 |
Trixes 4-Dial TSA Combination Padlock
by thriftygiftyisme
TRIXES 4 DIAL TSA COMBINATION LOCK
I am sure I must have more padlocks around home without the keys, as I always mislay keys, after trying a combination padlock, (just cheap one - for a weekend away in UK), I liked the styling of the lock but wanted a stronger one so I looked on Amazon and found this combination lock, it was priced ... at around £4 so I brought one for myself (I had the purple one) I was impressed with the lock that I ordered a 2nd one for my daughter, she has a pink one.
Size
The lock is a nice handy size, it measures about 7cm in length, 3cm in width and just over 1cm in depth. The TSA regulation symbol is displayed on the side, to lock the padlock there is a silver ring at the top of the padlock this slides through the zip on the this then slots into the hole on the top of the padlock, which acts as your locking device.
The Combination
On the side is a set of 4 dials that you move with your fingers and this is the combination. When you purchase the padlock it has the factory settings of 0000, but there are full instructions on how to change this. These instructions are on the back of the packaging, so you do need to take care when opening up.
To Set
I found this a bit of a pain to do the lock as I always seem to be all fingers and thumbs, but you have to pull the locking part, turn this around, pop it back into the hole, hold this down, turn another 90 degrees, then put in your new code. I would say get some-one to read the instructions to while you do the lock or vice versa, as it seems complicated making sure you have twisted the right way around. Once you have put your new number in, you then hold it down again and re-twist.
Doing the second padlock did take about half the time, but as they say practice makes perfect!
I will add you can change your number at anytime, just follow the set up process, although for me, I'm useless at remembering numbers, so once set it stay that number.
The TSA accepted symbol.
The main advantage to this padlock is the TSA accepted symbol. This means that should you be travelling and for some reason your suitcase has been picked out for a random check, then the Transportation Security Administration can open the padlock, as there is a special code on the bottom of the padlock, this means that the bag can be unlocked, checked, relocked up and the padlock then keeping your suitcase safe.
Travelling
I find this method that the padlock can be opened, without damaging the lock a good idea, not that I want anyone going through my luggage, but peace of mind that if it did happen, my suitcase would be safe for the rest of the journey.
Ease of Use
I found the padlock easy to use, I liked the fact that it is available in many different colours, so like you me you can choose your favourite colour, or if you want to colour coordinate with your luggage.
Future Use
I plan to buy another two of these padlocks as my next holiday is a long haul, and I know it may sound daft but knowing that I am liable to be having 40 winks on the plane that my hand luggage will have extra security of a padlock, so passport, money etc will be safe.
My overview
I have had my padlocks about a year, they've been used a couple of times for holiday and I was happy with them, they are really great value, and I like the fact they are practical enough to use in everyday circumstances, such as for gym lockers.
Value for Money
I feel these locks are excellent value for money, and I would certainly have paid up to £10 for a lock like this.
Read the complete review |
 |
No More Excess! Advanced Digital Luggage Scale
by thriftygiftyisme
No More Excess! Advanced Digital Luggage Scale
Touch wood I have never been charged for excess baggage, but as the old saying goes, never say never. I'm alright on the way out, it's the way back, my suitcase groans under the weight, what can I say I'm a typical shopper.
Digital Scale
I received this for ... Christmas, so not 100% on the price, but after doing some peeping on Amazon, I noticed there around £8, which compared to the possibility of being charged £10+ per excess kilo, these come into a life of their own. My other half brought me these, is he trying to tell me something!
The Scales
The scales came boxed, and once opened, I was pleased at the scales they look nice, and are very easy to handle. The scales have the main body which measures 15cm x 7cm x 2cm, and this is a comfortable size to handle. The body of the box is plastic, and this has an inbuilt LED screen. The top of the scales has the holding handle, and this is retractable, and the bottom of the unit has the longer strap this is where you attach your luggage to get the dreaded result.
Usage
The unit is really easy to use, as once you have attached the handle, which I find easier than the fishing hook style of the cheaper models. You lift the scales by the top handle allowing your suitcase to be off the floor, once it has left the floor this then concludes the weighing process, so you let the case go back to the ground, the weight of the suitcase is then displayed. This is in kg, and the information supplied says it is accurate within 50grams, You can switch the display to Lbs and ounces, which ever you find easier.
Weight
The weight of the device is 181grams, so is really lightweight and can easily be slipped into hand luggage,
Extras
The product is run by batteries, and these are included with the purchase, and there is a 12 month guarantee
Would I highly recommend
I would highly recommend these scales, as they are literally worth their weight in gold, it's something we take for granted that our suitcase is within the limit, I have spoken to people before that have been charged excess baggage.
Luggage Allowance
The thing is there is no standard luggage allowance, as some airlines have different limits, in general airlines won't take suitcases that are over 23kg. Some travel companies they have a standard allowance of 15kg, although there is the option to pre-book extra luggage, but the weight of the suitcases can have a knock-on effect, I know my main suitcase weights 5kg, and that is a soft sided case. The set my daughter uses, she has a 26in hard sided case that weighs 6kg, and her matching trolley case weighs 3kg. These scales will be getting plenty of use in the near future. I would say invest in a pair of scales.
Read the complete review |
|
|
Design Go 2 Way Luggage Strap
by thriftygiftyisme
=2 way Strap for Suitcases=
I brought this back in 2009 as I was taking my daughter on holiday with me, and being as I had got us new suitcases, happened to be grey, I thought this straps would not only give the suitcases added security from any rough handling, as my last suitcase the zip got broke during transit, and I was finding ... clothes had come out on the carousal, luckily was not the underwear!! So as the old saying goes once bitten, twice shy.
I found these straps on Amazon, I paid about £10 per set, but figured that was a small price to say for safety, the only colour that was available at the time was Pink, which myself or my daughter didn't mind, but I'm sure some of the male population wouldn't want that much pink on their suitcase.
Measurements
The approximate circumference was 170cm in either direction, as it's a square shape function to it, the packaging recommended that it would fit a suitcase width 80.5cm, (apr 32in) x 91cm (apr 36in), but by hook or by crook I could not get it to fit my 30in suitcase, it fitted the 26in suitcase that my daughter used. The strap measure about 5cm in width, and has padded sections along the case.
To Use
Once you have your suitcase packed, then you connect the strap, there are points for it to go through which generally sit on the side and the top of the case.
I did not find any real flexibility on these straps, and that once on, there was no real room for adjustment.
Quality
In all honestly I did not find the strap to be of very good quality, once you pulled it across the suitcase the stitching was starting to come apart. I would be concerned that after a couple of uses that the stitching would give way.
Locks
I found it difficult to use the padlock on the zip in the position I normally use it s its hidden away and less chance of getting caught up in the tour of the airport journey, I would have liked to see an inbuilt combination lock built into the strap.
Would I buy again
No, I would not buy again, after using them for the one holiday I ended up binning the straps, I was disappointed, the only suitcase they fitted properly was the trolley case, but as we use that for hand luggage, it rather defeats the object.
Read the complete review |
