Loosen Clockwise or Counterclockwise?
4 Answers
Car screws are loosened counterclockwise. Here is some relevant information about car screws: 1. Design Reason: The majority of screws have right-hand thread designs because: they follow the principles of ergonomics, with the speed direction relative to the rotation axis obeying the right-hand rule. Over 90% of people are right-handed, making it convenient for most users, and right-hand threads are easier to manufacture, especially in large-thread turning processes. 2. Precautions: Screws are critical fasteners in cars, and the tightness and tightening sequence of these fasteners are very strict; otherwise, they can pose safety hazards.
I remember once when repairing a car, a new guy insisted on tightening the wheel bolt clockwise and almost broke it. I told him, don't just think about how to turn it, most bolts loosen counterclockwise, meaning you turn left to loosen. This is standard right-hand thread design, making it easier for people to operate uniformly. If you get it wrong, not only will it not loosen, but it will tighten even more, and you might even hurt your hand. So now when I teach apprentices, I always have them try turning lightly first to confirm the direction before applying force. With something like a wheel, making a mistake can be dangerous—if the bolt flies off while driving, it could be disastrous. It's best to have a wrench handy, check the markings before operating, and develop good habits to avoid mistakes.
Last time I changed a car light bulb at home, I always thought turning clockwise would loosen it, but after struggling for a while, nothing happened. Later, I looked it up and found out that 90% of screws loosen counterclockwise—just turn to the left. This might be related to historical habits, as factory designs make the loosening direction more ergonomic. If you encounter a left-handed thread, like on certain pedals, then you’d need to turn clockwise to loosen it. So now, before I start, I always give a light twist to test the direction first, saving time. Also, use the right tools and avoid forcing it. When it comes to car repairs, experience helps, but remembering the general rules can save a lot of effort.
In most cases, screws or bolts are loosened by turning counterclockwise, so turning left is correct. This is mainly because the mainstream thread design is right-handed, and the tightening direction is usually clockwise. If you don't believe it, try it: take a screwdriver and gently turn it to the left. If it feels smooth, it will loosen. But don't overlook exceptions, such as some car components that may have left-handed threads. Safety first when operating, and don't use excessive force before confirming the direction. Simply put, loosening counterclockwise is basic common sense, and hands-on verification is the most reliable.
