Have you ever wondered why there are pulleys that are capable of holding an item up with sliding down? Have noticed how a bicycle chain can only turn in one direction? Do think about the device that makes all these possible? Well, the device that keeps pulleys from sliding down and bicycle chains from turning in the opposite direction is called a ratchet.
As mentioned, a ratchet is a specific device that is designed to allow movement in one particular direction only.
If the direction is clockwise then it goes clockwise, if the direction is counter clockwise then it goes counter clockwise.
How does a ratchet work? According to the theory, a ratchet device has several parts.
First part is called the ground gear, this is similar to a gear except for the fact that it has teeth.
The second part is called the pawl, this is a spring loaded, finger-like mechanism that slides in between the teeth of the gear.
When the gear turns in the opposite direction, the pawl will block or stop the movement by going in between the teeth.
Ratchets can vary in sizes.
It can be small like those used in surgical instruments or socket wrenches or it can be big like those used in levers and other industrial applications.
In addition to that, this tool can also be made from various materials.
Depending on its use, a ratchet can be made from plastic, wood, metal, and other composite materials.
If you are still unable to picture what a ratchet does, here are some more examples.
Do you have window blinds? Now, a ratchet is used to keep the blinds from sliding down when you want it half way up.
Another example is the cable tie, this is a type of fastener that is used to tie electric cables and wires.
A cable tie has a gear rack (this is the part that has teeth) and the pawl.
When the tie is passed through the part that has the pawl, the pawl locks in place thus making it impossible to pull the tie.
A ratchet is a useful device, although it is rarely recognized.