p.2 #2 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
Lars Johnsson wrote:
Actually the last RRS L-plate that I bought, have the allen wrench inside the plate. So you don't have to bring an extra tool in your bag. And you don't have to bring a coin in your pocket either
The problem with this is that airport security will make you throw away the allen key if they notice it. They won't let you bring "tools" into the cabin.
Sep 26, 2012 at 11:26 AM
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p.2 #3 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
longisland.km wrote:
The problem with this is that airport security will make you throw away the allen key if they notice it. They won't let you bring "tools" into the cabin.
I have brought my allen key and a few other tools into the cabin in my last 50 flights without any problem And often my tripod or monopod also.
p.2 #4 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
longisland.km wrote:
The problem with this is that airport security will make you throw away the allen key if they notice it. They won't let you bring "tools" into the cabin.
I had my tripod allen keys taken away going through security. You are right...tools are not allowed in the cabin. However, I have also gone through security many times with the allen key buried in amonst other things in my camera pack without issue.
Rolling the dice with something labeled as a tool, which an allen wrench is.
Sep 26, 2012 at 12:43 PM
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p.2 #5 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
chez wrote:
I had my tripod allen keys taken away going through security. You are right...tools are not allowed in the cabin. However, I have also gone through security many times with the allen key buried in amonst other things in my camera pack without issue.
Rolling the dice with something labeled as a tool, which an allen wrench is.
They are allowed in all those countries and International flights that I go with. I can even put a few of them loose in the box when they x-ray it. So everyone see them
p.2 #8 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
Lars Johnsson wrote:
They are allowed in all those countries and International flights that I go with. I can even put a few of them loose in the box when they x-ray it. So everyone see them
Yes, I believe they are also allowed when mine was confiscated. The TSA agent just looked at the wrench and decided it was a tool and "No tools allowed" was their response. I had no time to argue as I was late for my flight. Like most things with TSA, it all depends on who is manning the station.
p.2 #10 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
I don't have a dog in this fight, but it is rare that I remove a plate. I also have plenty of hex wrenches in my bags and gear. Let me offer a suggestion. If you want to replace the hex bolt/screw, go to a real hardware store, such as McFadden Dale and get a replacement bolt/screw with a head of your choice.
Cheers, Steve
Sep 27, 2012 at 12:12 AM
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p.2 #11 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
If you fly in many different countries around the world. I'm sure you must have noticed that Airport securite, TSA and things like this are very different in the USA and most other countries. And I would guess that TSA is an American thing that was created because of the 9/11. It doesn't exist in other countries. There they have the normal Airport Security like they always had.
p.2 #12 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
I don't quite get the OP's argument. So I am supposed to carry around a flat-head screwdriver instead? Of which their are many sizes, more than hex wrenches I might add. Instead of a simple hex wrench which are quite common? (I have been using them on my bicycle parts since the eighties for example).
What's the difference of carrying one vs the other? Please don't suggest the expense is an issue 'cause if it is then you are in the wrong hobby/profession!
The other little fiddly little options are a waste of time as well, just more to go wrong in the field. There is a reason the engineers use the hex bolts, they are the best option, plain and simple.
p.2 #13 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
Lars Johnsson wrote:
If you fly in many different countries around the world. I'm sure you must have noticed that Airport securite, TSA and things like this are very different in the USA and most other countries. And I would guess that TSA is an American thing that was created because of the 9/11. It doesn't exist in other countries. There they have the normal Airport Security like they always had.
The good folks at the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) are frequently establishing new and higher thresholds of annoyance. You have to comply (just smile and nod), or you don't fly.
p.2 #14 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
neilvan wrote:
I don't quite get the OP's argument. So I am supposed to carry around a flat-head screwdriver instead? Of which their are many sizes, more than hex wrenches I might add. Instead of a simple hex wrench which are quite common? (I have been using them on my bicycle parts since the eighties for example).
What's the difference of carrying one vs the other? Please don't suggest the expense is an issue 'cause if it is then you are in the wrong hobby/profession!
The other little fiddly little options are a waste of time as well, just more to go wrong in the field. There is a reason the engineers use the hex bolts, they are the best option, plain and simple....Show more →
I can appreciate the OP's argument. I have experienced *one* time out in the wild blue yonder where I wanted to remove a plate but couldn't because I typically don't bother to bring an allen key. Obviously I wouldn't have been carrying a flat-head screwdriver either, but I'd have a high probability of having at least one coin in my pocket that could serve as a crappy but serviceable substitute.
So, yes, possibly exceedingly rare, but it can happen.
p.2 #15 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
this is an irrelevent thread. anyone with even the most minimal dexterity and a mind to do it can simply change the bolt to whatever they wish, as long as it is the appropriate length and has the proper shoulder, to use at anytime. it is a non issue.
i've been using them since '91 and always seem to have one available. i put my tool kit in my checked luggage to satisfy the "powers that be". and yes i can easily get one as a single size at an appropriate hardware store easily.
p.2 #16 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
Any possible replacement screw needs to have the necked down portion on the threads near the head in order to work correctly. That style of screw is specific to photo gear, and is not available from any hardware store. In addition, most plates and L brackets do not have room for a larger diameter head, and usually do not have room for a taller head. This makes changing to a different bolt head style nearly impossible. Of course my view is that there is no reason to ever consider changing, and that the hex key is by far the best solution.
p.2 #19 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
The allen key is the better tool for the job but less convenient. It works great until you don't have it. Then you have a problem. Personally I leave the tripod plate mounted unless I know for sure I won't need it.
p.2 #20 · Why do so many release plates come with allen screws?
Lars Johnsson wrote:
I have brought my allen key and a few other tools into the cabin in my last 50 flights without any problem And often my tripod or monopod also.
Luck of the draw with regards to the security person I think...
1) The Canadian airport security took a tripod wrench from me (I had flown with that many times)
2) The US airport security took an allen key from me (I had flown with it many time before as well and had forgotten it was in my pack)
3) The Vietnamese airport security stopped me from bringing my tripod into the cabin (I had flown with it many time before as well) so I had to get it checked in
4) The US airport security guy pretended to flip through my passport while he was obviously checking out a woman that was walking by (his head turned to follow her as she walked by) and then gave me back my passport and waved me through.
Last week I left one in by mistake and they did not notice.