Knives in your toolbox

piratebillybob · Mar 3, 2012

I was thinking of getting a nice 3 inch foldable knife for my tool box.

I am however worried about how legal carrying one is. Surely if im working as an electrician in a works van during works time, i'ld be allowed to carry such a knife in my toolbox?

I know this sounds silly but i dont want to get in trouble when just starting out on my new career.

And from what ive read, the law really does hate lockable, folding knives longer than 3 inches.

What kind of knife do you use?

telectrix · Mar 3, 2012

the law frowns on knives being carried on or about your person. in a toolbox, as an essential tool for your work, i can't see a problem.

Darkwood · Mar 3, 2012

You can carry a knife of any pocket size within reason if for work use, the problem arises if you start walking around the streets out of work time with said knife then its an offense.... its possible to be caught with knife in your pocket say in dinner hour and not have any legal consequences .... your work attire usually is enough to just get a verbal talk but if you were to leave work and go drinking having left knife in pocket then you can expect a totally different response if caught with it..... the police usually treat the offense in relation to your reasoning but they aint stupid.

Guest111 · Mar 3, 2012

if the knife is kept in your box you are usually ok however if it was in your pocket or in the front of van when going to and from work you could have trouble if stopped,as it could be classed as an offensive weapon,as far as I am aware if its in your box when going to and from then its ok,I have an axe and a large crowbar in the boot of my car and not had any problems,and I had a traffic cop poking around in there recently.

Darkwood · Mar 3, 2012

It all comes down to situation and circumstance..... having a screwdriver in your pocket at 3am while wondering the streets will get you arrested for been tooled up for robbery but having it in your pocket on your lunch break in your overalls wont even raise an eyelid. Just use common sense and always have your tape measure hooked on your belt so as to make you look technical (its the law)!

Knobhead · Mar 3, 2012

Look at the rest of your tools, just about everything could be classed a weapon.

Guest111 · Mar 3, 2012

Tony said:
Look at the rest of your tools, just about everything could be classed a weapon.

Hey Tony here,s one for you,a mate of mine had to do some work at the local prison and they wanted him to remove all sharp objects from his toolbox,then thought he was being funny when he said if he was to do that he may as well just go home.

Knobhead · Mar 3, 2012

If it wasn’t so true, it would be funny.

SPARTYKUS · Mar 3, 2012

Been covered already, another example is a shotgun (!), youre entitled to walk through a crowded shopping centre with one, in a bag on your person, within reason. Not in your hands, loaded, while foaming at mouth shouting "part p, Electrical Trainee"

Plonker 3 · Mar 3, 2012

phil d said:
Hey Tony here,s one for you,a mate of mine had to do some work at the local prison and they wanted him to remove all sharp objects from his toolbox,then thought he was being funny when he said if he was to do that he may as well just go home.

Having worked in maintenance in the prison service I can say that I have a carried a stanley knife in my tool box. Yes is has been on a tool list, but never been questioned about why I was carrying it.

Guest111 · Mar 3, 2012

Dillb said:
Having worked in maintenance in the prison service I can say that I have a carried a stanley knife in my tool box. Yes is has been on a tool list, but never been questioned about why I was carrying it.

maybe something to do with contractors,or could just be our local nick is a pain,went there twice myself and the staff moaned like hell about having to take you round think they dont like you going in.

SPARTYKUS · Mar 3, 2012

Worked in loads of custardy sweets, once had to pop back to van for a hammer, as came back in through the desk the custody sergent said "I can think of a few uses for that".

Bubblecraft · Mar 3, 2012

I always have my Stanley Fatmax Folding Retractable in my side pocket. Only comes out when I'm washing the briefs. Even have it on me when out with the dogs before & after work. I don't even think about it.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Knives in your toolbox

I clip on my JCB twin blade in the morning to my belt, which is kept on my visor in the van next to my Fatmax tape, and clip it back on at the end of each working day. Don't wanna get caught with that beast on me after work.

My van is FULL of "offensive weapons" if you look at it that way. If Police were to charge me for all my hammers, axe's, blades, knifes etc, I'd be locked up for life!