A surgical clip applier (100) is provided and includes a ratchet mechanism having a rack member (141) connected to a drive channel (140) such that axial translation of the drive channel results in axial translation of the rack member, the rack member defining a first set of teeth (141a) along a first side thereof and a second set of teeth (141b) along a second side thereof. The ratchet mechanism including a first pawl (142a) and a second pawl (142b) each tiltably supported in a housing (104a,104b) and disposed on respective opposed sides of the rack member and a buckling spring (143) interposed between the first pawl and the second pawl and constrained in a slot formed in the rack member, wherein the buckling spring is dimensioned so as to bow in one of a proximal direction and a distal direction.
