Found this today in. the shop

chuck machinist · Dec 4, 2016

I found this little jewel in the shop the other day. Many of us old guys know what this is. Can you younger fellows take a guess. Good luck

KenL · Dec 4, 2016

A key for opening cans.

DENNIS MIN · Dec 4, 2016

Machinist,

As a kid, I used to cut my fingers trying to unroll the coil that was wrapped around the key.

Curiosity ran deeper than smarts for me.

D>

mozark · Dec 4, 2016

Since that one is unused, you now need to find the unopened can that goes with it. Seems like coffee and Spam were two things that came in those cans.

mite-help · Dec 4, 2016

That was the 'key' to my sardines & cracker snack.

Adirondack case guy · Dec 4, 2016

And you call me a young feller. I know that will also fit into the key switch on your 400 so in case you lose the original key, you will have a spare. You better wire it to the tractor somewhere. HeHe.
Loren

DeltaRed · Dec 4, 2016

HAHA. I used to to the same thing!

rrlund · Dec 4, 2016

You beat me to it. Those were my first two thoughts. I wonder how many times my mother cut her finger trying to unwind one of those things so one of us kids could have the key?

UncleTom · Dec 4, 2016

I cut my fingers too.

centash · Dec 4, 2016

Once the can was opened, they were handy with the Meccano set! Maybe the young ones don't know what that is either.Ben

Philip d · Dec 4, 2016

I think they still sell Herford brand canned beef with those keys on them? I used to call it bull meat when I was a kid,it was pretty slimy stuff but I liked the picture of the bull on it lol.

4wdtom · Dec 4, 2016

That confirms it, I am an old guy, I know what it is. Seems like I still see them once in a while on cans of ham?

4wdtom · Dec 4, 2016

You know Meccano! I still have some of it. What my father gave me and what I saved my $.25 a week allowance to add to it! Maybe someday I will tinker with it in the cold of winter. I always thought the quality was better than Erector and couldn't figure out why it wasn't more popular. I guess it goes to people don't always value quality.

matthies · Dec 4, 2016

I'm 45 and have seen them used to open cans, but don't know what Meccano is.

rrc300 u · Dec 4, 2016

Key for a metal can. We still use them for filter driers in the refrigeration industry.

Stephen Newell · Dec 4, 2016

The question is do you have the container it goes with in the shop too?

Deutz Lover · Dec 4, 2016

I have seen them used on canned hams, sardines, other meats, mixed nuts, and some hard candies sold by fund raisers at churches.

Super Steve · Dec 4, 2016

I'm 30 and know exactly what that is. I still see the canned beef in the stores and try to get my fianc? to let me get it but she wont. It reminds me of my grandmother who used to have it about once a week for lunch sliced up on sandwiches.

T.R.K. · Dec 4, 2016

The others are correct about the original use. I know of one that has been the 'replacement' lawn mower key for some 40 years now.

Steamboat · Dec 4, 2016

Spam! (and not the kind found here!!)

Dalex · Dec 4, 2016

I always used needle nose pliers, my fingers are unscarred....

JMS/.MN · Dec 4, 2016

It"s how to open spam without clicking on it!

Mike(NEOhio) · Dec 4, 2016

Are talking about Erector sets? I'm 67 and had Erectors but never heard of Meccano.

MNGB · Dec 4, 2016

That key also made an excellent ignition key for a cardboard box imaginary car
GB in MN

jacksun65 · Dec 4, 2016

used for opening old ammo cans.

jeffcat · Dec 4, 2016

Yes,no,no,yes,and no. Ha ha. When I was a bit younger mom would let me open the pound can of 5'oclock coffe from the A&P market. You had to take a little care cause it would slice you up pretty good if it went off track.

Geo-TH,In · Dec 4, 2016

I forgot the key even existed until you posted it.

Robert Major · Dec 4, 2016

Hi Steve If you are 30 you are old enough to go to the store on your own without adult supervision, and buy it without her ;-) . My thinking is also if your Fiance wont buy you one can when she goes to the store, you got way bigger problems than this heading your way when you get married L.O.L.
If you want that can bad enough you will figure it out one way or another . Please come back and let us know how good it tasted when you get that can, and how much it reminded you of grandma!
Good luck Regards Robert

centash · Dec 4, 2016

Meccano was more popular here in Canada because it was imported from England, the 'mother'country at the time. Bit better quality than Erector. Ben

PJH · Dec 4, 2016

MMMM - I can taste the mustard sardines.

bigbob1939 · Dec 4, 2016

Did welding rod that came in the tins open with a key like this? That could be why it was in the shop. Maybe not. I remember coffee, sardines. Bob

Mark - IN. · Dec 4, 2016

After my mother tossed them into the trash, I'd go fish them out and try to untwist the metal from the can, shredding my fingers. As someone said below, a key to an imaginary car made out of a cardboard box. That reminds me...for Christmas one year my brother got this '57 Chevy dashboard that sat on the floor, had a windshield, steering wheel, and when he turned the key on, it made the sound of a running engine. He never let me take it out for a spin.

If I were you, I'd either have it framed or put it on my key ring.

Mark

Found this today in. the shop

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Similar threads