Wrench latches have various names depending on the type, but the core component is often called a ratchet pawl, though other related names exist.
The ratchet pawl is the key component of a wrench latch. It has teeth and uses a spring or elastic structure to engage with a ratchet gear for unidirectional locking or adjustment.
A ratchet latch or ratchet lock is a complete component, including the ratchet pawl, spring, etc., and is found in ratchet and adjustable wrench adjustment mechanisms.
Adjustable wrench latches are often called adjusting ratchet pawls or worm gear latches. Rotating the worm gear moves the ratchet pawl to lock the opening size; older models were also called stop pawls.
Ratchet wrench latches are simply called ratchet pawls. They work with the ratchet gear for unidirectional rotation without slippage; bidirectional latches include double ratchet pawl latches.
Pipe wrench latches are called jaw latches or ratchet locking mechanisms. The ratchet pawl engages with a toothed plate to lock the jaw angle.
The latch connecting a socket wrench to the wrench is called a ball-load latch, which uses balls and a spring for quick locking.
Some adjustable wrench latches are in the form of buttons or knobs; pressing or rotating them locks the adjustment mechanism, and these are often mistakenly called latches.
In some regions or older names, ratchet wrench latches are called check pawls, emphasizing their one-way check function.
