Abstract: A method of repairing partly burnt-off fuel elements in a fuel-element pit of a pressurized-water reactor which includes placing a fuel element previously detected as being defective into a holding cage in substantially upright position with the aid of remotely controlled tools, and tipping it over through 180.degree.; removing the then upwardly disposed fuel-element foot from the fuel element so as to expose the ends of the fuel rods received in the fuel element; inspecting the fuel rods, the ends of which are then freely accessible for defects; removing with a fuel-rod exchanging tool those fuel rods at least which are determined to be defective and depositing them in a storage container; and raising replacement rods with the fuel-rod exchanging tool and inserting them into the fuel element without bending stress in exchange for the removed fuel rods.