---
publication_id: "OT-2026-000000451"
title: "Direction-reversing detent structure for ratchet wrenches"
published_at: "2026-09-15T19:02:54.017442Z"
canonical_url: "https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000451"
categories:
  - "tools-tooling/clamping-tools"
keywords:
  - "b25b13/463"
---

# Direction-reversing detent structure for ratchet wrenches

## Abstract

A direction-reversing detent structure for ratchet wrenches is disclosed. The ratchet wrench includes a ratchet gear configured to connect with a driven tool, a lateral outer periphery of the ratchet gear being formed with ratchet teeth. The detent structure comprises a pawl, a reversing lever, a detent plunger, and a detent spring. The pawl is interposed between the ratchet gear and the reversing lever and has a tooth-engaging side adjacent to the ratchet gear and a cam side formed with cam surfaces. The reversing lever defines a bore that receives the detent plunger and the detent spring. An axial end of the detent plunger forms a contact surface that selectively engages the cam surfaces. The detent spring urges the contact surface into linear contact with one of the cam surfaces, thereby enhancing engagement stability and facilitating reliable direction reversal.