It seems like everyone who makes screwdrivers includes a screwdriver-handled bottle opener in their line. It's cute, but it seems like more of a marketing thing than an actual tool. How did this get started, and how did it become so universal?
Why do screwdriver makers always offer bottle openers?
- Thread starter dwasifar
- Start date
I think it's used as an actual tool (bottle opener) by a lot of people. If you open a lot of bottles, you need one. But it's also a cool marketing/brand awareness item, too.
They have the handles -- may as well make a bottle opener. I have a Quinn branded one (HF's new premium line).
Other day, we went to visit a sick friend in the hospital who's sick of hospital food, so we stopped and got her Mexican food at her favorite local Mexican place. And she wanted a Coke, and all they had was Mexican Coke in bottles. I keep a multi-tool in each car, so I slipped it in my pocket so I could open the bottle for her in her room. Or else, I would've had to go on a wild goose chase for a bottle opener in the hospital.
They have the handles -- may as well make a bottle opener. I have a Quinn branded one (HF's new premium line).
Other day, we went to visit a sick friend in the hospital who's sick of hospital food, so we stopped and got her Mexican food at her favorite local Mexican place. And she wanted a Coke, and all they had was Mexican Coke in bottles. I keep a multi-tool in each car, so I slipped it in my pocket so I could open the bottle for her in her room. Or else, I would've had to go on a wild goose chase for a bottle opener in the hospital.
Yeah, I know it's useful. I favor German brews and none of them are twist-off. I'm just amused that it became a standard thing to include in a screwdriver lineup when it is clearly not a screwdriver. You're more likely to find a matching bottle opener in a line of screwdrivers than in a line of kitchen tools.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
They're simple and cheap to add to their product line, and with the whole mancave thing going on these days it's an easy sell.
skeletonizer
Well-known member
To answer the question in the title; why would they not?
I propose a better question. Why do they not offer a high quality fly swatter?
Back scratcher?
I propose a better question. Why do they not offer a high quality fly swatter?
Back scratcher?
BarryWells
Well-known member
They should make bongs instead. OK. Channellock should make a high tech roach clip. Bring things up to date. Colorado is a high-----lee populated state
refried
Well-known member
Once you learn to use a Bic lighter, anything can be used as a bottle opener
chrismenke
Well-known member
I've found that to be untrue of a Lay's potato chip and my ocular socket. Anything else, I agree.
refried
Well-known member
You mean a Bic pen? How does that work?
LB-1911
ALLIANCE MEMBER
redwrench60
Well-known member
Am I the only one that calls bottle openers church keys? I thought everyone just used the edge of a flat surface or a pair of Channellock 440’s. I guess if you’re a professional drunk you need better equipment.
Is their trex on upside down?
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I'm not sure when it started but, it seemed to start with the German brands and spread quickly to other brands. The Quinn one has a flat edge so, you might be able to use it on Dzus fasteners in a pinch
I've always viewed the bottle openers as swag or a collectible. Besides, a bottle opener is a survival tool as you attempt hydration during or after difficult tasks
You church key guys must be older than dirt. My grandfather used to refer to those but, that was before pop top cans and I'm ancient
Prepare yourself for some stereotypes.....
MOST screwdriver purchasers are working class men.
MOST working class men drink beer.
MOST men drink beer with friends.
MOST men buy tools based on recommendations of friends and name recognition.
OFTEN beer is being consumed while screwdrivers are being used.
Thus logic would deduce that a great marketing method for screwdriver companies is to advertise by including a bottle opener with their screwdriver set. It is a cheap / low investment advertising item as the handle is already in use for their screwdriver line.
Hope this doesn't offend anyone.
MOST screwdriver purchasers are working class men.
MOST working class men drink beer.
MOST men drink beer with friends.
MOST men buy tools based on recommendations of friends and name recognition.
OFTEN beer is being consumed while screwdrivers are being used.
Thus logic would deduce that a great marketing method for screwdriver companies is to advertise by including a bottle opener with their screwdriver set. It is a cheap / low investment advertising item as the handle is already in use for their screwdriver line.
Hope this doesn't offend anyone.
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shteii01
Well-known member
Need to upgrade to bottle and can opener (the Soviet style):
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Why yes, I am.
Church keys used to be common in garage tooboxes back in the days when motor oil came in cans.There's a whole area of collecting for church keys/can openers/whatever you want to call them. Every beer or soda company had them, stamped with their name and/or logo.
I don't know what started it, but it's a great way to try out different screwdriver handles before getting a set.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app
Sent from my Pixel 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app
redwrench60
Well-known member
Need to upgrade to bottle and can opener (the Soviet style):
That's the highly sought after pre ban bottle opener with a bayonet lug! Better hold on to that.
davethorik
Well-known member
I really like my Craftsman USA raised panel bottle opener. The all metal one. I bought it at Sears Hardware right before they closed for like $4. I remember they had hundreds on the shelf, hindsight being 20/20 I should have bought more and squirreled them away.
It hangs on a nail in the kitchen.
(Bic lighter when not at home)
It hangs on a nail in the kitchen.
(Bic lighter when not at home)
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
After a few hours, the screwdrivers will be used for mixing screwdrivers. and the screwdriver handle bottle openers will be used for both opening bottles and mixing screwdrivers. Multi tool.
redwrench60
Well-known member
You church key guys must be older than dirt. My grandfather used to refer to those but, that was before pop top cans and I'm ancient
You cut me deep Fed, you cut me real deep.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You cut me deep Fed, you cut me real deep.
Sorry
It has been at least 30 years since I heard someone say church key. It brought back lots of memories and put a smile on my face. it also made me think of how cans and beverage containers have changed over the years.
Sorry
It has been at least 30 years since I heard someone say church key. It brought back lots of memories and put a smile on my face. it also made me think of how cans and beverage containers have changed over the years.
I remember opening cans of sweet cream with one and putting it on my biscuits as a kid.
decableguy2000
Well-known member
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Two Door
Well-known member
The internet says the best use for old VHS tapes (for those crafty people with too much time on their hands) is to make fly swatters out of them. Since there are probably more VHS tapes in existence than you need of flyswatters, that market may already be taken...
As to back scratchers, I don't remember for sure, but I think that was the second best use....
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shteii01
Well-known member
ebay, all day, every day!That's the highly sought after pre ban bottle opener with a bayonet lug! Better hold on to that.