Does stainless steel go off in a metal detector? Here's why

If you're standing in a long security line at the airport, frantically pulling off your belt and checking your pockets, you've probably wondered: does stainless steel go off in a metal detector? It's a fair question, especially since so much of what we carry—from watches and jewelry to medical implants and pocket knives—is made of the stuff. The short answer is yes, it absolutely can, but it's not quite as straightforward as you might think. ...

May 6, 2026 · 7 min · Roxy Ting