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Can You Take Tweezers, Nail Clippers & Nail Files On A Plane? TSA Rules 2024

Are you wondering whether you can bring your trusty tweezers, nail clippers, nail files and even a nail drill with you on a plane?

Well, fear not my friend, because this post has got you covered! I’m gonna dive into the TSA rules and explain them to you simply.

Summary

Here’s a quick summary on if you can take tweezers, nail clippers, nail files and nail drills on a plane.

You can take tweezers, nail clippers and nail files on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage.

If you’re taking any of these items in your carry-on, ensure that they are wrapped or placed in a secure bag to avoid injury to staff (official TSA rule). 

Nail drills aren’t allowed in carry on luggage but can be taken in checked luggage.

In the rest of the post, I’ll go into the rules in a lot more detail to ensure you have all the information you need.

Can You Take Tweezers On A Plane?

Can you take tweezers on a plane - yes!
ItemCarry On?Checked Bag?
TweezersYesYes

You can take tweezers on a plane in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage but you do need to pack them in a certain way.

TSA allows tweezers however they do class them as a sharp item

The official TSA rules state that you should wrap the tweezers or place them in a secure bag to avoid injury to inspectors or baggage handlers.

The easiest way is the simply put them in a makeup bag or pouch to ensure they don’t hurt anyone.

I’ve also covered the rules on if you can take nail polish on a plane.

Can You Take Nail Clippers On A Plane?

Can you take nail clippers in a carry on - yes!
ItemCarry On?Checked Bag?
Nail ClippersYesYes

You can bring nail clippers on a plane in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage. 

TSA allows you to bring nail clippers on a plane however they do class them as a sharp item.

The official TSA rules say that you should either wrap your nail clippers or place them in a secure bag to avoid injury to the inspectors or baggage handlers.

The easiest way is to put them into a makeup bag or pouch to keep them from hurting anyone.

Can You Take A Nail File On A Plane?

Can you take a nail file on a plane - yes!
ItemCarry On?Checked Bag?
Nail FileYesYes

You can take a nail file on a plane in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage.

TSA allows all nail files however they do class certain types of nail files as sharp items.

Only metal nail files with sharp points would be considered sharp items.

Emery board nail files wouldn’t fall under this category so you can just put these in your bag without any issues.

If you do have a metal nail file then TSA asks that it be wrapped or placed in a secure bag to avoid injury to inspectors or baggage handlers.

The easiest way is to just put it in a makeup bag or pouch to ensure it doesn’t harm anyone.

Wondering if chapstick or lipstick counts as a liquid under TSA rules? I cover all of that and more in my handy guide.

Can You Bring a Nail Drill on a Plane?

Can you take a nail drill in your carry on - no.
ItemCarry On?Checked Bag?
Nail DrillNoYes

You cannot bring a nail drill in your carry on luggage on a plane. You can bring a nail drill in your checked luggage.

TSA counts a nail drill as an ‘electric power tool’ which are not allowed in carry on luggage under any circumstances.

It’s perfectly fine to pack a nail drill in your checked bag though just not in your carry on.

Wondering if mascara counts as a liquid under TSA rules?


And that’s it!

Thanks for reading this post on if you can take tweezers, nail clippers and nail files on a plane. 

All information for this article was taken from the official TSA rules. Feel free to visit their website for any additional queries.

You may also be interested in if you can take an eyeshadow palette in your carry on. I also cover how to pack an eyeshadow palette without breaking it (these tips are insanely helpful).

Megan

Megan Jones is a travel expert and founder of Traveller's Elixir, who has been travelling the world full time since 2021. Megan's travel tips been featured in numerous media outlets including Metro, Timeout, Thrillist and more.

Learn more about the Traveller's Elixir Team.

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