pawls in a sentence

Definition

Pawls are small mechanical devices that engage with a ratchet to allow movement in one direction while preventing movement in the opposite direction.

The mechanical engineer explained how the pawls in the ratchet mechanism prevented backward movement.
During the assembly of the clock, the jeweler carefully adjusted the tiny pawls to ensure accurate timekeeping.
When the lever was pulled, the pawls engaged smoothly, allowing for precise control of the gears.
In vintage bicycles, pawls are essential for the freewheel mechanism, enabling smooth coasting.
The design of the safety latch relies on durable pawls to withstand heavy use without failure.