Abstract: A self-ratcheting wrench for applying torque to a polygonal cross-section body such as a bolt or nut has an elongated handle terminated at one end thereof by a head having an opening adapted to receive the nut. A plurality of three-sided pawls pivotable in a transverse plane are arranged around the opening and spring biased to place a flat face wall of the pawls against the flat sides of alternate nut faces. Motion of each pawl radially inward into the nut-receiving opening is limited by abutting contact of a first inner side wall of each pawl with a triangular-shaped stop, the abutting contact also providing means for transmitting torque applied to the handle of the wrench to the pawl and contacting nut.

Abstract: A self-ratcheting wrench for applying torque to a polygonal cross-section body such as a bolt or nut has an elongated handle terminated at one end thereof by a head having an opening adapted to receive the nut. A plurality of three-sided pawls pivotable in a transverse plane are arranged around the opening and spring biased to place a flat face wall of the pawls against the flat sides of alternate nut faces. Motion of each pawl radially inward into the nut-receiving opening is limited by abutting contact of a first inner side wall of each pawl with a triangular-shaped stop, the abutting contact also providing means for transmitting torque applied to the handle of the wrench to the pawl and contacting nut.