thanks man for the info

[@dmgotter311]

Very helpful video

[@kipcarroll486]

Good info. Thx

[@CybekCusal]

I DM TSA on Twitter for all my questions. Easy and fast answers.

[@RRBuildings]

Great tip.. I forgot TSA is active on twitter

[@LawnPusher]

@@RRBuildings very much, and quick to respond or get more info to get you the correct answer

[@GarwoodNick]

"I'm just going to throw these at Jordan's truck" 😎👍

[@2chipped]

I flew wearing a heated jacket, but didn't have the battery connected. And made sure to tell tsa, when going thru the scanner.

[@michaelc7283]

Hi Kyle, Dewalt has the red caps on their flexvolt battery which is safe to use for travel. It cuts the (wh) down to 50 percent. Be great if all these companies can make these battery caps so it can be taken in luggage. Went through the same thing when i had to fly to Hawaii. That airlines told me no large batteries over 100wh in luggage. Anything less then 50wh can be carried on. Every airlines is different so you need to call. Took some tools and had to buy batteries on the island. Not to bad i sold them before i left. Still would have been nice to take my own.

[@Mike-sy6oy]

Fuck man. Living in Hawaii is a nightmare regarding batteries. None of the superstore battery specials apply here because of regulations n shit. Currently, in NV I can get two 5mAh batteries and charger for $150, AND A FREE BARE TOOL In Hawaii, the two batteries alone, no charger, run about $250.

[@ShockingTips]

The conversion from ah to wh is actually quite simple its voltage*amprage=wattage. So 18*3=54 but they rounded up to 60 because the Milwaukee batteries are usually slightly about 18v in reality.

[@kukahilua3832]

Thank you buddy!

[@cb2000a]

Also make sure the batteries are NOT fully charged.

[@alexanderbockhold2886]

My hero, thank you so much for sharing, truly. It WAS unclear

[@101bennyc]

In Australia they ask us to put tape over the terminals.

[@jbuchan2798]

Watt hours = Voltage x Amp hours. 18 x 6 = 108.

[@MasterQuack14]

Volts X Amps = Watts.... Volts X Amp Hours = Watt Hours. Pretty simple.

[@RRBuildings]

Super simple but if you don’t know you don’t know

[@LDeezy662]

You deserve a cookie

[@pauldunphy2832]

Maybe he meant the equation was simple, not the answer to the question.

[@MasterQuack14]

@@pauldunphy2832 This. It wasn't intended to belittle anyone. I am sure there are plenty of construction techniques that are actually pretty simple if you work in that profession, but I can sit here in awe enjoying RR's videos and perhaps learn some things, or perhaps teach some things.

[@MrOgger151]

Yes because I bought the Dewalt usb-c adaptor. And AA Airlines allows two up to 160wh batteries. Mind you they have to be in your carryon luggagage. And Dewalt 8ah batteries just happen to be marked 160ah!

[@Mattittas]

Even though you might not care, in the 18V battery's case the formula goes like: 18V × 6Ah = 108Wh, because voltage times amperage gives power (watts) :)

[@RRBuildings]

Ahh makes perfect sense

[@johnmorgan1629]

Extension of the Ohm's triangle. But nice simple explanation there.

[@liketolooker]

I was curious about this myself, thanks.

[@KBowWow75]

It's not as simple as that for air travel though. For example, a 6.0 Flexvolt could not be shipped via air freight if it was 54v x 2.0ah. It can be shipped as an 18v x 6.0ah though. That is why Dewalt had to come up with mechanical and electronic switches in the battery and why they must be transported with the plastic guard that enables the mechanical switch for 18v mode. With out doing that, Dewalt would not have been able to get their Flexvolt batteries anywhere except by land or by sea. Battery voltage does matter in some formula to air freight carriers. Even though the Flexvolt ratings are over the 100Wh rating. Air freight carriers have made requirements for batteries to be shipped in special sealed metal air freight containers should a fire break out in the lower deck, but they required Dewalt to have them designed and shipped the way they are for a reason that has something to do with the higher voltage possibility of the Flexvolt batteries.

[@bjooled]

Thank you so much!

[@KBowWow75]

I've been curious about this myself. I'm wondering if international flights overseas have stricter regulations than domestic or international flights over land. I've wondered about lasers or infrared tools as well. Although I know military personnel can carry their equipment in a checked bag. 🤔 I know some carriers banned the Samsung Galaxy Note a few years back and that is always a carry on item. I know ACME TOOLS won't ship batteries via air freight, and Flexvolt had to have the batteries built with a mechanical and electronic switch and have the plastic guard on when transporting because if they were shipped with 54v instead of 18v, they could not travel by air.

[@austinhenry4382]

I travel internationally with tool batteries often. Africa, Europe, Middle East. Most airports are similar to TSA rules. Keep all batteries in tools or keep the travel caps on them (like the flex volt red caps, those Dewalt caps actually make TSA consider them as three separate small batteries). I print all regulations, highlight important parts and tape them to the batteries. This has saved me from having batteries confiscated several times. Check anything that you know 100% you can check. Anything that you aren't sure of or the regulations aren't clear carry on.

[@dontrigg6401]

Thanks need to fly to Florida with some power tools

[@lordford2672]

Same

[@havefunworkhard9818]

Nice, thanks

[@matthewkistler7419]

Travel for work almost every week, to avoid hassle I always put my batteries in my carry on. One thing you notice when traveling TSA training isn’t the most consistent and what is fine in one airport isn’t in another. I wouldn’t count on the person checking your tool box to know about the size limits and just confiscate any lithium ion tool batteries. Also you have about a 25% chance then to have them pull your bag at the security check point and look through it because they can’t make out the batteries clearly on there scanner, not a big deal just expect it.

[@xephael3485]

Need to learn to carry them in your rectum like a prisoner.

[@jsjjrichards]

Very helpful

[@nathanhuffman4081]

I'm sure you won't be flying for work all that much but a pelican case is well worth the investment if you ever do plan on it.I'm sure you already have some too lol

[@martinmcgowan89]

I had same problem but on the some batteries, there is a number which tells you if suitable or not but most airlines don't mind

[@houssamghabra7222]

Thanks man ❤

[@clgoose1646]

Very helpful video. Do you have a link for the actual documentation so I could print it out and show it to airline personnel in case they don't know? Thanks.

[@lorenlambright9874]

I just traveled through security and TSA confiscated my impact from my carry on. They said you cannot have any power tools in the carry on, only in checked baggage. My 5.0 makita batteries were fine in the carry on though.

[@aldianrachman3541]

power tools without battery you should put in checked luggage..battery in carry on..under 100 watt

[@shawnbenavente6576]

I love Keliguin!

[@arockiasebastinnishanth5520]

thank you

[@skeleguns10oooooo10]

The FAA has a restriction on how many Lithium ion batteries can be carried per flight. This was due to the crash of UPS flight 6, when a Fire broke out caused by defective batteries.

[@benjaminhancock2523]

FYI: Watt-hours = AmpHours x Voltage. For example, if you have a dewalt 20V max battery that is 6.0 Amp Hours (AH), then the watt hours are 20x6= 120 Watt Hours.

[@somedude9386]

nominal voltage for 20v batteries is in fact 18v, each cell is 3.6v nominal , 5 cells in series makes 18v. 18*6=108wh for your case

[@alpoztan]

Somedude... Try explaining it to tsa officer...

[@silvergrizzly316]

Be careful of the box cutters, I will bail you out if need be, Kyle. 😁👍

[@RRBuildings]

Haha

[@davemarsee8880]

I just traveled to Florida with tools and the TSA rules that applied to me was no tools over 7 inches, wrenches screw drivers ect on the plane they have to be checked, any loose batteries cannot be checked they go in your carry-on but your drill, saw ect have to have the battery installed and must be checked. Hope that helps

[@donpowell4025]

What do you mean by installed and checked?

[@martygarcia]

@@donpowell4025 placed into the tool they belong in and placed in checked baggage (i.e. not carry-on).

[@DarkestofTimes]

I'm no electrical engineer, but amps = watts x volts. So therefore watt hours can be arrived at the same way. If it's an M18 battery, it's an 18 Volt battery, then going off the capacity, if it's a 4ah, it's gonna be 4 x 18 = 72 watt hours. And so on and so forth. Which is why the 6ah battery is 108wh. Just something to be aware of, but as long as the battery is under 160wh, if can ride shotgun with you in your carry-on. That technically means you couldn't fly with a big 12ah M18 Milwaukee battery, whether they'd let you or not, I don't know.

[@TheAracoin]

A bit more battery knowledge. They're usually made out of '18650' cells, that have 3,6V nominal voltage and usually around 1,2-4Ah capacity. To get more voltage, connect them in series. To get more capacity and current, connect them in parralel. For example, 5x3 array of 3,6V 2Ah cells equals to 18V 6Ah. 6Ah means that battery can supply 6A of current for 1 hour (minus losses). Each cell has rating for continuous discharge amperage dependent on its capacity - "C". For example, maximum continuous current of 2Ah 5C cell is 10A. Two 2Ah 5C cells in parralel have maximum continuous current of 20A (2x2x5). That is why bigger batteries can provide more current (high current tools can feel more powerful), unless electronics inside the battery doesn't allow it or manufacturer buys cheap cells. '18650' cells are also the reason why most 18V Li-ion batteries are similar in size. Usually they use layers of 5 cells to get 18V. :)

[@AnarchyEnsues]

Did the TSA let you take the circular saw in carryon?

[@RRBuildings]

Checked

[@dowzer37]

I’ve never had any luck trying to carry on any tool power/hand on any domestic flight. 3 times I’ve had to leave items behind very scary stuff like a 6” crescent wrench, tiny pair of scissors (the kind found in your beard kit) and a small pneumatic belt sander. Lol 🤦‍♂️

[@xephael3485]

I brought a soldering iron on a plane...took them a long time before they realized they couldn't prohibit it🤣

[@marmotsongs]

Thanks

[@TenBackWI]

Amp hour times voltage is how you figure out watt hour. So a 5Ah 18V battery is 90Wh

[@bryanjase6930]

RR Building are you hiring right now? I don't have issue with travel or anything stopping me from doing so

[@RRBuildings]

Sorry man not currently

[@twotents9768]

In Canada, they are carry on only.

[@12ozbuds]

How about shipping the tools ahead of time through UPS?

[@RRBuildings]

Totally doable and something I’d consider next time for sure

[@michaelc7283]

@@RRBuildings Kyle, shipping is also tricky / hard because it will have to be ground shipping. When i had to get a battery replaced by milwaukee it had to be mailed ground not air by FedEx. Call your USPS to make sure. Again, DeWalt is the only company that has the safety caps on their flexvolt battery for shipping (ground or air).

[@xephael3485]

How about getting rid of TSA and not flying with crappy airlines?

[@skliros9235]

Good idea. But shipping something heavy isn't cheap. And if you travel frequently, that will add up! I just toss batteries in my carryon. Other tools checked in.

[@12ozbuds]

Best idea yet. One year I went from Cols, Oh. to Tampa with a cordless drill and an utility knife. I could carry them on but I had to give up the blades. On the way back I wasn't allowed to carry on the drill, I had to check it in baggage all by itself. I did get it on the Cols. end. This was before TSA. Once my wife attended an interior plant conference in St. Petersburg and a vender gave her a gallon of plant soap. She tried to carry it on and TSA took it away because it was not labeled and they did not know what it was.I got pissed and told them it was fucking soap and gave it to them. To my surprise all they did with it was throw in the trash can next to the x-ray machine. Good chance to blow up an airport eh?

[@dokmanian]

4:15 throw these in the lawn jordan will find them later hahahaha

[@mesa620]

Isn’t that why DeWalt ships their Flex Volt batteries with the red caps, to make it less watt hours for shipping?

[@KBowWow75]

Less volts

[@TylerDickey1]

Milwaukee needs to make luggage

[@robbritton3213]

Just multiply the voltage by the amp hours

[@RafaelCruz-pu8hd]

Just save my day and My money. Thanks !!!!

[@AndrewBrowner]

chucked all my tools and batterys in my checked baggage flying out to work in canada after phoning and not being able to get an answer from the airline, security out of my home airport is nonexistent so no issue but on the way back i was using edmonton international and didnt think thatd fly so after asking at the airport turns out you can put any number of batteries under 100wh in your checked but only 2 batteries between 100wh-160wh turns out milwuakee 9.0s are 162wh and they wouldnt let that go.. i had the electrical tape over the terminals and had them packed securely.. even drained the batteries before hand to see if thatd help but nope hadda leave 2 9ah m18s at the airport and pay fedex to pick them up and ship them... wasnt impressed after the west jet agent saying i was fine to take it all in summary you cant fly with 9.0s or 12.0s but you can take 2 8.0s in your carry on and as many 6.0s or under in your checked baggage keeping weight in mind.... and all power tools are weapons apparently no matter how small or dull they are no bits blades ect still cant go in your carry on

[@jordanstone7478]

I work shiping Milwaukee batterys its 6 amp and up i ship dangrages goods