When Did They Stop Making Pull Tabs on Beer Cans?

Robert W. Anderson devised the pull tab, or pop top, in the early 1960s, and it was initially used on beer cans in 1963. The pull tab revolutionized can opening and made opening a can of beer considerably simpler. Pull tabs were popular for many years before falling out of favor owing to worries about pollution and safety. The majority of beer cans are now opened using a can opener or a church key. So, when did they stop creating beer can pull tabs?

The solution is not as straightforward as you may expect. Pull tabs were phased out of manufacturing in the 1970s and 1980s, although a few companies continue to utilize them today.

What is a pull tab?

A beer can’s pull tab is a little metal disk with a ring connected to it. When the can is opened, the ring pulls up the tab and allows access to the beer. The pull tab became popular because it was simple to operate and did not need the use of a can opener. The pull tab, on the other hand, had significant drawbacks. For starters, the metal disk’s jagged edges may slash the drinkers’ fingers. Second, if the metal disk falls into the can, it might contaminate the beer. Finally, the pull tab might be ingested by mistake. Hulseman designed the stay-tab in 1975 to overcome these issues. The stay-tab is a plastic ring that is attached to the cans lid. When the can is opened, the ring remains in place, reducing the possibility of wounds and contamination. The stay-tab is still used on most beer cans today.

Are pull tab cans still made?

Although pull tabs are no longer as ubiquitous as they once were, they are still used by a select manufacturers. Miller Brewing Company was one of the final holdouts, but turned to stay-tabs in 2007 after a decade of resistance. Other companies, like Pabst Brewing Company and Schlitz, continue to employ pull tabs. The bulk of beer cans nowadays, however, are opened with a can opener or a church key.

History of Beer Cans

Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company debuted beer cans in the United States in 1935, followed a year later by Continental Can Company. The original beer cans were constructed of steel with a soldered lid. Flat top cans were widely used until the late 1950s, when cone top cans were developed. Cone top cans had a detachable top kept in place by a little metal tab.

Aluminum cans were launched in the early 1960s and rapidly became the favored option for beer cans owing to their reduced weight and cheaper manufacturing costs. Kaiser Aluminum developed the first aluminum can in 1959, but it wasn’t until 1963 that the first beer was canned in an aluminum can.

Ermal Fraze of Kettering, Ohio created the pull tab in 1962. Iron City Beer, made by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company in 1963, was the first beer packaged with a pull tab. Pull tabs soon gained popularity, and by the late 1960s, they were standard on almost all beer cans.

The stay-tab was created as an alternative to the pull tab in 1975. Although stay-tabs are still used today, most beer cans now feature a pop-top that can be readily opened without the need of a special opener.

The First Beer Can

In 1935, the first beer cans were released in the United States. They were constructed of steel and enamel-lined to prevent corrosion. The cans were soldered shut and could only be opened with a church key can opener. Flat top cans were widely used until the late 1950s, when cone top cans were developed.

Cone top cans had a detachable top kept in place by a little metal tab. To open the can, the tabs were put into a slot in the can and then pulled. Because they could be resealed, cone top cans were popular.

When did ring pulls change on drinks cans?

Robert Hirsch of Duluth, Minnesota, designed the first ring pull can opener in 1962. Previously, folks had to open their cans with a church key or some sharp item. The ring pull made opening a can considerably simpler, and it quickly became the norm for all canned drinks.

However, there has been a movement away from ring pull cans in recent years. Instead, many businesses are switching to stay-on-tabs or Easy Open Lids. These lids lack a ring that can be taken off and must instead be peeled back.

When did cans have pop tops?

Ermal Fraze of Dayton, Ohio, invented the first pop top can in 1962. Previously, a can opener was necessary for all canned drinks. The pop top made opening a can considerably simpler and quickly became the norm for all canned drinks.

When did Coors start using pull tabs?

In 1963, Coors began utilizing pull tabs on its cans. Previously, a can opener was necessary for all canned drinks. The ring pull made opening a can considerably simpler, and it quickly became the norm for all canned drinks.

Which states have pull tabs?

Because pull tabs are not controlled by the government, there is no definite solution to this issue. However, most states allow pull tabs on canned drinks, which is widely accepted. Some places, such as California, have legislation prohibiting the use of pull tabs on cans.

How can I tell how old a beer can is?

The manufacturer’s code is the best method to establish the age of a beer can. This code is normally located at the bottom of the can. The first two numbers of the code represent the month, while the final two represent the year. A number of 0319, for example, indicates that the can was produced on March of 2019.

When did Budweiser go to aluminum cans?

In 1969, Budweiser began utilizing aluminum cans. Previously, all of their canned drinks came in steel cans. Budweiser saved money on packaging and shipping by switching to aluminum cans. Aluminum cans are also more robust than steel cans and do not rust.

Are old empty beer cans worth anything?

Collectors may make a lot of money out of old empty beer cans [1]. The value of a can is determined by its age, condition, and rarity. Collectors will often spend hundreds of dollars, if not thousands of dollars, for rare and desirable cans.

Reference:

1. how-vintage-beer-can-values-are-determinedcollectiblesantiques.lovetoknow.comhttps: