What is the function of pawls on a ladder?

The function of pawls on a ladder is to secure the fly section. Pawls are mechanisms that engage with a series of notches or teeth to lock the extension ladder in place. When a ladder is extended, the fly section needs to be held securely at the desired height to ensure stability and safety during use. The pawls engage with the rungs or grooves along the ladder, preventing unwanted retraction and ensuring that the sections stay firmly in position, providing a reliable and safe working platform.

In the context of ladder operation, this secure engagement is crucial because it allows users to work confidently at elevated heights without worrying about the ladder collapsing or the sections moving unexpectedly. The design of pawls is critical in maintaining the ladder’s integrity during use, as any failure in this mechanism could lead to accidents or falls.