During the World War II, military personnel had to carry ready-to-eat ration supplies with them. Back then, the food was packed inside steel cans. This is when military-grade can openers were produced. There are 2 types of the military can openers, namely the P-38 and the P-51.
As they were developed to be used by the military, they may seem complicated to use. However, using these can openers is surprisingly easy, and can open cans very fast! Before we indulge in details about how to use military can opener, you should know in brief about the 2 types.
P-38 Can Opener
The P-38 can opener was designed in 1942 for the US Armed Forces by Chicago’s Subsistence Research Lab. It was originally distributed with the K-type ration and later on got included with other ration types. Even after all these years, it still has great demand all around the world.
You may wonder why is it called P-38? There are various theories regarding this, one of which is that the can opener could open cans quicker than the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane could fly. Another explanation is that the P-38 is roughly 38 millimeters in length.
But sources from the US Army stated that the name originated because of the 38 punctured holes required around the rim of a C-ration for it to be opened. Once a popular tool among the US military, it is no longer used as much because ready-to-eat meals started being provided in plastic packets.
Features of the P-38 Can Opener
- The P-38 is pocket-sized; its dimensions are approximately 1.5 inches in length, 5 inches in width.
- The handle of the P-38 is a metal blade. It can be used as a flat-head screwdriver, bottle opener, seam ripper, to clean fingernails, etc.
- Comes with a hinged metal tooth that pierces through the surface of a can.
- Cheaper, smaller, and lighter in comparison to standard can openers.
- Highly portable as it can be easily attached to a keyring or chain.
P-51 Can Opener
The P-51 can opener is often referred to as the big brother of the P-38. It started being produced in the 1960s. A key difference between both the openers is that the P-51 is about 0.5 inches longer than the P-38. The tool was preferred by mess hall cooks for opening big trays and larger cans.
It is also favored more than the P-38 as it was easier and faster to use. Its larger handle meant lower thumb pressure for opening cans. The P-38 was eventually replaced by the P-51 as the latter is currently issued as part of the tray ration type, which consists of bulk canned meals.
The military does not just use this tool; rescue organizations can often use it in relief services and disaster recovery. Similar to the P-38, the P-51 can be used for numerous purposes apart from opening cans as well.
Once again, there are several theories behind the naming of this as well. The most plausible theory is that similar to the comparison of the P-38 to a fighter plane. It was named after the North American P-51 Mustang. Also, the tool measures nearly 51 millimeters in length.
Features of the P-51 Can Opener
- The P-51 is slightly bigger but still as portable as the P-38. Its dimensions are 5 inches in length and 2.5 inches in width.
- Much more durable and has higher longevity than the P-38.
- Very easy to operate.
- Its handle is similar to the P-38 and can also be used for multiple purposes other than opening cans.
- Has the same structure as a P-38; consists of a hinged metal tooth that cuts through the surface of a can.
- This, too, can be easily attached to a keyring or worn with a chain.
How to Operate a Military Can Opener
Now that we more or less know about the 2 types of military can openers, we can get to how it is used. It should be noted that both the P-38 and P-51 function in the same manner.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Open the metal tooth hinge.
- If you are right-handed, take the tool in your right hand and vice-versa if you are left-handed. Hold the can in the opposite hand.
- Place the can opener on the surface by ensuring the tooth is pointing down at the lid.
- Hook the tooth into the surface by twisting the opener slightly until a puncture is made. Use your thumb to put pressure on the handle.
- Depending on your hand’s orientation, rotate the can or move your hand to cut the lid along the surface of the can. Cut all the way around its circumference, i.e., 360-degrees.
- Slowly, pull out the lid from the can.
- You have successfully opened the can!
Once you open a can using a military can opener, you will realize that the process is extremely easy, and you might wish to have known of it earlier!
The tool does not require any kind of maintenance but make sure to keep it clean. Sterilize it after every job by holding it from the punched hole on its body and dipping it in boiling water. It should be considered as a safety precaution as we do not want to infect our canned food with bacteria!
Final Thoughts
A lot of people say that the P-38 and P-51 can openers are the greatest invention of the US Army. It may seem a bit far-fetched, but the possibilities of this simple tool are endless. In fact, soldiers at duty often use this can opener not just for opening cans but also for war purposes!
The P-38 and P-51 can openers are considered as a must-have tool in vast number of households. People have them chained or in keyrings and even in their car’s glove box! Now that you know how to use military can opener, we hope that you find it to be a useful addition to your arsenal of tools.
Thanks for reading…