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 is a timeless activity that has brought joy to people of all ages for centuries. The history of roller skates dates back to as early as 1743 in London, with John Joseph Merlin credited with inventing the first skate in 1760. Roller skates even had a moment in World War II when the U.S. considered using them to move infantry around Europe to save gas.

In the U.S., roller skating became a popular pastime in 1935, but it wasn’t until the introduction of skating rinks playing disco music in the 1970s that the hobby truly took off. For those who grew up during this era, memories of the heavy metal skates that attached to shoes and adjusted as feet grew are likely to bring back nostalgic feelings.

One object that often accompanied these skates was the copper-colored skate key. This vital tool was used to adjust the size of the skates, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit while gliding around the rink. Many skaters would wear the key around their neck to keep it safe and accessible while skating.

Recently, images of the skate key have been circulating on social media, sparking nostalgia and fond memories for those who remember using them. While some may mistake it for a bottle opener or a tool, those who remember roller skating before the 1970s know the true purpose and significance of the skate key.

Songs have been written about this simple yet essential piece of roller skating equipment, highlighting its importance in the skating culture of the past. If you have memories of using a skate key or stories from your roller skating adventures, we invite you to share them on our Facebook page and connect with others who share your love for this classic pastime.

So, next time you lace up your skates and hit the rink, take a moment to appreciate the history and nostalgia that comes with roller skating, and don’t forget to share this fun memory with others who may also remember the copper-colored object that was once an essential part of the roller skating experience.