Pawl


A pawl is a mechanical component that engages with another component to prevent movement in one direction, or prevent movement altogether. It is a type of latch. It consists of a spring-loaded solid part that is pivoted at one end and engages the other component at a steep angle at the other end. Pawls are often tapered, being wide at the pivoting end and narrow at the engaging end.

Applications

;Ratchet :A pawl is used in combination with a ratchet gear in socket wrenches, bicycle freehubs, winches, and many other applications.
;Ladders :Dogs and pawls are used on extension ladders to prevent the ladder sections from sliding relative to each other.
;Table saw :Pawls are used on table saws to grip the workpiece and prevent kickback.
;Parking :A parking pawl is a device fitted to the automatic transmission of motor vehicles to lock it up when the vehicle is parked and to prevent it from moving.