P-38 can opener facts for kids
The P-38 is a tiny can opener that was first made in 1942. It was given to soldiers in the U.S. Armed Forces with their canned meals, called field rations. This happened from World War II all the way up to the 1980s. It was first used with K-rations and then with C-rations. Even today, you can still buy P-38 can openers around the world.
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What is the P-38 Can Opener?
The P-38 is a very small, pocket-sized tool. It's about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long. It has a short metal handle and a small, hinged metal tooth. This tooth folds out to poke a hole in a can lid.
Why is it Called the "John Wayne"?
U.S. Marines sometimes call the P-38 a "John Wayne" can opener. This is because it's known for being very tough and reliable, just like the famous actor.
How Does it Work?
The P-38 has a small notch near its hinge. This notch helps the opener stay hooked onto the edge of the can. You "walk" the opener around the can's rim to cut the lid open.
P-38 vs. P-51
There's also a bigger version of this opener called the P-51. It's a bit easier to use because it's larger. The P-38's handle can also be used as a simple flat-blade screwdriver, but it's not very strong.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The military officially calls the P-38 things like "US ARMY POCKET CAN OPENER." The name "P-38" might come from its length, which is about 38 millimeters. The P-51 is about 51 millimeters long. Another idea is that it takes about 38 small cuts to open a C-ration can with it. Interestingly, both the P-38 and P-51 share their names with famous fighter planes from World War II.
Where are P-38s Used Today?
U.S. soldiers don't use P-38s for individual meals anymore. In the 1980s, canned C-rations were replaced by MREs, which come in plastic pouches. However, the larger P-51s are still included with bigger "Tray Rations" for groups of soldiers.
You can also find P-38s being used during disaster relief efforts. Rescue groups often hand them out with canned food to people who need help, both in America and other countries.
Why are P-38s Good?
The P-38 is very cheap to make. It's also much smaller and lighter than a regular can opener, making it easy to carry. It has a small hole so you can attach it to a keychain or a dog tag chain.
How to Use a P-38
Using a P-38 is simple:
- First, fold out the cutting point so it sticks out at an angle.
- If you're right-handed, hold the flat part of the P-38 in your right hand. The cutting point should face away from you.
- Hook the edge of the can into the round notch on the P-38.
- Hold the can steady with your left hand.
- Twist your right hand a little bit to make the cutting point poke a hole in the can lid.
- Keep turning the can with your left hand while gently twisting the P-38 back and forth with your right hand. Do this until you've gone almost all the way around the can and the lid is nearly loose.
- Lift the lid off, often using the P-38's cutting edge.
- Wipe the P-38 clean and fold the cutting point back into its stored position. You can then put it back on your dog tag chain or in your pocket.
Left-handed people can do the same steps, just by holding the P-38 in their left hand and the can in their right. People used to say it took about 38 cuts to open a C-ration can this way!
Similar Can Openers
Other countries have similar can openers:
- The Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Army use a tool called "FRED." It's like a P-38 but also has a small spoon and a bottle opener.
- The British Army used a similar opener with their ration packs. It came with instructions on how to use it, which said to "twist forward to puncture" the can.
- The Swedish army also had a similar opener called the M7481-021000 Konservbrytare Mini. It came with their "Golden Cans" (field rations in gold-colored tins).
- In Poland, a similar non-folding can opener has been popular for many years.
