Can You Answer This?

[Stargazer]

If you, the reader, actually KNOW the answer, please do not post it as I would like to see how easy or difficult this is for someone who has never considered it before! Why are manhole covers always round?

[douglas9401]

Baked bean cans are cylindrical.

[Maydup]

Whatever makes you think they are always round?
We have three in our garden and they are all rectangular. No mains drains here.

[bednobs]

i used to play marbles on some access covers on our pavements - they were all retangular

[Maydup]

Ours are definitely manhole covers too as only Mr Maid has ever ventured down them!

[lankeela]

Bednobs is right - marbles was always play on rectangular covers on the street corner.

[ToraToraTora]

a circle surrounds the most amount of space with the least amount of material. That is why most food tins are cylindrical. Spam and corned beef etc have other consideration including tradition. In the case of manhole covers they have the added benefit of not falling in. Though there are plenty of non circular ones.

[Togo]

// Spam and corned beef etc have other consideration including tradition.//

After making light of it, and joking, about the shape of Spam and Corned(Bully) Beef tins I did actually have a ponder. Both products were the result of needing food for the armies during WW1. A square or oblong tin was more compact and saved space for packaging and transporting. There is always a reason.

[Togo]

Good thread Stargazer.

[ToraToraTora]

"A square or oblong tin was more compact and saved space for packaging and transporting. There is always a reason. " - yes togs that was the reason at the time, now I think they retain that shape out of tradition.

[Stargazer]

Well, everybody, the answer is this: They cannot fall through the circular opening. As simple as that. Yes, I do realise that there are many rectangular ones (I have two in my garden). But this stumped me when I first was asked. Well done everybody and it is typically amusing how Heinz baked beans etc got thrown into the mix.

[Stargazer]

Thank you Togo for giving me a thumbs up. When I occasionally post something and get no response, I do feel mildly injured! I am an old lady , living alone, so welcome the interaction with anyone willing to acknowledge my random postings. By the way, what is the avatar next to your name?

[Togo]

That is the Golden Torch badge Stargazer. The Torch as we knew it from the 60s in Tunstall S.o.T. You stitched one on your parka to let the Twisted Wheel mob know that they couldn't mess you about. (*_^)

[Stargazer]

Togo, I am none the wiser as I don't know either of the groups you mention.

[Tilly2]

Don't worry about it Stargazer. The Torch and The Twisted Wheel were just 60's disco/dance venues.

[TheWinner]

I used to go to the Twisted Wheel (Manchester).

[Togo]

Did you ever go the the Mojo in Sheffield Winner? Good nights there. The medical student population were up to speed.(no kidding) (^_*)

[Togo]

//just 60's disco/dance venues.//

Faint praise Tills? Important, crucial even, places of social and cultural developement. :))