Who invented the ratchet?

The ratchet mechanism, as we know it today, does not have a single inventor but evolved over time. Early forms of ratchet devices can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, who used similar mechanisms in various tools and machines. The modern ratchet, particularly in tools like socket wrenches, gained popularity during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, with various inventors contributing to its design and functionality.