TSA approved lock?

[JEVapa]

As usual, the OP's original query was sent to crazytown, and not by me for once.

Per the original question, no, don't use TSA locks on your gun cases. I highly recommend not using any combo locks of any kind either. They are fairly easy to defeat and they can't take the beating, so sometimes they won't open.
Use a good keyed padlock, not a 3 pin master lock that a paperclip can defeat but something a little more secure. If you're traveling a lot I recommend spending the money and getting a couple American Lock series 200 or 5200 govt locks keyed the same.

https://americanlocks.com/collections/government/products/a5200g
https://americanlocks.com/products/...47811&pr_ref_pid=6632672264323&pr_seq=uniform
https://americanlocks.com/products/...lid-steel-rekeyable-padlock-1-3-4in-44mm-wide
The Govt ones retain the key when open so you don't have a choice but to lock it.

You can find them at good prices on ebay as well and a good locksmith can key them the same if they are all the same key format.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...7.m570.l1313&_nkw=american+lock+5200&_sacat=0

 

[El Pablo]

Sometimes it's best to STFU and listen. You have zero clue who your are talking to.

Nope. Which is why I too would read what’s on the TSA web site than listen to someone that claims to be a SME on a forum when I can’t verify it. One I can verify easily, one I can’t. Simple risk management in my book. Trust but verify.

 

[El Pablo]

As usual, the OP's original query was sent to crazytown, and not by me for once.

Per the original question, no, don't use TSA locks on your gun cases. I highly recommend not using any combo locks of any kind either. They are fairly easy to defeat and they can't take the beating, so sometimes they won't open.
Use a good keyed padlock, not a 3 pin master lock that a paperclip can defeat but something a little more secure. If you're traveling a lot I recommend spending the money and getting a couple American Lock series 200 or 5200 govt locks keyed the same.

https://americanlocks.com/collections/government/products/a5200g
https://americanlocks.com/products/...47811&pr_ref_pid=6632672264323&pr_seq=uniform
https://americanlocks.com/products/...lid-steel-rekeyable-padlock-1-3-4in-44mm-wide
The Govt ones retain the key when open so you don't have a choice but to lock it.

You can find them at good prices on ebay as well and a good locksmith can key them the same if they are all the same key format.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...7.m570.l1313&_nkw=american+lock+5200&_sacat=0

And most combo padlocks are absolute crap. +100 to the locks you are recommending.

 

[El Pablo]

In fact, any mention of my actual name at the airport is going to to get you the "full service" treatment. You don't know me until AFTER you complete security screening! LOL

hmm, bets on who the first osa person who will name drop to get the full service treatment will be? Does Rick fly much?

 

[dbenmark]

Not lock related, but I’ve started hiding Apple AirTags in my gun cases so I always know exactly where it is once it’s in TSA possession. You can watch them load it on the plane with your phone.