• kambusha@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    84
    ·
    edit-2
    2 months ago

    I never really got that one, because “left” vs “right” only works when you are looking at the top of the screw. At the bottom, left tightens, and right loosens. So the one I remember is “clockwise to close”.

    Edit: the image on the post is actually a good example. If I’m off the screen to the right holding the spanner, then from my perspective, “left” would tighten.

    • Darohan@lemmy.zip
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      22
      ·
      2 months ago

      I’ve always thought this too. I understand clockwise/anticlockwise and the direction being defined from the top - but it’s a circle - no matter which way you turn, it spends 50% of the time going either direction. The phrase works with screwdrivers (especially ratcheting ones), but not so much spanners or Hex Keys IMO.

    • dQw4w9WgXcQ@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      2 months ago

      It works for screws, but as a kid, I was never sure if the clock on the wall should be visualized attached to the ceiling or on the floor when saying “clockwise”. So I was always a bit hessitant on that.

    • papertowels@lemmy.one
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      2 months ago

      I explained here, but that’s why I prefer using the right-hand-rule. Sometimes thinking about clockwise in strange frame of references hurts my little brain.