The British named the containers Jerry Cans because these cans are from their enemies, German WWII soldiers whom they called Jerries. There had been numerous attempts to redesign the German’s design, but the original design was proven better and the Allies decided to just use the German ones.
Why is it called a jerry can?
During the Second World War, a popular slang term for Germans was “jerry.” As the name would imply, it was the Germans who designed the first jerry can. The Germans had first needed a convenient way to transport fuel during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. A rudimentary jerry can was formed to meet this need.
How many gallons of fuel is in a jerry can?
A single standard US 2.5 ton truck could carry 875 US gallons (3,310 l) of fuel loaded in jerrycans. US logisticians requested over 1.3 million per month to replace losses; these cans were provided by US and British manufacturers, but supply could not keep up with demand.
Do you know the history behind the plastic Jerry can?
It was later that the Jerry Can was used to contain both water and fuel, and these containers are imprinted with signs telling users of the liquid contained within them so as to prevent a mix-up. So, are you surprised to know that behind the plastic Jerry Cans we used often in NS, lies such a deep and meaningful story?
What is a jerry can in WW2?
As in: jerry can. Second World War. Western desert army slang for German liquid containers; hence 'jerry cans'. The allied army used them in preference to the army issue as the jerry can's ribbed design made it less prone to leaking in the onerous conditions.
What is the difference between a jerry can and a gas can?
2:264:13What is the difference between a good Fuel Can and a bad ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe see a poor flow rate and a lot of glugging whereas on wavy. And jerry cans you can see that weMoreWe see a poor flow rate and a lot of glugging whereas on wavy. And jerry cans you can see that we use a wide breather. Which allows a good flow rate.
Why are military gas cans called jerry cans?
Western desert army slang for German liquid containers; hence 'jerry cans'. The allied army used them in preference to the army issue as the jerry can's ribbed design made it less prone to leaking in the onerous conditions.
Who calls it a jerry can?
The name jerrycan was contrived by British soldiers during World War II, using the derogatory nickname they used for Germans, "Jerry." And just like mechanized warfare, rock-hard discipline and Moshe Dayan, jerrycan made its way from the British army to its Israeli counterpart, and from there to widespread use.
Is it a cherry can or a jerry can?
The name jerry can is sometimes written as jerrycan or jerrican (and sometimes, very incorrectly, as cherry can). Like the container itself, the name has its origins in World War II.
What's the meaning of jerry can?
jerry can. noun. a flat-sided can with a capacity of between 4.5 and 5 gallons used for storing or transporting liquids, esp motor fuel: originally a German design adopted by the British Army during World War II.
What color were German jerry cans?
dark greenBritish cans of WW II vintage will be painted with the khaki or tan sand color of British equipment while the German cans will be dark green or sand color. Water cans were sometimes painted with a white cross as an additional precaution against mixing.
Can you fill a jerry can at a gas station?
You can fill a gas can easily at a local gas station, but you should always be mindful of safety measures while doing so. Keep gas cans away from heat sources, and be sure to store them somewhere out of reach of kids and pets.
Can you carry a jerry can in your car?
Yes, it is legal. However, some filling stations may have their own local rules about filling portable fuel cans. These rules may cover the size and number of cans that are allowed to be filled.
How long does gas last in a jerry can?
three to six monthsIn general, pure gas begins to degrade and lose its combustibility as a result of oxidation and evaporation in three to six months, if stored in a sealed and labeled metal or plastic container. Ethanol-gasoline blends have a shorter shelf life of two to three months.
Is it OK to leave a gas can in the sun?
Don't leave your gas can in the trunk of your car It is extremely dangerous to leave a gasoline can in the trunk of your car. If the trunk heats up from the sun, vapors inside the gas can expand and the increasing pressure will allow the vapors to escape. As the vapors accumulate, an explosion could result.
Why are gas cans red?
Widely associated with danger and risk of flame, red metal galvanized cans are used to hold gasoline. Complying with OSHA and NFPA Code 30 requirements and equipped with no-weld bottoms and spark-proof flame arrestors, these Type-1 gas cans will ensure that there are no mistakes when handling any flammable liquid.
Why should you fill gas cans on the ground?
This is because the can won't be grounded. Flowing gas entering your gas can creates static electricity. The gas dispenser nozzle can create a spark and ignite the gas vapors. The correct way to fill a gas can is to remove your gas can from your car or truck and place it on the ground about five feet from your vehicle.
Why Is It Called a Jerry Can?
Like the container itself, the name has its origins in World War II.
What is a jerry can?
A jerry can is a 5.3 gallon (or 20 liter) fluid container that is narrow and flat-sided. Red versions are typically filled with gasoline, and you can find them in almost any garage. If you’re familiar with the off-roading world, you’ve likely seen jerry cans in the back of many a Jeep. Some bumpers even include a jerry holder as a desirable feature.
What are jerry cans made of?
Some manufacturers, like Rugged Ridge, still make jerry cans out of stamped steel. Many of the design features on these modern jerry cans clearly trace their origins back to the original. The three-handled design was a necessity for soldiers carrying four empties at a time, and the traditional “X” design feature is still visible on the sides.
How many cans did the first jerry can carry?
Most notably, they were small. Thanks to the size and the unusual triple-handle, soldiers could carry two full cans or four empties. They also had a large spout and flip top closure.
Why are jerry cans distinctive?
The American jerry cans are distinctive because instead of a pattern of indentations, one central X ensures even distribution of pressure. The British copy has a slightly stranger pattern, with a cross-like indentation that has curved arms.
Why are fuel containers called flimsies?
The design of the British fuel containers was so poor that they earned the name “Flimsies.” They were usually only used once before being discarded, making transporting fuel prohibitively expensive.
When did the Germans first need a convenient way to transport fuel?
The Germans had first needed a convenient way to transport fuel during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. A rudimentary jerry can was formed to meet this need. In 1937, Wehrmacht Einheitskanister, an engineering firm, tried to produce their own version.
Where does the term "Jerrycan" come from?
Clearly, the Germans weren’t trying to brand this canister in any specific manner, nor were there trying to beat around the bush in its intended purpose – i.e. keeping the tanks fueled and ready at a moment’s notice. “Jerrycan” comes from the American US Forces slang term “Jerry” for Germans.
How many gallons of fuel can a German jerrycan hold?
The Germans, however, were able to design and manufacture a masterpiece – an original design that remains in play today. This version could hold up to 5.3 gallons of fuel, featured rounded handles for convenient carry and transfer from soldier to soldier. These handles also enabled soldiers to carry up to two at a time if necessary. As for their construction, the German jerrycan was built from two pieces of stamped steel that interlocked with one another – thus eliminating leaks altogether while simultaneously driving down the costs of production.
What is Jerrycan packaging?
Today, the Jerrycan is defined as a metal or plastic packaging of rectangular or polygonal cross-section. In certain states, colors designate what lies inside as well: red for gasoline, yellow for diesel, and blue for kerosene.
What were the Allied fuel tanks made of?
However, they were no match for German engineering. Instead, the Allied versions were made from thin mild steel that was welded together and easily punctured – leading to fuel leaks. Also, a wrench was required to remove the cap in order to access the fuel inside, also not ideal.
What is the meaning of "jerry can"?
As in: jerry can. Second World War. Western desert army slang for German liquid containers; hence 'jerry cans'. The allied army used them in preference to the army issue as the jerry can's ribbed design made it less prone to leaking in the onerous conditions.
When was the word "jerry" used?
Don't know about the Jerry can, but the word Jerry for the chamberpot was used long before German helmets had that shape, and the adverb Jerry, as in Jerry-built, was in use at latest by the 1850s. This makes any association with Germany unlikely as Germany had very positive associations at that time. How about this then!
Why is the can called the "jerrycan"?
The word jerrycan comes from the British who where delighted by the design and practicality of the cans and they named them after their inventors the Germans. Which where nicknamed "Gerries" since WW I.
Why are jerrycans called jerrycans?
They copied the design because their "flimsies" who where to thin and therefore leaksensitive and dangerous, didn't do the job , but named them "jerrycans"
How many Jerrycans can a soldier carry?
If the soldier was strong, they could grab the two edge handles of two cans that were next to each other with one hand. Thus, allowing them to carry four filled Jerrycans at once. If they weren’t so buff, they could still carry four empty cans without any problem.
How were Jerrycans made?
Additionally, the way the Jerrycans were constructed was from two pieces of stamped steel which interlocked together , requiring only one weld around the “equator”. There was even a plastic liner sandwiched in between these two parts for added security. Thus, preventing leaks and making the overall manufacturing process cheaper, easier and faster.
What is a Jerrycan?
In order to truly appreciate the Jerrycan (a nickname coined by US forces, as “Jerry” was a slang term for Germans ), we need to first look at the Allied Forces 4-gallon fuel canisters. To put it simply, they were failures. They were made of several panels of thin (easily-punctured) flat mild-steel plates, which were welded together part by part (costly and time-consuming). They would often leak around these long welded lines, and these fuel leaks would often cause vehicle fires…clearly not ideal. To access the liquid contents, you needed a wrench to remove the cap, which was a separate piece.
Where did the name "jerrycan" come from?
The word jerrycan comes from the British who where delighted by the design and practicality of the cans and they named them after their inventors the Germans. Which where nicknamed "Gerries" since WW I
When was the Jerrycan invented?
Originally called “ Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister ” (German for “armed forces unit canister”) it was developed in Germany in the 1930’s for military use. Wars are won and lost with resources.
Overview
A jerrycan (also written as jerry can or jerrican) is a robust liquid container made from pressed steel (and more recently, high density polyethylene). It was designed in Germany in the 1930s for military use to hold 20 litres (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal) of fuel, and saw widespread use by both Germany and the Allies during the Second World War.
History
The name of the jerrycan refers to its German origins, Jerry being slang for Germans. The design was reverse engineered and subsequently copied, with minor modifications, by the Allies during the Second World War.
The Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister, as it was known in Germany, was first developed in 1937 by the Müller engineering firm in Schwelm to a design by the…
Design
Jerrycans typically have a rounded rectangular cross section with package handles. Most have three handles: a center handle for one person carrying a lightweight can, two handles for a person lifting a full can, or two handles for two people to carry. The configuration of the three handles allows two empty jerrycans to be carried in one hand.
Modern use
The German design jerrycan is still a standard container for fuel and other liquids in the armies of the NATO countries.
Finnish designer Eero Rislakki designed a plastic jerrycan in 1970 with a small screwable stopper on the top side behind the handle to allow air flowing in to ensure smooth fuel outflow. It is lighter than the original design yet almost as …
Current regulations
In the United States, the jerrycan is defined by the Code of Federal Regulation, 49 CFR 171.8 as "a metal or plastic packaging of rectangular or polygonal cross-section". As of 10 January 2009 all portable fuel containers are required to conform to two new regulations:
1. They must meet new federal Mobile Source Air Toxics regulations, based on the California Air Resources Board's regulations.
External links
• "Jerry Cans". Olive-Drab. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021.
• "Wehrmachtskanister". WeCoWi (in German). Archived from the original on 27 December 2008.
• Noe, Rain (4 November 2010). "The Wehrmachtkanister, a/k/a Jerrycan: Astonishingly good industrial design from the 1930s". Core77.
Why Is It called A Jerry can?
First Jerry Can Design
- There are a few notable engineering features of the first jerry cans. Most notably, they were small. Thanks to the size and the unusual triple-handle, soldiers could carry two full cans or four empties. They also had a large spout and flip top closure. These features meant soldiers could fill and empty jerry cans without the use of a funnel or other secondary equipment. You could even …
Copying Designs
- The Germans were unlikely to share their engineering developments with either the British or Americans considering they were at war with both countries. But as German troops were captured and their jerry cans seized, the Americans and British both ended up with a sizable supply. Using these, both countries were able to reverse engineer jerry cans of their own. The American jerry c…
Modern Jerry Cans
- The jerry can is still in use today, though you’re much more likely to find plastic designs rather than metal ones. The plastic jerry can gained popularity starting in 1970. It’s almost as strong and significantly lighter. Some manufacturers, like Rugged Ridge, still make jerry cans out of stamped steel. Many of the design features on these modern jerry cans clearly trace their origins back to t…