Abstract: A gripper comprises two supporting coupling members (18) each adapted to be coupled with an exchangeable gripping jaw (20) and clamped together by a coupling plug (26), a transversely displaceable locking member (36) and a spring assembly (60) in the longitudinal direction of the coupling plug (26). The locking member (36) has two opposed surfaces (52,54) for application of external forces by which it is movable into release and locking positions and further includes a wedge surface (40) which cooperates with a limiting surface (32) formed at the coupling plug (26) when the locking member (36) is moved into locking position, tensioning the spring assembly (60). In the operating range of the gripping jaws (20) there is provided a jaw deposit (70) against which both locking members (36) are adapted to be pressed selectively by one each of their two surfaces (52,54) so as to be moved into the release position or into the locking position.