Canada/US border question [Lock]

tony_important

I will be driving into the US from Canada this week, and I need to know if I'm going to run into any trouble bringing my leatherman multitool into the country.

I can't find the answer to this question anywhere.

Is it considered a weapon? Will they take it from me at the border? Am I just being a wacko?

John Matrix

It will be fine.

Hevach

I've crossed to and from Canada several times at Detroit since they started requiring passports, it's not like going through a TSA checkpoint. You're not going to have to go through metal detectors or get patted down or pose for the nude scanner. You pretty much just have to have your credentials in order.

Rikushix

I'll echo what John said and add something further: be prepared to tell the truth.

That sounds a little silly, but I'm not sure if you've crossed the border before (or if you do it regularly), so I'll explain. It's widely known that your crossing experience can vary wildly, in terms of strictness of the border guard and the amount of time it takes to cross. This is reportedly dependent on any number of factors, such as Homeland Security alerts and travel advisories, to things like the crossing location you're at, the time of day or even what particular lane you're in.

The point is that a border guard could ask you pretty much anything, so you should be prepared to answer honestly and succinctly. It's not outside the realm of possibility that a border guard will ask you what's in your backpack, and if you mention your Leatherman tool, he or she might say "what do you use it for?" The intent isn't to grill you simply for the sake of having a sharp implement, it's to catch you off guard in the event that you really did just use it for something nefarious and you reveal something in answering an unexpected question.

Gilbert0

Rikushix wrote: »

I'll echo what John said and add something further: be prepared to tell the truth.

That sounds a little silly, but I'm not sure if you've crossed the border before (or if you do it regularly), so I'll explain. It's widely known that your crossing experience can vary wildly, in terms of strictness of the border guard and the amount of time it takes to cross. This is reportedly dependent on any number of factors, such as Homeland Security alerts and travel advisories, to things like the crossing location you're at, the time of day or even what particular lane you're in.

The point is that a border guard could ask you pretty much anything, so you should be prepared to answer honestly and succinctly. It's not outside the realm of possibility that a border guard will ask you what's in your backpack, and if you mention your Leatherman tool, he or she might say "what do you use it for?" The intent isn't to grill you simply for the sake of having a sharp implement, it's to catch you off guard in the event that you really did just use it for something nefarious and you reveal something in answering an unexpected question.

This. I've done it a couple times and it's pretty easy if you just relax. Tell the truth. It can take minutes if they wave you through or if suspicious, they can secondary search you car. But that's rare.

Hell there are DAILY commuters between US/Canada for some cities.

Gafoto

I'd put it out of sight somewhere to avoid being asked about it directly. Having it in plain view would probably just create unnecessary probing. No need to lie about it but also no need to advertise it.

Rikushix

Gafoto wrote: »

I'd put it out of sight somewhere to avoid being asked about it directly. Having it in plain view would probably just create unnecessary probing. No need to lie about it but also no need to advertise it.

Yes, this.

DanMach

Gafoto wrote:
I'd put it out of sight somewhere to avoid being asked about it directly. Having it in plain view would probably just create unnecessary probing. No need to lie about it but also no need to advertise it.

I'd like to clarify this, while its fine to put it out of sight DO NOT TRY TO HIDE IT. So putting it in your glove box? Thumbs up.

Hiding it under a piece of lose carpet? Instant trip to cavity search land.

Entriech

Also be aware of what's in your trunk, because it's becoming more and more typical for them to ask you to open it so they can take a peek. Also for some newer vehicles you'll need to put them in park before the trunk release will operate.

If you get sent over to secondary for any reason, pull into where indicated and stay in your vehicle until a border officer instructs you what to do. Getting out of your vehicle when they aren't prepared for it can lead to things getting tense and unpleasant.

tony_important

thanks for the help all!

I guess this can be locked!