Why is this called a Church Key ?

mike4sigs · Apr 22, 2024

I am 60 years old, Raised in rural Indiana by an Army Veteran.
and i always Knew this to be called a church but never knew why.
My wife had never heard of it called A Church key.(until she meet me)
i read here on the Forum in A thread about a kitchen gadget and a member referred to a church key so i thought i would pose a question to the members for help.

wood714 · Apr 22, 2024

Quick Google search turned up these. They will also leave a wide gash in someones face if used that way.

To protect their aging beers in their monasteries, the monks locked them away in lager cellars, for which only the monks had the keys. It is theorized that the openers reminded someone of these keys — either because of their shape or use — and started calling them “church” keys.

Originally, church keys actually resembled large keys (thus the name) and were used to pry open caps or corks from bottles. Then, when beer cans began being marketed in the 1930s with flat metal covers, the same name, church key, was given to the devices used to open them by piercing them with triangle-shaped holes.

Alk8944 · Apr 22, 2024

Google the term: Church Key, Etymology and you will find links to several possible explanations. Some even sound plausible.

Basically it is just a slang term that has been in use for a long, long, time.

Rustyt1953 · Apr 22, 2024

Dad kept them in his glove box, tackle box and tool boxes.

Mom used them for opening juice cans and to hang my school art masterpieces on the fridge door.

soFlaNative · Apr 22, 2024

Old style vs. new(er)

mike4sigs · Apr 22, 2024

wood714 said:
Quick Google search turned up these. They will also leave a wide gash in someones face if used that way.

To protect their aging beers in their monasteries, the monks locked them away in lager cellars, for which only the monks had the keys. It is theorized that the openers reminded someone of these keys — either because of their shape or use — and started calling them “church” keys.

Originally, church keys actually resembled large keys (thus the name) and were used to pry open caps or corks from bottles. Then, when beer cans began being marketed in the 1930s with flat metal covers, the same name, church key, was given to the devices used to open them by piercing them with triangle-shaped holes.

Never thought about asking google
thank you

Rustyt1953 · Apr 22, 2024

In 53 years neither can nor bottle has thwarted me.

wood714 · Apr 22, 2024

I have a few. Got a couple P38's around here somewhere too.

sceva · Apr 22, 2024

My wife calls them punch openers but I always called them church keys. Back in the day they were free and usually had beer advertising on them.

Sistema1927 · Apr 22, 2024

wood714 said:
I have a few. Got a couple P38's around here somewhere too.

Top left is actually a paint can opener.

Rustyt1953 · Apr 22, 2024

Sistema1927 said:
Top left is actually a paint can opener.

And a bottle opener.

Rudi · Apr 22, 2024

Painters drink a lot of beer.

MRB1 · Apr 22, 2024

We always called them church keys because if you drank beer, according to the Baptists, you were going to hell.

robvious · Apr 22, 2024

I thought it was because of the Knights of Columbus fridge in the church basement.. lol

sophie · Apr 22, 2024

Here’s a couple from the cabinet and 3 from my toolbox. Never knew why they were called church keys. The term church key was just the accepted name. Four are made by VAUGHAN and say “Quick and easy” on 2 of them.
Backside—-VAUGHAN CHGO. 24,U.S.A. 64
Backside—-HANDY-WALDEN N.Y.-U.S.A. 62
Not a single one made in China.
Would you look at that!

Rustyt1953 · Apr 22, 2024

A Bic lighter worked well in a pinch.

Mike SC Hunter · Apr 22, 2024

Rustyt1953 said:
In 53 years neither can nor bottle has thwarted me.

I keep one on my ring of keys.

45Smashemflat · Apr 22, 2024

Hopefully not taken as morbid, but I have church keys, bottle openers, etc. collected from close friends and family (to include my Dad.). They hang in the shop, next to the required “garage ‘fridge” and I work through a rotation of who”opens” my grass-cuttin’ beer at the end of a long day’s yard work. It’s my simple reminder of good times with true friends and family.

I don’t know why the are called Church Keys, other than that’s what my Dad called it, unless it was his P38, or it was mounted on the wall - that was a “bottle opener.”

rwsmith · Apr 22, 2024

Ah, yes.....

wood714 said:
Quick Google search turned up these. They will also leave a wide gash in someones face if used that way.

To protect their aging beers in their monasteries, the monks locked them away in lager cellars, for which only the monks had the keys. It is theorized that the openers reminded someone of these keys — either because of their shape or use — and started calling them “church” keys.

Originally, church keys actually resembled large keys (thus the name) and were used to pry open caps or corks from bottles. Then, when beer cans began being marketed in the 1930s with flat metal covers, the same name, church key, was given to the devices used to open them by piercing them with triangle-shaped holes.

I haven't seen a bottle opener like that in a long time, but they used to have a loop with a handle to fit over the bottle cap and pry it off. See thumbnail:

Old 44 Guy · Apr 23, 2024

I have carried my P-38 on my key ring since 1951. Don't ask me how many beers it's opened in those years. I hope the kids bury it with me.

Why is this called a Church Key ?

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