The blade is always on the side of the emasculator with the nut that holds the blades in place, and should always be placed adjacent to the testis ("nut against nut") so that the crushing clamp occludes the spermatic artery, preventing life-threatening blood loss.[1]
The ratchet (visible on the handle) allows the emasculator to be locked in the "closed" position for the 2–3 minutes required for primary hemostasis to occur.[1]
The ends of the "clamp" are rounded and guarded to allow the emasculator to be placed over the testis and spermatic cord without cutting, until pressure is applied.[1]
Adams, Aric; Hendrickson, Dean A. (April 2014). "Standing Male Equine Urogenital Surgery". Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice. 30 (1): 169–190. doi:10.1016/j.cveq.2013.11.005. PMID24680211.