OPENTECHNICAL PUBLICATION
OT-2026-000000451

Direction-reversing detent structure for ratchet wrenches

Published: 2026-09-15T19:02:54.017442Z
Permanent URL: https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000451
Categories: Tools & Tooling > Clamping Tools

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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.

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OpenTechnical publication OT-2026-000000451
Published 2026-09-15T19:02:54.017442Z
https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000451