Key takeaways

• The NexTool multitool is blade-free, making it TSA and airport security friendly.
• The tool is compact and can be attached to a keychain
• All the tools are decent quality, and can actually do the job they claim to be able to do.

$21.98 at Amazon

I like my EDC (everyday carry) gadgets, but when I travel by air, I almost always end up having to empty my pockets of a lot of useful stuff. I find it handy and convenient to have a screwdriver, scissors, and a pair of pliers close at hand, but most multitools are a no-go at airports and on commercial aircraft, often confiscated. 

Also: I found the external storage kit of every iPhone content creator's dream - and it's got MagSafe

So, I was intrigued when I discovered that NexTool had a mini multitool called theMini Sailor Pliers Lite , which was labeled as TSA-friendly.

RECOMMENDS

NexTool Mini Sailor Pliers Lite

When it comes to multitools, the TSA states that, in general, sharp objects in carry-on bags are prohibited, and multitools with knives of any length are not allowed. However, they also specify that multitools with scissors shorter than 4 inches may be placed in carry-on bags.

details

View at Amazon

NexTool's mini multitool fits the bill perfectly. It has no blade and features needle-nose pliers with wire cutters, tiny scissors, a bottle opener, a SIM extractor, and Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers. There's also a handy keyring for attaching it to your keys. 

The tools are made from wear- and corrosion-resistant 420J2 stainless steel and are packaged into a multitool that measures 2.78 x 1 x 0.52 inches when closed and 4.1 inches when deployed, weighing just 2.38 oz.

Also: My favorite travel charger is a power user's dream - and works in over 220 countries

All the tools are functional: the pliers handle all the tasks I'd expect from a similarly sized tool, the screwdrivers fit a wide array of fasteners, and the bottle opener and SIM tray eject tool are nice touches for a tool designed with travel in mind.

So far, so good. But what happens when I take it through airport security? 

It just so happened that I was flying to and from Spain, so I decided to find out. Flying out of Manchester Airport in the UK, I had the NexTool in my small carry-on bag, and it went through the scanners without any issues. Wondering if it might have been overlooked in a bag packed with chargers, cables, and other items, I decided to test it further on my return flight.

Flying back home from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hern