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If you’ve ever stumbled across an old metal can with a curious, key-like object attached to the side, you may have found yourself scratching your head. What is this mysterious item? Most folks today wouldn’t recognize it, but for those in the know—true legends of a bygone era—this little tool was once an everyday essential.
The Mystery of the Can Key
The object in question is a can key or spanner key, a simple yet ingenious tool that was once commonly used to open metal containers, particularly for items like sardines, evaporated milk, or canned hams. Before the advent of pull-tab lids and can openers that we take for granted today, this key was a household staple.
How It Worked
The can key worked by being inserted into a small tab or strip of metal on the can. The user would then twist the key, which would roll up the metal strip, effectively peeling back the lid of the can. It required a bit of manual effort, but it was the standard way to access the contents of these cans before modern innovations took over.
- Insert the Key: The key would be hooked onto a metal tab on the can.
- Start Rolling: By twisting the key, you would begin to roll the metal strip along with the key.
- Open the Can: As you continue to roll, the metal strip would peel away, creating an opening to access the food inside.
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