Ratchet (instrument)

A ratchet is like a special tool that helps you do things more easily. It's shaped kind of like a stick with a handle on it, and it has small teeth on the end.

So, let's say you need to turn a bolt or screw. With a ratchet, you can attach a socket or a bit to the teeth on the end of the ratchet. Then, you can use the handle to turn the socket or bit.

But, here's the cool part - when you turn the handle, the socket or bit will only turn one way. It won't go backwards! This means you don't have to keep taking the socket or bit off the bolt/screw and putting it back on to turn it again - you can just keep turning the handle back and forth and the socket or bit will move in the same direction every time.

Think of it like a toy car that you can only make go forwards, not backwards. You can still control where it goes, but you don't have to keep pushing it backwards to get it to go forwards again.

So, that's what a ratchet is - a special tool that makes it easier to turn things in one direction without having to constantly take it off and put it back on.