Do detents help the valve hold the spool in the different positions the valve has?

Detents in hydraulic and pneumatic valves are mechanisms designed to help maintain the position of the valve spool once it has been actuated. When a valve is moved to a particular position, the detents create a locking action that holds the spool securely in place, preventing unwanted movement due to vibrations or pressure changes in the system. This ensures that the hydraulic or pneumatic system operates reliably and consistently, making detents an essential feature for applications where stability is crucial.

In many systems, detents contribute to the user-friendly operation of the valve, as they provide tactile feedback and a definitive "stop" at each position. This allows operators to more easily select and maintain desired flow paths or pressure levels within the system. The effectiveness of detents is generally applicable across various types of valves, further supporting their role in holding the spool in a designated position.