Can You Bring Cordless Power Tools & Lithium Battery Packs on a Plane?
Category: Electronics & Batteries
Yes, with limits — you can bring cordless power tools & lithium battery packs in carry-on bags provided you follow security limits. Drill/saw bare tool body goes in checked suitcase.
Verified against published 2026 TSA (United States) & CATSA (Canada) security screening databases.
On this page · 9 sections
⚖️ Why This Rule Exists: Aviation Cargo Fire Safety & Thermal Runaway Regulations (49 CFR § 175.10)
Lithium-ion batteries carry a risk of thermal runaway if crushed, short-circuited, or overheated. Because aircraft cargo fire suppression systems (Halon 1301) cannot reliably extinguish an uncontained lithium battery fire in the cargo hold, aviation safety regulations (FAA Pack Safe and ICAO Annex 18) require spare batteries and portable electronics to be transported in the passenger cabin where flight attendants can promptly deploy thermal containment bags.
Rules by security authority
United States — TSA
Cabin:
LIMITED
Tools > 7 in banned in cabin; battery packs MUST be in carry-on.
Hold:
YES
Tool body allowed in checked luggage; loose batteries prohibited.
Flying internationally? Security follows the country you depart from — the authority above applies at your departure airport. Customs at arrival is separate.
🔍 Security Checkpoint & X-Ray Screening Advice
In standard 2D X-ray lanes, remove laptops and large power banks from your bag and place them flat in a dedicated bin with nothing above or below them. In modern 3D CT scanner lanes, they may remain packed inside your carry-on bag.
Learn more about scanner differences and traveler rights in our Airport Security Screening Guide →
⚠️ Common Traveler Mistake to Avoid
How to Avoid It: Always keep all spare batteries, power banks, and portable chargers in your personal item backpack so they stay with you in the aircraft cabin.
How to Pack Cordless Power Tools & Lithium Battery Packs for a Flight
Cordless Power Tools & Lithium Battery Packs on a plane — FAQs
Can you bring Cordless Power Tools & Lithium Battery Packs in a carry-on?
Tools > 7 in banned in cabin; battery packs MUST be in carry-on.
Can you pack Cordless Power Tools & Lithium Battery Packs in checked luggage?
Tool body allowed in checked luggage; loose batteries prohibited.
Why are there rules for cordless power tools & lithium battery packs on a plane?
Lithium-ion batteries carry a risk of thermal runaway if crushed, short-circuited, or overheated. Because aircraft cargo fire suppression systems (Halon 1301) cannot reliably extinguish an uncontained lithium battery fire in the cargo hold, aviation safety regulations (FAA Pack Safe and ICAO Annex 18) require spare batteries and portable electronics to be transported in the passenger cabin where flight attendants can promptly deploy thermal containment bags.
Can I bring cordless power tools & lithium battery packs on an airplane?
Tools > 7 in banned in cabin; battery packs MUST be in carry-on. In checked bags: Tool body allowed in checked luggage; loose batteries prohibited.
Last verified:
Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →