Category:Ratchet

Ratch"et, n. Etym: [properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: Cf. F. rochet. See 2d ratch, rack the instrument.]

1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet Wheel, or ratch, etc.

2. A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch, and pawl. See Ratchet wheel, below, and 2d ratch. Ratchet brace (mech.), a boring Brace, having a ratchet wheel and pawl for rotating the tool by back And forth movements of the brace handle. -- ratchet drill, a portable machine for working a drill by hand, Consisting of a hand lever carrying at one end a drill holder which Is revolved by means of a ratchet wheel and pawl, by swinging the Lever back and forth. -- ratchet wheel (mach.), a circular wheel having teeth, usually Angular, with which a reciprocating pawl engages to turn the wheel Forward, or a stationary pawl to hold it from turning backward.

Note: in the cut, the moving pawl c slides over the teeth in one Direction, but in returning, draws the wheel with it, while the pawl D prevents it from turning in the contrary direction.