Abstract: An orthopaedic ratcheting forceps, especially for fixation of fractures, comprises two handles, wherein a first catching element is mounted pivotally with one handle and wherein a complementary catching element is mounted in the other handle. The forceps can assume only two stable settings which can be switched with a single hand, one closed setting within which the jaws of the forceps can only be further closed and an open setting within which the handles of the forceps are freely movable so that the forceps can be opened as well as closed. In one handle a leaf spring is provided and biased between two mounting points which spring is mounted between abutting side walls within said handle. Furthermore a lever end connected with one of the catching elements engages the spring and through movement of the activation element the lever end and/or the spring is switchable between the closed setting and the open setting.