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Retro Toy: Clackers, Klick Klacks, Popper Knockers

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Fun Remembering Clackers

Clackers are also known as Klackers (with a K), Klick Klacks, Quick Klacks, and just too many names to mention for this retro toy. In fact, in looking back at the Clacker, I'd say that the Clacker just may have had more alternate names than any toy ever!

The overriding memories I have of Clackers from back in the 70s are that Clackers were a lot of fun — and they hurt!

For me, there was something satisfying about clanging two hard balls of acrylic plastic marbles (looked like glass) together. It was a release of lots of pent-up energy.

From BBC.co.uk: After a nation[al] outbreak of badly bruised arms and bloodshot eyes they were pretty much withdrawn from sale.

Much the same in the US. Clacking yourself with a hard whack was extremely painful, so Clackers didn't stick around for very long.

Over time, types of Clackers have made some resurgences. Mostly in the form of cheap novelty items made from softer plastics, giving rise to many complaints that they don't come even close to the original retro toy discussed here.

Image: Original Vintage Clackers Popper Knockers From 1970 Toy Balls

How do you play Clackers?

Clackers were sold under a few brand names, such as Klick Klack and Popper Knocker. How to play with them was a simple procedure, but the skill could be elusive.

This retro toy consisted of two acrylic plastic balls attached to a string. A small ring attached to the string's center was made for holding the Clacker. You start out holding the ring with the plastic balls hanging beneath it.

The premise with Clackers is to hold the ring, and move your hand up and down in just the right motion to get the two balls to come up and down clacking loudly against each other as they go above and below your hand.

The sound they make as they clack up and down is, indeed, quite loud. As you'll see in the upcoming video . . .

Clackers Left And Right

Another way to play is to not try to go for the balls hitting above and below the hand. Just move your hand enough to keep them clacking together left and right.

Vintage Clackers

Original balls, ring, and string from the 70s

Watch this lady try them out again. ...You might want to cover your ears.

Playing Clackers A Bit Longer

Thought you might like to see more...

He's pretty good!

Clackers Player Poll

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Children And Clackers

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Vintage Clackers At Amazon

Yes, there are some still around!

They are not always available, but you can find Clackers here at times . . .

Original Vintage Clackers Popper Knockers From 1970 Toy Balls

Non-Shattering Polymer Clackers

Klackers- Colors May Vary

Amazon Price: $0.01 (as of 05/31/2012)

Sold singly; the company will surprise you with one of four colors.

Novelty Mini Clackers

Mini Clackers

Amazon Price: $1.59 (as of 05/31/2012)

Twelve in a pack for noisy party fun!

Retro Toy: Clackers...Popper Knockers © 2010 - 2011 GrowWear (MiMi). All Rights Reserved.
Thank you for stopping by and spending time with me. I hope you enjoyed your visit. —MiMi

Do you remember Clackers?

Do you remember them fondly or is the memory painful?

Reply

KellyAnn M May 15, 2012 @ 10:17 pm | delete

I was very good at it, but it was very easy to get hurt. I used to buy the glass ones on a string at 711 convenience store, then one day, it made the news about all the injuries and they were quickly taken off the market. If I had a set to keep in my purse around Boston, i would consider using them as a form of self defense. LOL

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Shannon S Apr 30, 2012 @ 4:15 pm | delete

I loved playing with my Clacker.....They sell a cheap version, but not the old Glass Clackers. Hit myself in the head many times....LOL

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Mickie_G Dec 19, 2011 @ 8:26 pm | delete

I must have had my head under a pillow. I had girls and they were not into this kind of toy.

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flowski Nov 26, 2011 @ 3:15 am | delete

Clackers were cool till, you hit yourself with them over and over again! Guess they went the way of Jarts! Featuring this page on my Ricochet Rabbit Lens.

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karmicchristian Oct 25, 2011 @ 4:31 am | delete

These are real fun toys! Brings back old memories! :)

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RenaissanceWoman2010 Oct 4, 2011 @ 1:44 pm | delete

I certainly remember Clackers. Seems nobody worried about lawsuits too much back then. Go ahead and bonk yourself in the head. Might jar some sense loose. Ha! Of course, Clackers were not nearly as dangerous as Jarts. Do you remember those wicked lawn darts? Now there was a game that had some potential for serious harm. Oh my. I survived it all in the 70s and would do it all over again given the option. Thanks for the memories.

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hlkljgk Oct 2, 2011 @ 2:32 pm | delete

i love clackers; they're kind of hypnotizing to play with.

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AllThingsAnimals Sep 5, 2011 @ 12:09 am | delete

I love clackers! I love the sound they make. Great lens!

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DANCINGCOWGIRLDESIGN Aug 30, 2011 @ 4:05 am | delete

I loved those things!! We used to have matches to see who could keep theirs going the longest. I had lots of fun with the other toy, out about the same time, that you put around one ankle and swung the ball on a rope and jumped it with the other foot. hahaha Thanks for the story. Carol

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Linda Brewer May 2, 2012 @ 10:48 pm | delete

I used to just skip my Hula Hoop on my foot. DON'T EVER do it barefoot in the middle of the road though. You WILL take off the top of your big toe every time!! lol

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Scott_Sheen Aug 26, 2011 @ 7:56 pm | delete

I have read some of the comments and all I can really say is......ouch is right. But the fun factor so very high.

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GrowWear Aug 26, 2011 @ 3:00 pm | delete

Good to hear all the remarks! Thank you! Clackers were, indeed, such a fun toy way back then. :)

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KarenKay Aug 26, 2011 @ 2:20 pm | delete

Mimi! You are so clever! I loved these old things. Used to be pretty good at it too! Wish I had saved mine. My kid would love it! Excellent Walk down memory lane. Thanks Hunny!

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GrammaLinda Aug 7, 2011 @ 9:03 pm | delete

I was devastated when my Klackers were taken away due to the bruises. I loved them, and wish I had some today. Maybe I will see about getting some from eBay. I don't think I would let the grandchildren play with them, though. As old as they probably are, they would hurt even more if the string dry rotted and broke at the wrong moment. I enjoyed the memory. Thanks!

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Kay in Florida Aug 1, 2011 @ 7:20 pm | delete

I not only remember them, but I found my old blue pair recently!

My forearms were bruised solid until I learned how to make them crack up and down AND side to side which is much, much harder.

I discovered I could still work them, yet also, that they still hurt like hell!! In fact, that toy is probably responsible for many a 70's kid, like myself, learning how to swear convincingly!!

Thanks for the memories.

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GrowWear Aug 6, 2011 @ 1:21 am | delete

LOL I can see that they could teach a person to cuss. I so remember just how bad Clackers hurt. Whew!

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TeacherRenee Jul 26, 2011 @ 2:20 pm | delete

This brought back memories! Great lens!

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Sylvestermouse Jul 1, 2011 @ 11:50 am | delete

Jeepers, I remember these things and how much damage I could do to myself and anyone else close by without trying. For me, I think I should leave them in the past. I can be very dangerous with clackers!

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alteredkat Jun 21, 2011 @ 6:49 pm | delete

I had a pair! I remember I remember!...mine were blue! Very cool lens...thanks for the trip down memory lane! :o)

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BigGirlBlue Feb 5, 2011 @ 11:51 pm | delete

OMG I remember those. They were insanely painful LOL

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asiliveandbreathe Jan 13, 2011 @ 7:01 am | delete

I remember Clackers - Ouch!!

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KimGiancaterino Jan 8, 2011 @ 10:37 pm | delete

Clackers sound like fun ... My husband would use them as a musical instrument!

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Momsbusy247 Jan 1, 2011 @ 12:04 am | delete

I loved clackers, they were a vicious toy that would cause you great physical pain and we still loved them. Thought it was funny when someone really got cracked with one. Guess that is the difference between kids of today who cry when they get a hang nail and we oldsters who used to get up, wipe the blood off and keep on playing!