Ratchets and pawls are mechanical assemblies that are used to transmit intermittent rotary motion, or to permit a shaft to rotate in one 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 tooth. Pawls, which are occasionally Pawls For Ratchets Wheel misidentified as ratchets, are thin protrusions that relax against a ratchet to restrict its motion. When the ratchet is certainly rotated in one direction, the pawl is raised and moves smoothly between the angled teeth. When the ratchet’s rotation stops, the pawl rests between the tooth and makes a clicking noise. Ratchets and pawls that permit rotation in mere one direction cause the pawl and tooth to clash if the ratchet can be 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 harsh or smooth, depending on the configuration of the ratchet teeth and pawl.