Roller skating is a pastime that generations of kids and adults have enjoyed.

The first use of roller skates were said to be in a London stage performance as early as 1743, with John Joseph Merlin claiming the first skate invention while living in London in 1760.

They even featured during World War II when the U.S. had the idea of using them to move infantry around Europe to save gas – an idea that didn’t materialize.

In the U.S. they first became a popular pastime in 1935 and when skating rinks playing disco music were introduced in the 1970s the hobby became all the rage.

For those of a certain age you may remember those heavy metal skates that attached to your shoes and adjusted as your feet grew. But you may not remember a metal object that came with these skates that most skaters wore around their neck.

Images of the copper-colored object are being shared on social media sites with many taking a guess that it’s a bottle opener or some kind of tool.

It is in fact a skate key, and for those skating before the 1970s it was essential to anyone with roller skates.

Skates would be strapped to your shoe and the size could be adjusted using the skate key.

The key would fit into the back of the pair of skates and most people would wear the key around their neck so they wouldn’t lose it while skating.

Songs have even been written about this important piece of skating equipment.

Do you remember skate keys? Please share your skating stories with us on our Facebook page.

And don’t forget to share this fun memory with others.

Roller skating has been a beloved pastime for both kids and adults for generations. The history of roller skates dates back to as early as 1743, with the first skate invention credited to John Joseph Merlin in London in 1760. Roller skates even had a brief moment in history during World War II when the U.S. considered using them to move infantry around Europe to save gas, although this idea never came to fruition.

In the U.S., roller skating became a popular hobby in 1935, and it reached new heights of popularity in the 1970s when skating rinks started playing disco music. For those who grew up during this time, memories of heavy metal skates that attached to your shoes may come flooding back. But do you remember the copper-colored object that most skaters wore around their neck?

Images of this mysterious object have been circulating on social media, with many guessing that it’s a bottle opener or some kind of tool. However, this object is actually a skate key, an essential tool for anyone who skated before the 1970s. Skates would be strapped to your shoes, and the size could be adjusted using the skate key, which fit into the back of the skates. Most skaters would wear the key around their neck while skating to ensure they wouldn’t lose it.

The skate key holds a special place in the hearts of those who remember using it, and there have even been songs written about this important piece of skating equipment. Do you have memories of using a skate key? Share your skating stories with us on our Facebook page and reminisce about this fun and nostalgic part of roller skating history.

Don’t forget to share this blast from the past with others who may also remember what the copper-colored object is. Roller skating may have evolved over the years, but the memories of skating with a trusty skate key will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember its importance.