I read on the Northwest Airlines baggage regulations today, that they are "recommending" that gun cases have a TSA lock on them. I know TuffPak has come out with a new model that has such a lock. I didn't get in on the swap deal that Harry so graciously offered earlier this year, so I still have my three year old TuffPak. I am trying to think of a way to lock it with a TSA lock. Is there anyone out there that has modified a TuffPak to use a TSA lock, and if so can you send me a picture or give me some ideas. I could do it with a cable type bicycle lock and a couple of holes, but there has to be a better way. I leave for Tanzania on September 2, and don't want any hassles from the airlines if possible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciatted.

UPDATE

I bought a security hasp from Lowe's and This is where I put it. I realize it ain't fancy, but it works. The hasp came with wood screws so I bought some 1/4" machine screws with nuts and used washers. After I tightened everything down I snapped the end of the screws of fluch with the nuts on the inside of the TuffPak. A few strokes with a file removed any rough edges. Then came a rather nice surprise. I was able to put the top on with no modification to the upper lip that it slides over. The lip has just enough flex to allow for the nuts and it fit like a glove. The whole thing costs less than 10 bucks, and took about 30 minutes to do. Like I said, it's not fancy or pretty, but It would take quite a bit to break it, and it has a TSA lock to keep the gummint happy.

Here it is:

Contact Kino who posts on this website because he made such a modification.

Once TSA has checked your guns in, why does someone need to open it, until it comes out at the other end?

I purchased a Tuffpack with the TSA lock at the 2007 SCI convention in Reno, and have recently returned from RSA. The same lock is available in many of the airport vendors. Its a small padlock and labeled a TSA lock. At Reno, I had the choice of having either a nonTSA or TSA padlock, but they looked very similar.

Unless I'm mistaken and the latch has changed significantlly, all you need to do is buy a TSA padlock at the airport.

The old model TuffPak is not secured with a padlock. It uses a lock commonly refered to as a "vending machine lock" that mounts flush on the lid, and does not have a hasp.

Is it possible just to put the TSA lock on the old tuffpack and not use the barrel lock that was installed in the case?

I have not used TSA locks on my rifle case when travelling from the USA. In January 2007 I flew from Oakland to Ontario, California. A few days later I flew Ontario to Dallas (where I met some of the AR crew at DSC) and then flew Houston to Paris. I have a Kalispel case and use a regular old padlock. Once it has been inspected by TSA at check-in there is no need nor any reason to use a TSA lock.

Reddy375 and Wink. I have asked the same question repeatedly on this forum. Why does TSA need to open it. They KNOW whats in there, we told 'em. They can xray it to verify. What gives? Again, in the name of security and patriotism, we let these guys do whatever they want and they seem to be accountable to no one!
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
Contact Kino who posts on this website because he made such a modification.

Ditto

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
Reddy375 and Wink. I have asked the same question repeatedly on this forum. Why does TSA need to open it. They KNOW whats in there, we told 'em. They can xray it to verify. What gives? Again, in the name of security and patriotism, we let these guys do whatever they want and they seem to be accountable to no one!
Peter.

There is a possible scenario when a TSA lock would be handy. When your gun case shows up a day late on return to the US the TSA inspects it (Custioms, too? Who knows?). Whether they are suppose to or not is another question, but they cut my lock off the suitcase. If they do the same to a gun case who knows what happens then.

Is their anyway to just order a TSA padlock online?

Will, you are correct. I believe this happened to jjmiller where his guns showed up somewhere he wasn't. In his case I thought it was Customs. Do these guys (Customs) talk to the TSA? If not, then you are SOL and they will cut the locks off anyway, TSA or not!
Peter.

In JAX, where 1115 will be departing, twice have I been called back to re-open my Tuffpac. I'm just glad that I heard the page. I was already through security both times and went down into a basement and used the key for the guys.... Why they had to do so, I didn't even ask. I just wanted the gun on the plane.

1115, I know how the fix was done. A flat, steel or aluminum shank about 1" wide and 12" long (like a big popcycle stick)is bradded to the bottom half of the pack, running along the inside of the Pac and extending about 1" above the top. With a Dremil tool or small saw, a hole is cut in the top portion where the shank will extend (snuggly) a bit above the top when it slides through when the top is attached. The shank has a hole in the top and the lock is attached through that hole and the physical presence of the lock won't allow the top to be removed. It is important that the portion of the shank that sticks through the top be no higher than the handle or a careless handler could bend it or even snap it off. Also, the top of the "popcycle stick" should be filed "rounded" to keep it from snagging on anything.

Also important is that the method of attaching the bottom portion of the shank is very flat so that the top will slide easily over it (there for a brad or grommet?)... I hope those terms are correct.

quote:

Originally posted by JudgeG:

Also important is that the method of attaching the bottom portion of the shank is very flat so that the top will slide easily over it (there for a brad or grommet?)... I hope those terms are correct.

Attached with pop rivets.

I am engineeringly disabled. Thanks! And type faster than I can spell, too?

I've tried to find the photos I had of the modification I made but can't locate them.
I sold the pack to member in Minn. several months ago,but can't remember the name.

When I made the change I first drilled out the rivets that hold the L shaped metal bar inside the pack. I then cut a piece of 1/4 or 1/8 th inch flat stock metal that I bought at Home Depot or Lowes to about 10". It is about 1" wide. I measured the distance between the holes where the rivets are attached and drilled holes in the flat stock to attach it to the pack with new rivets. The bar is attached long enough to protrude about 2" out the top of the lid after I cut a slit with a Dremel. I smoothed and rounded the edges of the bar with a grinder and drilled a hole in the end of the bar that sticks out the top of the lid, to allow a regular pad lock to attach.
The bar was painted. I left the barrel lock in place to keep the hole plugged. I detatched the locking bar from the inside of the lid to keep it out of the way.
Hope this helps, if I find the photos I'll post them.

Kino, did you go with the upgraded Tuffpak or switch to something else?

I like my tuffpak except for the lock system (I have the old style). I didn't see the update offer from Mims.

I spent quite some time this evening staring at my TuffPak. Eventually I realized that I can drill holes in the body of the TuffPak and The Lid, and place a hasp locking system on it that will allow me to use a TSA padlock. I may have to cut the body at the very top where the lid slides over it to make room for the screws, but it shouldn't compromise the structual integrity at all since the top portion will slide over the cut portion. Tomorrow I am going to the local Loewe's and get what I need to make the change. I will also remove the original lock and plug the hole so as not to confuse the idiots at TSA. Remember, nothing is idiot proof in the hands of a really talented idiot. This time tomorrow evening I will either be:

1. A happy camper with a modified TuffPak

2. A less than happy camper with a new model TuffPak on order.

Stay tuned for details.

Thanks for all of the advice.

quote:

Originally posted by yukon delta:
Kino, did you go with the upgraded Tuffpak or switch to something else?

I like my tuffpak except for the lock system (I have the old style). I didn't see the update offer from Mims.

I will remain with my pelican case that has worked well for two trips.

I looked at my Tuff Pak last night and it appears to be a pretty straightforward proposition to take a piece of flat iron about 8 1/4 inches long, a sixteenth to an eighth of an inch thick and about an inch wide, attach that to the inside of the bottom of the case (with pop rivets) at the point where the bottom expands out to form the ledge for the lid, cut a hole in the lid to the right or left of the existing lock and end up with a piece of iron sticking up about the height of the plastic ridges that are on the top. I am going to give it a try with mine and see how it works out.

I bought a couple of Pelican cases to use for Video cameras and Pelican has a very nice 4digit combination/TSA lock they call a PeliLOCK. They were on sale at Midway. They are small and seeem to be well made.

I bought some heavy duty TSA combination locks about three months ago. They are available from several sources on the internet. They should suit my purpose just fine. I bought the hardware today, and will install it this afternoon. I will post the results.

The TSA combination locks are available at your local Lowes Hardware Company stores.
Sincerely,

See the top for the update and the pics.

Here are the pics of my modification. I drilled out the old metal locking bracket and attached this new one that extends through the top of the case to attach the lock. Plan to paint it black to match the case.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Here are the pics of my modification. I drilled out the old metal locking bracket and attached this new one that extends through the top of the case to attach the lock. Plan to paint it black to match the case.

The only thing I see wrong with this mod, is, many times cases sit on baggage carts in the rain while being loaded on aircraft, and water will run right down the bar into the Tuffpack!

Mike, great pictures. Thanks!
Peter.

Mac,

Slot it pretty tight -- I cut small initially and then only enlarged as necessary for the bar to slide through. Could water run down the metal piece into the case, yes, but it sure would not be much. I would also guess that water could get into the case through the original lock too in the circumstances you described of the case sitting on end. I would also guess that the same could be said for other cases like the Kalispel where water could leech in around the area where the top and bottom meet. If you are interested in something waterproof, I think you are probably looking at the Pelikan or something like that. All that said, it is a "retrofit" and rarely are retrofits preferrable to having something designed right the first time. If you have an old Tuff Pak and are worried about the non-TSA compliant lock, options are sort of limited.

My Tuffpack sat next to the cargo conveyer at DFW, in the rain, while all the "normal" luggage was loaded. It was kept company by a baby stroller and other odd-sized items. I could not see that any water got in, but I was using the original design.

Of course this was way back at the end of May/early June of this year, and every trip is different. No issues with my lock anywhere, but TSA screened with an x-ray machine at DFW while I waited. I am not sure that always happens.

My TuffPak is not retrofitted - all original. Shortly after I got it I intentionally left it sitting upright throughout a 12-hour plus Texas Hill Country downpour. No water made it inside the case. Obviously they're not waterproof when submerged or something like that, but they do seem to be pretty water resistant.

You compromise that a bit with this retrofit, but there is probably a way to install a gasket or grommet of some kind on the inside to mitigate all but the worst case scenario.

This is really an innocent question so please don't flame me. The Pelican will seal air-tight, has castors on the bottom to pull it with, a pressure release valve and the TSA locks, I believe, will fit without alteration. Is there an advantage of the TuffPak over the Pelican case?

quote:

Originally posted by Masterifleman:
This is really an innocent question so please don't flame me. The Pelican will seal air-tight, has castors on the bottom to pull it with, a pressure release valve and the TSA locks, I believe, will fit without alteration. Is there an advantage of the TuffPak over the Pelican case?

Great question. To me the advantage of the Tuff Pak is that it holds more. I can pack two rifles in soft cases in the Tuff Pak and still have room to throw in a sweater, some blue jeans, a pair of boots, etc. Just gives you some additional packing space that you do not have in the more traditional two-rifle, relatively flat style gun case.

When I went to Africa, I packed two rifles, coveralls (night calling predators), a heavy coat, some jackets, a one-piece cleaning rod, and my cleaning kit.

When my wife and I went to Canada, I packed her rifle, insulated rain gear and fleece for both of us, two fishing rods and reels, towels, camera monopod, the cleaning equipment, and miscellaneous small gear.

That's the real beauty of the TuffPak, the ability to pack a bunch of extra stuff and still come in under weight. That way your wife has more room in the other baggage for her stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Mac,

Slot it pretty tight -- I cut small initially and then only enlarged as necessary for the bar to slide through. Could water run down the metal piece into the case, yes, but it sure would not be much. I would also guess that water could get into the case through the original lock too in the circumstances you described of the case sitting on end. I would also guess that the same could be said for other cases like the Kalispel where water could leech in around the area where the top and bottom meet. If you are interested in something waterproof, I think you are probably looking at the Pelikan or something like that. All that said, it is a "retrofit" and rarely are retrofits preferrable to having something designed right the first time. If you have an old Tuff Pak and are worried about the non-TSA compliant lock, options are sort of limited.

Mike you're right of course, it wouldn't be much. I do have a Tuff-Pak take down model, with extendable handle, and wheels, really handy for double rifles. I'm also going to modify my Tuff-Pak for the TSA lock, but just a bit differently. When I finish it, I'll post pictures of the mods. If you like it it will be easy to change yours, and plug the hole at the same time! Basiclly the same as your's but with everything on the outside. By the way, is that lock on your case a little more substantual than the cheap crap they sell in the airports? The Drum lock was what attracted me to the Tuff-Pak in the first place, and the fact that it didn't look like a gun case. I have about 10 different type of Cun cases, including a Pelican, which is very good but heavy. I'm thinking of contacting Pelican to see if they have a take down case that can hold two double rifles, and one scope! I'm hopeing they do!

It is a shame that the airlines, and the goverment can't get together with ONE set of rules, with everyone on the same page. However you and I know that will never happen!

It is a Master Lock that I picked up at Lowes or Home Depot. To call it substantial would be a bit of an overstatement. I would call it more of a simple deterent. If someone wants it off, a good blow with a hammer is probably all it would take. Sort of like locks at home, if someone wants in, they will get in. What you are really trying to do is simply get them to look for an easier mark.


I may just end up using my Kalispel case, but I sure like being able to dump stuff in the Tuff Pak.

quote:

This is really an innocent question so please don't flame me. The Pelican will seal air-tight, has castors on the bottom to pull it with, a pressure release valve and the TSA locks, I believe, will fit without alteration. Is there an advantage of the TuffPak over the Pelican case?

The biggest advantage of the Tuffpak is that most people don't realize it holds firearms. I have come right through customs here and in Argentina and if you dress like a golfer or businessman, you don't even get stopped. Also, you don't get any nasty looks from the libs at airports (as if I care).

As DesertRam said, the good thing about a Tuff pac is that you can maximize each bag to the 50 lb. limit.

With Pelican type rifle cases (about 20 lbs) and two rifles (say 23 lbs total) you are 7 lbs under the limit with little possibility of adding more except possibly another scope and mutlti-tool.

With the Tuff Pac you can put in another 7 lbs. and then try to keep your other bag to 50 lbs.

What is typically inside TuffPaks is no more a secret, to anyone.

My TuffPak has made about 12 pond trips and is still kicking. Besides you want to stuff clothes, etc., to keep the cased rifles from bouncing around.

I bought a hard golf club case for about 1/3 the price of a tuffpack. when I was in Jburg airport another guy had a tuffpack and it took him way longer to access his rifles to show the SAPS guy. I packed two rifle in soft cases, shooting sticks, tripod, small accessories, three coats. The DAytek case comes with TSA locks as well as locking clasp type enclosures.
I paid $129 cdn at golftown.

It struck me as a way better deal and system than the tuffpack.

M, do you have a picture of that golf case? Thanks.