Ratchets and pawls are mechanical assemblies that are accustomed to transmit intermittent Pawls For Ratchets Wheel rotary movement, or to permit a shaft to rotate in a single direction but not the other. Ratchets and pawls are usually made of:
steel
stainless steel
cast iron
brass
other metal materials
Features
Ratchets are sometimes called ratchet wheels because they contain a rotating equipment or rack with angled teeth. Pawls, which are sometimes misidentified as ratchets, are thin protrusions that relax against a ratchet to restrict its movement. When the ratchet is rotated in one direction, the pawl is elevated and moves smoothly between the angled teeth. When the ratchet’s rotation stops, the pawl rests between the teeth and makes a clicking sound. Ratchets and pawls that permit rotation in only one direction cause the pawl and teeth to clash if the ratchet is turned the contrary way.
Pawl
Applications
Applications for these single-direction devices include:
turnstiles
spanners
winders
jacks
The action of a ratchet could be either severe or smooth, depending on the configuration of the ratchet teeth and pawl.