Security Confiscated Ramset Ankascrews from My Wife Today before Her Flight to Chile - Was This Reasonable?

GOCAT9 on 29/05/2019 - 10:15
Last edited 29/05/2019 - 10:24 by 1 other user

My wife is departing on QF at midday today for SCL leaving Sydney. I gave her a small packet of Ramset Ankascrews (containing 10) to take to Chile.

These you would describe as bolts for fixing into concrete. I am aware that you cannot carry tools as carry on. To me, “tools” would be things like power tools, screwdrivers, chisels, hammers etc. But would bolts be classed as tools?

Anyway, they took them from her. To cut a long story short she asked why, they said they were “dangerous”. She then asked how they were “dangerous”, they replied, “ because you could “alter the aeroplane”.

What do you guys think? Do you think these were too risky and should have been confiscated or were they overzealous?

BTW, she was allowed to take on board several long ball-point pens!

Travel

Comments

  • mskeggs on 29/05/2019 - 10:20
    +103

    Why would you need 10cm screws as carry on luggage?

    • Nugs on 29/05/2019 - 10:21
      +32

      make sure the seat is well and truly attached to the floor?
      .

      • Baysew on 29/05/2019 - 10:25
        +34

        She may have wanted to make a mid flight bolt for the door.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/05/2019 - 16:43
          +17

          Or install a swing in the bathroom for the mile high club.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/05/2019 - 11:19

      In case of turbulence.

    • funnysht on 30/05/2019 - 09:21

      in case one of the other passenger's screws fall loose

    • mubd1234 on 30/05/2019 - 14:12
      +2

      To use as sharpnel for the bomb, of course.

      (hi ASIO!)

  • GG57 on 29/05/2019 - 10:24
    +22

    It was probably over the top by airport security, but you sell your soul when you arrive at an airport. You just need to do whatever anyone tells you to do, with no escalation or dispute mechanism available.
    But, for a packet of screws, I wouldn't be bothered. And why would you have them anyway.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 29/05/2019 - 16:51
      +28

      I'm sure an Australian woman will have no trouble finding screws in Chile.

      • MrFrugalSpend on 30/05/2019 - 22:39
        +3

        Hence why her husband gave her 10 just before the trip (something to remember him by)!

  • sparkles on 29/05/2019 - 10:25
    +21

    I'm sure bolts, screws, nails, and ball bearings ie. anything that is used as a bomb component are looked at very closely when x-rayed entering the cabin of a plane.

    She should have just put them in checked luggage.

    • try2bhelpful on 29/05/2019 - 10:52
      +20

      In hindsight, probably should've taken something else out of the overweight luggage and put these in. As others have said airports are, virtually, a law unto themselves. If they don't like it they won't let it on. Something like the screws, in a sock, could provide a pretty good cosh, but who knows. I have a friend who had his very tiny saxophone screw driver taken off him, so something like this could well be considered as dangerous by them.

      • Baysew on 29/05/2019 - 10:55
        +223

        The overweight luggage was due to the concrete for the pergola.

        • starburstyellow on 29/05/2019 - 11:00
          +8

          I literally loled at this!

        • kiitos on 30/05/2019 - 08:18
          +1

          It was the posts and beams. But they had to cut them into 50cm lengths to fit in the suitcase.

          Cos no timber in South America.

    • boomramada on 29/05/2019 - 10:54
      +19
      1. Why would she have the screws in her Carryon? Because she could not put them in her checked luggage as she was already overweight i.e. over 23 kg.

      Dude, these screws probably be 100g? even less? Airport dont care when it's 23.1KG. I never had issues.
      Or you could always swap screws with something not so questionable ie cloths?

      Well you could always post it.

      As @sparkles said, screws are one of the basic ingredients for explosives, by common sense.

        • boomramada on 29/05/2019 - 12:32

          Well post it :)

        • Almost Banned on 29/05/2019 - 13:46
          +6

          Did you consider removing some of the uncontroversial stuff from the check-in to make room for the screws and put the jumpers/pants/shoes in the carry-on instead?

          • boomramada on 29/05/2019 - 16:07
            +7

            @Almost Banned: That would be using common sense

          • Scrooge McDuck on 29/05/2019 - 16:58
            +37

            @Almost Banned:

            Did you consider removing some of the uncontroversial stuff from the check-in to make room for the screws

            They tried, but the pressure cookers were too big and the fertilizer too smelly for carry-on.

    • ronnknee on 29/05/2019 - 12:13
      +15

      Because she could not put them in her checked luggage as she was already overweight

      Seems like a lame excuse.

    • zerocritical on 30/05/2019 - 07:57
      +4

      Because she could not put them in her checked luggage as she was already overweight

      How does she being overweight have to do anything with checked in luggage?

  • thatonethere on 29/05/2019 - 10:38
    +1

    I notice "allen keys (under 6cm)" are allowed so it is probably the length which is the concern - althogh confusingly you can bring knitting needles (John Wick 3 anyone…). Best not to argue or cause a scene - I'm sure you can buy them in Chile.

    • GOCAT9 on 29/05/2019 - 10:42

      Agreed, unfortunately, we have not seen those type of bolts locally in Chile. Possibly in the capital, Santiago. The other reason they may not be available is that Ramset is an Australian company, and they may not sell into Chile, I’m not sure, all I know is I tried to buy them locally in our town and could not find them .

      • thatonethere on 29/05/2019 - 11:35

        Ah ok. Hold luggage next time… or post them over.

    • Montyjpm on 29/05/2019 - 15:02

      If you think John Wick is all that…watch the Godfather glasses stabbing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uK3wYrl3aU

    • berger on 29/05/2019 - 22:35
      +1

      I’ve had Allen keys larger and smaller taken off me

      I’ve also had ratchet tie downs confiscated.. apparently could choke someone. I responded and said what about the 50+ laptop power cables on a plane that could do the same thing!

    • Miss B on 30/05/2019 - 07:26

      It's probably the same as lighters, don't get between smokers and their lighters or knitters and their needles. Have to wait until you're off the plane to smoke though.

  • Some Guy on 29/05/2019 - 10:46
    +14

    I travelled unknowingly with a tent peg in a work laptop case for over a year and it was never noticed in at least 20 security scans. I found it when I was given a new laptop and bag.

    I went on an annual fishing trip for three years that required three flights each way, with 6 spooled reels in my hand luggage. The fourth year, airport security said the reels couldn't be in hand luggage. They actually sought me out back at the checkin desk to show me a webpage buried in some Civil Aviation site to support their decision.

    I have also travelled with cable ties in my pocket but had them confiscated when in my cabin bag. Apparently I could restrain someone with them but I could not possibly restrain someone with a neck tie or a belt.

    Welcome to the utterly illogical and gloriously infuriating world of airport security, where you are obliged to know the rules despite them being different for every airport and every airline and applied differently by low paid workers who may or may not give a rats a$$.

    • DJR9000 on 29/05/2019 - 10:58
      +13

      Welcome to security theatre

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security_theater

    • GOCAT9 on 29/05/2019 - 12:25

      Totally agree with you here. At the same time, they allowed her on board with a 15-20cm pen (which could easily be used as a weapon).

      • ravonda on 29/05/2019 - 19:12
        +1

        Is your wife's name John Wick by any chance?

        • Dancasper on 31/05/2019 - 08:48

          Pens are OK. If it was a fu@qing pencil it would be a different story.

    • dufflover on 30/05/2019 - 18:52

      I travel frequently and had observed the occasional overzealous guard. I saw something similar to the cable ties where some guy had his roll of tape confiscated because it was "non-tearable" (yeah, you're going to take on a plane full of people and even reach the point of restraining them with tape …)

      Luckily, I had no issues taking through my coffee machine and a slow cooker in recent times.

      This was all domestic btw.

  • tsunamisurfer on 29/05/2019 - 10:50

    Next time perhaps consider putting the Cocaine in the carry on and the screws in check in luggage?

    • try2bhelpful on 29/05/2019 - 10:53
      +17

      Who imports Cocaine into Chile?

    • GOCAT9 on 29/05/2019 - 12:26
      -1

      I’ll keep that in mind, thanks!!

    • Scrooge McDuck on 29/05/2019 - 17:22
      +6

      Next time perhaps consider putting the Cocaine in the carry on and the screws in check in luggage?

      The screws diversion worked exactly as intended.

  • blitz on 29/05/2019 - 10:58
    +2

    Just post them to Chile.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/05/2019 - 11:00
    +1

    Well, they can be used to break the plane windows, puncture the fuselage or wedge the cockpit door. Materials are much thinner than you would think. 1-2mm skin on a 747 jumbo.

    If someone wanted to depressurise the aircraft, that bolt for the inner plastic window and a piece of spark plug ceramic for the outer glass would go a long way.

    It would also be a risk for trapping cabin staff/airplane security in the toilets. MacGyver would be unstoppable with them, probably by hydrolysis.

    • GOCAT9 on 29/05/2019 - 12:28

      So would a lot of metal ballpoint pens. So why do they let all them on board?

      • Scrooge McDuck on 29/05/2019 - 17:25
        +3

        They don't, Richard Dean Anderson has to fly stark naked everytime.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/05/2019 - 18:12
          +3

          And they double frisk the mullets. Upper and lower.

      • Wallyt99 on 30/05/2019 - 21:59
        +1

        I’m really tiring of these ‘Pen is mightier’ arguments.

    • outlander on 29/05/2019 - 14:42

      Trying to apply logic to a situation like this is itself illogical

    • Dancasper on 31/05/2019 - 08:52

      I was going to say this but add that a Ramset Anker bolt would make a great projectile to break out a cabin window. MacGyver would use a tube of cardboard and elastic from his underpants.

  • bobbified on 29/05/2019 - 11:03
    +11

    Security just didn't want anyone to get screwed .

  • DarthAntz on 29/05/2019 - 11:23
    +3

    'Cabin Attendant, there's a ramset ankascrew in my in-flight potato bake'

    • GOCAT9 on 29/05/2019 - 12:29
      +1

      But Sir, that is for added fiber!!

      • Heaps for Cheaps on 29/05/2019 - 14:52
        +6

        I thought it would have been for added Iron

  • chumlee on 29/05/2019 - 12:12
    +4

    I like a different screw on my flight so I can gain membership to the mile high club

    • GOCAT9 on 29/05/2019 - 12:30

      Sorry, that’s not allowed onboard also!!

      • dcep on 29/05/2019 - 13:29

        what can they do about it

        • try2bhelpful on 29/05/2019 - 13:45

          No fly list for the next time you try to get on a plane.

          • dcep on 29/05/2019 - 13:47

            @try2bhelpful: for screwing in toilet ?

            • try2bhelpful on 29/05/2019 - 14:16

              @dcep: If the airlines considered it to be "disorderly conduct" then they get to set their own rules on it; the Americans like to put people on no fly lists. There is some discussion that, on a British aircraft, it might actually be an illegal act because it is in a public toilet an there is a statute on that one.

  • myusername on 29/05/2019 - 13:03
    +8

    common sense should've prevailed they're not allowed as carry on.

    • GOCAT9 on 30/05/2019 - 09:38
      -3

      To me it’s not “common sense” that you cannot take blunt ended short bolts on board, but ARE allowed to take much longer pointy metal ballpoint pens….go figure!! Where is the common sense in that?

    • dufflover on 30/05/2019 - 18:54

      I disagree. They are hardly "sharp", pointy, or have cutting edges. There are far more dangerous items that are allowed.

      It may be common sense they will be "suspicious", but that basically admits security have no common sense to begin with.

  • Ughhh on 29/05/2019 - 13:09

    I once had a handcuff keyring confiscated at airport. Was too small to fit around a babys wrist and too big for adult fingers. But because it was metal and had no keys, they had to take it away, after discussing with their manager whether they need to arrest/report me, 10 year old kid travelling with decent average Joe parents! Then proceeded to examine the plastic earring studs I had, was allowed to keep those fortunately >.>
    Scared the crap outa me.

  • 87percent on 29/05/2019 - 13:22

    We had a baby nail clippers removed a few months ago

  • taoz on 29/05/2019 - 19:37
    +2

    Surely a gee up.

  • GoldenDragon888 on 29/05/2019 - 21:42
    +7

    I swear that OzBargain has the dumbest forum section ever.

    But I love it none the less.

  • tunzafun001 on 29/05/2019 - 21:52
    +2

    Don't look for logic.

    You can't take a bottle of water onboard, but can take a cigarette lighter and as much ethanol based duty free grog as you want! Can someone please explain how the water is more dangerous than 100 proof spirits?

    Probably could take a big bag of anfo onboard no problem as well.

    Also love the "no charging via USB during taxi and take off". I'm sure even Magyver couldn't take down an A380 with a Nokia 5110 and a USB cable!

  • rave75 on 30/05/2019 - 00:20
    +1

    Understandable. My pencil was confiscated because they said I could easily kill people with it. How did they know I could?!

    • try2bhelpful on 30/05/2019 - 05:23
      +4

      Well, you shouldn’t have travelled under your Jason Bourne passport.

      • rave75 on 30/05/2019 - 11:47

        I wasn't. It was under John.

    • kiitos on 30/05/2019 - 09:39

      Because it's mightier than the sword.

  • TheBigShort on 30/05/2019 - 00:33
    +1

    You got screwed 10 times over

    • GOCAT9 on 30/05/2019 - 09:41
      -1

      “Bolted” would be a more accurate better description.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 30/05/2019 - 08:55
    +1

    Who cares?

    • GOCAT9 on 30/05/2019 - 09:43

      Answer: me of course for one!!!

  • baytrail on 30/05/2019 - 09:34

    LOL….

  • kungfupanda on 30/05/2019 - 09:39

    why did you get your wife to put into check-in luggage? unless it is very expensive item - you could just place in luggage.

    • GOCAT9 on 30/05/2019 - 09:44

      Your question has been answered above

  • k-rokfm on 30/05/2019 - 11:25
    +1

    If you were genuinely building a pergola, surely you would need more than 10 as well?

    Your story is so fishy. None of it adds up

    • GOCAT9 on 01/06/2019 - 09:53
      +1

      Total bullshit mate: if you need the details here are the maths: I have calculated that I need five posts, so 5 saddles or stirrups(?) for bottom of posts. So, 2 bolts (diagonal corners) to fix saddles to concrete multiplied by 5 posts= 10 ankascrews!!

      Still think I’m smuggling drugs inside of my hollowed out bolts somehow? Get real.

  • trapper on 30/05/2019 - 11:44

    Why take this carry on?

    • cheaper on 30/05/2019 - 12:07

      Yup. Why not put them in the check-in bags?

    • GOCAT9 on 01/06/2019 - 09:55

      This has been answered above.

      Anyway why not-you carry your phone on board, what’s the difference other than one is a phone and one is a bolt!!!

  • skillet on 30/05/2019 - 12:16

    Go here https://www.hilti.cl/stores It's either Antofagasta or Santiago. Ask for one of these KWIK HUS or KH-EZ.

    https://www.hilti.cl/c/CLS_FASTENER_7135/CLS_SCREW_ANCHORS_7…

    I would rather use chemical anchor anytime.
    https://www.hilti.cl/c/CLS_FASTENER_7135/CLS_CAPSULE_ADHESIV…

    Hilti for the professionals but don't carry on the plane please, screws are vital ingredient for a bomb.

    Okay so you are homegamer?
    https://www.sodimac.cl/sodimac-cl/product/4165705/Anclaje-to…

  • Strikes on 30/05/2019 - 12:36

    From Australia aviation security point of view, drill bits, tools (Allen keys are ok), anything sharp and pointy, are not allowed. The metal objects should be transparent to X-ray, to avoid hiding something behind.In this case, I dont see why they are not allowed except points such as not transparent enough and may be used in alteration of aero-plane (unlikely).

  • cashless on 30/05/2019 - 12:51
    +1

    Years ago, travelling with 4 year old son leaving London, Qantas crew gave him a pencil/sharpener and colouring book.
    He loved it.
    On 2nd flight out of Singapore, security confiscated the sharpener saying it was a "dangerous weapon".
    My plea of "but you lot gave it to him" was ignored and 4yo was miserable for whole duration of flight

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