HOWTO install your keys in a Leatherman handle
Instructables user Pyro222 has a great HOWTO for installing your keys in the handle of an old Leatherman Micra tool. I love this idea -- except the TSA would probably confiscate it, because installing a key in the hands of something that once held a knife confers magical, knife-like properties on the key (obviously). Link (via Make)
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TSA Agent: Yegads, a grooved knife blade! That means it can deliver a frozen solution and freeze your organs.
TSA Supervisor: I propose that we adopt an unwritten yet rigidly official airport-wide position to confiscate all of these newfangled "blades", starting immediately!
because installing a key in the hands of something that once held a knife confers magical, knife-like properties on the key (obviously)
LMFAO!
I have a knifeless micro tool and except for having to argue on its behalf once I've had no issues. And I fly every other week.
But maybe I've been lucky in this...
Hey, I hate the TSA as much as the next guy (and on this site, that's saying a lot), but there's enough to criticize them for without launching a tirade against the things they MIGHT do.
This is a really clever hack, and I'd totally copy it if I had an ounce of confidence in my metal-working skillz. Can we keep the conversation on that aspect, instead of Cory's witty, justified, but premature attack?
I'm not usually into these DIY things, but this is bad-ass. I would LOVE to have my keys rigged up this way!
What Pollyanna said!
I love making fun of TSA as much as the next guy who enjoys shooting fish in a barrel but in this case they don't have to make weird claims about keys knife blades because the pliers portion of the leatherman already violates restrictions that predate 9/11 and the TSA. Per my argument with a security screener in 1998 over small tools that were actually stage props never to be used as tools - "You really think someone (in this case me) is going to attempt to disassemble the plane - in flight?!"
It definitely looks cool, but it is bad engineering. The key handle, the big round part, is in effect a two-sided lever that allows you to apply gentle force with your fingers to turn the key. That lever is now drastically shortened.
You can argue that it is now much larger, constituting the body of the ex-blade holder. You will find, though, that the bolt that holds the key in place is now the weak link in the system, and the greater lever effect from the long handle will work to loosen it. Once it becomes loosened, it is down hill from there on, and the cool keyholder will become an irritating disappointment.
As others point out, TSA will almost certainly have a shitfit and will take your keys away.
Hey, I hate the TSA as much as the next guy (and on this site, that's saying a lot), but there's enough to criticize them for without launching a tirade against the things they MIGHT do.
They busted a guy for wearing a tee shirt with a picture of a gun on it. If someone tried to get on a plane with this and got stopped, everybody would be complaining about how they should have known better.
ja, ze TSA are ze dribbling imbeciles, ve all know zat already! The keys though, any locksmithy type wish to weigh in on the damage wrought by the increased torque applied by the extension of the moment-arm of the leverage created by the Micra case? Think of the plug man,think of the plug!
That reminds me: take my leatherman (a juice I recieved for mother's day) out of my purse when I fly tomorrow.
what has the TSA ever said about acrylic nail extensions? You could have ten three inch knives on your hands with the edges honed to razors and dipped in venom. I think all dragon ladies should have boxing gloves locked on before boarding.
TSA's so dumb I bet Hugh Jackman's on the no-fly list.
@4> there's enough to criticize them for without launching a tirade against the things they MIGHT do.
Sorry dude, but I think we have good reason to expect that they will do something batpoo crazy when they see your folding weapon with multiple serrated blades:
http://www.salon.com/tech/col/smith/2008/07/11/askthepilot283/