Roller skating has been a beloved pastime enjoyed by generations of kids and adults alike. It’s hard to believe that the first use of roller skates was in a London stage performance way back in 1743!
John Joseph Merlin, a London resident in 1760, deserves the credit for inventing the first skates. Roller skates have certainly come a long way since then!
In the United States, roller skating gained popularity as a pastime in 1935. But it wasn’t until the introduction of skating rinks playing disco music in the 1970s that roller skating became a huge trend. It seemed like everyone wanted to hit the rinks and groove to the music!

Speaking of roller skating, let’s take a trip down memory lane. Do you remember those heavy metal skates that you could attach to your shoes? They were quite the fashion statement back in the day. But there’s something else that you might remember if you were a skater before the 1970s – the iconic skate key.
This copper-colored object was an essential accessory for anyone with roller skates. At first glance, it may look like a bottle opener or some kind of tool, but it is actually a skate key. With the skate key, you could adjust the size of your skates by fitting it into the back of the pair. And to make sure they didn’t get lost while skating, most people wore the key around their necks. It was a small but significant part of the roller skating experience.
Skate keys were such an integral part of roller skating that there have even been songs written about them! They symbolize a time when roller skating was a cherished activity, filled with fun and memories.
So, do you remember skate keys? We’d love to hear your skating stories on our Facebook page. Let’s share this delightful blast from the past with others who may have fond memories of roller skating and skate keys too!
Unlock the Secret Function of the Small Round Hole on Your Nail Clipper
Nearly every household has a pair of nail clippers. These handy tools are primarily used for trimming nails, and sometimes even snipping thread. But have you ever noticed the small round hole on some nail clippers? You might be surprised to learn it has a few clever uses! Many people don’t know about this hidden feature, but once you understand its purpose, you’ll want to give it a try. Let’s explore what it can do!

One use for the small hole is to attach a keychain to your nail clippers. By securing it with a keychain, you can keep the clippers with your keys, ensuring you’ll never misplace them (unless all your keys go missing). Some nail clippers even come with a small chain specifically for this purpose. However, those chains can sometimes detach easily, so it’s often better to attach a keychain directly through the hole for a more secure hold.
The small hole can also help with wire bending. By threading wire through it, you gain extra leverage to bend the wire with ease, reducing the effort needed. This trick is especially helpful when you need to bend or break wire without putting too much strain on your fingers.
Another handy feature of nail clippers is the small metal piece that often surrounds the hole. This piece can be used for cleaning dirt from under your nails but also doubles as a mini screwdriver for small screws. It can save you in a pinch when you don’t have the right tools on hand—just give the screw a few turns, and it’ll loosen up.
Lastly, the sharp edge of the nail file on your clippers can even be used to slice through packing tape on boxes. With these tips, you can get much more out of your nail clippers than just trimming nails!
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