Posted on 01/04/2006 6:39:00 AM PST by Cagey
I have never had to remove any of my jewelry - wedding ring, watch, anything. I've flown internationally too. Gold shouldn't set off a metal detector.
I'm 'bout 50 miles inland from ILM - the highest priced ticketing agent on the eastern seaboard in a little village named "Whiteville". We have a few gas stations, some hamburger joints, and a super WalMart...;)
I have never had a screener suggest I remove any jewelry. Where are these screeners located? Just ridiculous.
Off the top of my head - Los Angeles, Houston, Cincy. Don't recall any other specifics, but it happens more than you'd think. And judging by the other posters, I'm not alone.
My metal detector has a very low toned buzz on gold if I ever manage to detect it - about the same as nickel (I tried it on my 14k gold ring - that's how I know).
Mostly though, it's a trash locator....
Funny Laz. Almost reminds me of Paul Lynde when he'd do the funny bit about his feet killing him and his shoes would have guns on them firing at him (on the old Bewitched show).
A thousand or two - but that information is worthless....;-)
I've always had that problem.
My glasses and even my belt buckle sets off the detectors.
Nice security people the Feds hired.
Well, now they're even nicer - they get to talk to you while they lift your belongings....;-)
I have no doubt it is happening to you all but it has just never happened to me. I don't fly much but when I do it is usually international and it's never happened to me anywhere. I don't think I would put my ring in that bin but I watch my stuff like a hawk so I think I'd be okay. If you put the ring in and make a big announcement out of it, they'd be crazy to try and steal it.
I was wondering the same thing. My ring has never set off the detector.
Oh, please. This kind of thing has always occurred.
The other day as I went through security I told the TSA person I appreciated what he was doing. The guy broke into a large grin. He and his co-worker thanked me as if I had given them a million dollars. Some of them seem like good guys.
Could have been sold by a TSA employee on EBay =).
"Gold and silver are not ferrous. They can't set off a magnetometer. Ergo, wedding bands and most good jewelery shouldn't set it off."
Is that true, only ferrous metals set off the metal detectors? I sort of figured that was the case when I noticed that one house key in my pocket would set it off, whereas my 1/4 lb watch (mostly base metals) and largish belt buckle (brass), and also my eyeglasses (titanium) fail to make it go off. Like others here I've taken to unloading all metal objects into a pocket in my jacket and sending it through the scanner, so that I don't set off the detector and, thus, don't get wanded.
-PJ
so if I had gold nail clippers, I could sneak them on the plane? WHat about gold box cutters? How about a golden gun?
I've never used a metal detector, but I would imagine that a magnetometer would require the presence of some ferrous metal (iron, steel, etc) in order to work.
You COULD stick a 1/2 pound lead fishing sinker in your pocket the next time your go through airport security, and find out what happens. Then, try and explain the 'experiment' to the guards. I'm sure that they'll be understanding... LOL!
Isn't titanium ferrous? Where are the FR chemists? :-)
No, Titanium is not ferrous.
Ferrous, by definition, contains iron. It has the highest magnetic permeability.
Some other metals have slight levels of magnetic permeability, but nothing close to iron.
Iron is the basis for all steels, including stainless.
300 series stainless is only slightly magnetic, but will still set off a lot of metal detectors.
Titanium, Gold, Silver, and a few others have no magnetic permeability.
I grew up in Greensboro and went to school with Roger Soles' son. Last time I was in Whiteville, the name "Soles" was seen frequently. I think Roger grew up near you as did Jesse Helms.
BTW, our Cub Scout Pack really enjoys trips to Singletary Lake State Park near you.
(how is that for some worthless information?)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.