Abstract: The frame of a large heavy duty ratchet supports a spool about an axis of rotation. A handle, pivotable about the axis of rotation, includes protrusions engageable with toothed wheels on opposed sides of the spool to urge incremental rotation of the spool upon repetitive pivotal movement of the handle. A pair of spring-loaded pawls engage the toothed wheels to limit the direction of rotation of the toothed wheels. A cam, formed as part of the handle, disengages the pair of pawls from the toothed wheels upon pivotal movement of the handle to a certain extent to permit rotation of the spool in either direction.

Abstract: A ratchet includes a spool rotatably disposed within a housing and supporting a cord having opposed cord sections extending from the housing. Tension to one cord section is initially applied by pulling on the other cord section. To increase the tension, a tool is engaged with the spool to apply a further force to increase the tension on the one cord section. In another embodiment, a cord enters the housing and into the center of a hollow shaft supporting a spool and drawn through the hollow shaft to establish an initial degree of tension on the section of the cord entering the housing. A lever cooperating with the spool turns the spool to wrap the cord about the spool and increase the tension on the cord. In a third embodiment, a cord enters a housing and extends about a spool supported within the housing and thereafter exits the housing. A pivotable lever incrementally rotates the spool to increase the tension on the cord entering the housing.