A can for a cylindrical lithium rechargeable battery, and a cylindrical lithium rechargeable battery using the same is provided. The battery includes: an electrode assembly having cathode and anode plates facing to each other, a separator interposed between the cathode and anode plates, and cathode and anode taps formed on the cathode and anode plates, respectively; a can accommodating the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly to seal an opening of an upper end portion of the can. The can has surface plate and a lower plate, and a protrusion is formed on the lower plate so as to increase the contact resistance between the anode tap and the lower plate, when the anode tap is welded to the lower plate.