Can Opener

The earliest version of the can opener is a handheld piece of metal fashioned with a catch hook and piercing blade. With an up-and-down motion dragged along the side of the can, the lid was pierced with small connecting notches and opened. Later, handheld crank models appeared that featured a pinching of the can's lip with a turn crank, wheel, and blade design. Turning the crank, the wheel moved the blade along, opening the can.

This is still standard today and even electric can openers utilize this version. In electric can openers, a motor is powered to turn the can around while the blade opens the tin. Usually, a small magnet holds the severed lid, keeping it from falling in. Throughout the years, like every kitchen appliance, the can opener has seen design and style changes while its function has always remained a simple version of the above.

To learn more about can openers, click on the articles below.