Need answer by 10 AM EST: Will TSA have a problem with this item in carry-on

Factual Questions
1

My brother who lives in Canada ordered this item since he knew I was going to visit–but I thought I was driving. Instead I’m flying, with just 1 bag that I’m not planning to check in.

Is it worth the risk of its possibly being confiscated? I can’t see how it would be dangerous but then I don’t think like them.

It’s a spring about the thickness of the wire used for large paper clips. It’s around 8" long.
On the TSA site it says that tools greater than 7" in length need to be checked in, but is it a tool?

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items

I was thinking I could push the coils together and hold them with a rubber band so that it looks shorter but it’s too stiff for me to push and hold.

2

With the TSA you never know. Pack it in checked luggage.
It’s common for officers to confiscate permitted items.

3

It appears to be part of a firearm. Firearms parts are forbidden in carry-on baggage, but may be checked.

You might be lucky if they fail to recognise it, and fail to ask you what it is. But the safer course of action may be to change your plans and check

4

I would check a bag, and put that in the checked bag.

It doesn’t matter what the official TSA rule is. What matters is what the specific TSA agent looking at the spring thinks the rule should be. You don’t want them to confiscate it, nor do you want to get in a prolonged argument where they pull you out of line and you get to argue about it, then have them confiscate it.

5

The 100% safe thing is check it. Or mail it (assuming that’s legal).

The tools prohibition is mostly about preventing things that would make a good club or blackjack. A comparatively flimsy spring isn’t that.

My bet is it’ll pass through carryon just fine. Especially if there’s nothing else interesting about you or your luggage. I’d avoid wearing an NRA t-shirt for example as it may put the screener in the mind of guns & ammo. Likewise avoid having 3 other almost-legal items in there like lots of travel-size shampoos or trying to bring a bottle of water through.
A different question:

Apparently you’re importing this item into Canada on behalf of your bro. Who for some reason ordered it shipped to you in the US instead of to him in Canada. Is there some issue here that might fall afoul of Canadian customs or firearms regulations? Or is he just saving a few bucks on shipping?

I don’t know specifics, but I understand Canada is pretty darn fussy about all things firearms. TSA may be the least of your concerns.

6

Loop the spring and put it in a box that is less than 7 inches long.

7

It’s permitted only in checked luggage because it’s a firearm part. The checked luggage fee is going to be more than the value of the item. Just leave it at home and tell your brother to buy a new one. It’s not worth the risk and potential disruption to your travel plans if TSA figures out you are trying to smuggle it onto a plane.

8

Bolding mine.

I didn’t look it up before posting. You’re right; it’s flat illegal. Don’t try it. Or, since I’m writing this after 10am, I hope he didn’t try it. We’ll have to see if he ever returns.

9

He’s posting over in Trivia Dominoes, so the TSA may have given him limited internet access in their holding facility.

10

Is anyone starting a crowdfund to post gkster’s bail?

11

Thanks for the bail fund! Not needed, though, since it looked like being cautious and not bringing it was the way to go. My brother is driving to visit me in a few months and can pick it up himself.

LSLGuy, you’re correct, he ordered it shipped to the US to save on shipping costs to Canada since he knew we would be seeing each other. He’s crossed the border by car before and not been questioned about carrying small firearm accessories/parts. He does have all the legal permits for his firearms since marksmanship/target shooting is one of his hobbies.