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.

Where did Term Jerry can come from?

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 Jerry Can an American word?

“Jerrycan” comes from the American US Forces slang term “Jerry” for Germans.

Who invented Jerry?

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 their chief engineer Vinzenz Grünvogel.

The Story of the Jerry Can

31 related questions found

Are jerry cans illegal?

they are technically "illegal" to sell as fuel cans, same as the steel ones you posted...and as such, they demand a premium price now.

Why are jerry cans so expensive?

Adventurer. Due to new (actually a few years old now) CARB regulations on fuel canisters, the typical NATO style Gas cans do not meet the new regulations. Primarilly the vapor venting restriction. As such, the old Jerry type gas cans are even more desired, and people aren't selling theirs.

What do jerry can colors mean?

Red: gasoline. Blue: kerosene. Yellow: diesel.

What Colour were German jerry cans?

The German Armed Forces (Wehrmacht) used primarily three colors on all of their equipment: Ordnance Tan, Ordnance Blue and Ordnance Green. Red Oxide Primer was used prior to painting.

What's the definition of Jerry?

(ˈdʒɛrɪ ) nounWord forms: plural -ries British slang. a German, esp a German soldier. the Germans collectively.

Is Jerry Can a derogatory term?

Since “Jerry” (derived from the word “German”) had been derogatory slang for German soldiers among British troops since World War I, the containers were immediately known as “jerrycans” (or, occasionally, “jerricans”).

How long do jerry cans last?

Regular gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months, while diesel can last up to a year before it begins to degrade. On the other hand, organic-based Ethanol can lose its combustibility in just one to three months due to oxidation and evaporation. Tracking the age of the fuel in your tank can be a challenge.

How does a jerry can work?

Its capacity was approximately five U.S. gallons; its weight filled, forty-five pounds. Thanks to an air chamber at the top, it would float on water if dropped overboard or from a plane. ... This enabled the jerrycan to be used alternately for gasoline and water.

What is the purpose of jerry cans?

A jerrican or jerry can is a container used for efficient fuel transportation. Its success during World War II enabled the Germans to employ their famous Blitzkrieg strategy and overrun most of Europe in record time.

What was before Jerry cans?

From kanister to jerry can, what has changed? Before using the Kanister, the Americans used cylindrical canisters of 5, 10 or 55 US gallons (19, 38 or 208 L). We immediately understand that these canisters are not very easy to handle and store.

How much does a full jerry can weigh?

Simply put, a Jerry Can is a container for fuel or water. Many people in developing countries use it to haul and store their drinking water. The standard five-gallon Jerry Can weighs about 40 pounds when full.

Are plastic jerry cans safe?

Plastic jerry cans are safe to use as they will flex if impacted and will not rust or perish over time. They are also lighter and easier to carry than their metal counterparts. Make sure your jerry cans are either colour-coded or clearly labelled to prevent mix ups and to assist rescue services if there's an emergency.

What Colour are diesel jerry cans?

The colours include black (oil), bright blue (chain and bar oil), bottle green (25:1 two stroke mix), grey (50:1 two stroke mix), green (drip torch for burn-backs), signal red (unleaded petrol), olive yellow (diesel), powder blue (kerosene) and orange (ethanol).

Why are gas cans red?

RED: Gasoline (Flammable)

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.

Can a jerry can explode?

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.

Are metal gas cans safer than plastic?

Metal gas cans should be vented for safety. If they're exposed to fire conditions, they could build up pressure and explode. While plastic cans can benefit from venting as well, they can be expected to melt in a fire, as opposed to exploding.

Why are metal gas cans illegal?

In 2009, the EPA adopted a California Air Resources Board (CARB) rule that banned the sale of traditional gas cans. To be CARB-compliant, a can must be self-closing, a requirement intended to protect the environment by reducing spills.

Why do new gas cans not have a vent?

In 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instated new regulations for portable fuel containers (AKA gas cans) and outlawing all those that have a vent hole in them. ... This means while your gas can is not in use and sitting idol it cannot release that much vapor into the air per day.