Lefty-Loosy, Righty-Tighty, right?

Have you ever struggled to remember which way to turn a screw to tighten it? Clockwise or counterclockwise? When I’m teaching my son, I tell him to use this simple trick: visualize the hands of a clock – tighten goes with turning right, like hands moving forward, and loosen goes with turning left, like hands moving backward. But is this a natural fit, or just a clever mnemonic device?

What are the chances?!

Surprisingly, it’s actually a coincidence! Screws and bolts were around long before clocks sported those familiar circular faces with hands. The origin of the screw thread design, which dictates clockwise tightening, likely stems from a combination of practical factors rather than mimicking clock hands.

One theory suggests our own biology might have played a role. Supination, the motion of turning your forearm so your palm faces up, is a stronger motion for twisting and tightening compared to pronation, turning your palm down for loosening. Over time, this natural tendency might have influenced the development of screw threads.

Regardless of the origin, the standardization of screw threads in the 19th century solidified the clockwise-to-tighten convention for most applications. So, while the analogy to clock hands is a fortunate coincidence, it’s a brilliant memory trick that’s sure to come in handy!

Keeping it Straight with the Right Tools

Now that you know the history behind screw tightening, here are some tools to make the job even easier:

• A good quality screwdriver set with various sizes and grips will ensure you have the right tool for the job. Here’s a a set you will love. Despite their tough, hardened nature, the driver set has a comfortable ergonomic grip. Plus, the set is made in the U.S.A.!
• Ratcheting screwdrivers save you the effort of constantly flipping the tool, making tightening and loosening a breeze. Here’s an amazing one from Craftsman, sure to be a superstar in your toolbox!

So next time you reach for a screwdriver, remember: clockwise tightens, counterclockwise loosens. And if you ever forget, just think of those clock hands moving forward – a clever trick for a fascinating coincidence!