If you were a child or teen in the 1950s or 1970s, you may have seen a strange bottle opener or carpentry tool. This item had a special role throughout those years.

Vintage Roller Skates
Roller skates used to look odd. These metal-base skates with leather straps were worn over shoes.

The Mystery Key
Let’s investigate that odd metal tool. That tool is a key. Every pair of roller skates from those decades has this key. Its purpose? To tighten or loosen skates. Most skaters hang their keys around their necks, and losing one might mean buying new skates.

nostalgia revealed
It’s intriguing, right? Some of you may remember metal skates and keys. A far cry from plastic roller skates nowadays. Hold onto your antique skates, especially if they have the original key! They may become collectibles.