Ratchets and pawls are mechanical assemblies that are used to transmit intermittent rotary motion, 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 tires because they contain a rotating gear or rack with angled the teeth. Pawls, which are sometimes misidentified as ratchets, are thin protrusions that relax against a ratchet to restrict its motion. When the ratchet is definitely rotated in one path, the pawl is raised and moves smoothly between the angled the teeth. When the ratchet’s rotation stops, the pawl rests between your teeth and makes a clicking sound. Ratchets and pawls that permit rotation in only one direction cause the pawl and tooth to clash if the ratchet can be Pawls For Ratchets Wheel turned the opposite 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, based on the configuration of the ratchet teeth and pawl.