Abstract: A ratchet-action open-end wrench having jaw portions one of which is translationally movable on a handle end along an oblique path, between nut-gripping and nut-releasing positions. Biasing means urges the movable jaw portion toward its jaw-gripping position, wherein cooperable, separable interfitting means on said handle and jaw portion tend to resist shifting of the latter to the nut-releasing position. For such condition, the movable jaw portion is set, and the wrench is thus conditioned to drive the nut when the handle is swivelled forward. The movable jaw portion in addition to its main translational movement, can initially rock slightly to disengage the interfitting means, such rocking being effected by a backward movement of the handle whereby translational shifting of the jaw portion can occur to the nut-releasing position which then permits a bypass or ratchet action of the wrench to be had for obtaining a new, advancing grip on the nut.