Freewheeling clutches are found in industrial equipment, automobiles, bicycles, tools, etc.
The majority of the freewheeling clutches are the "ratchet" type that contains a spring loaded latch that locks in one way and ratchets the other. The other freewheeling clutch is the "roller" type. Not only does the roller type come in smaller packages, it is quieter and it also eliminates the one problem with "ratchet" type clutches; indexing length.
Indexing length is the length it takes for the "ratchet" clutch to go from freewheeling to full lock position, usually less than the length between two lock positions.
Indexing length on a roller clutch is almost nonexistent. From freewheeling to full lock is almost instant.
Above is a good example of an advantage of a small indexing length. The 10 degree swing on the "ratchet" type of wrench would be detrimental in tight spaces, while the "roller" type excels in these situations.
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The majority of the freewheeling clutches are the "ratchet" type that contains a spring loaded latch that locks in one way and ratchets the other. The other freewheeling clutch is the "roller" type. Not only does the roller type come in smaller packages, it is quieter and it also eliminates the one problem with "ratchet" type clutches; indexing length.
Indexing length is the length it takes for the "ratchet" clutch to go from freewheeling to full lock position, usually less than the length between two lock positions.
Indexing length on a roller clutch is almost nonexistent. From freewheeling to full lock is almost instant.
Above is a good example of an advantage of a small indexing length. The 10 degree swing on the "ratchet" type of wrench would be detrimental in tight spaces, while the "roller" type excels in these situations.