Which Way Does a Nut Unscrew?

This is one of the key facts with fasteners that many DIY’ers either forget or are afraid to ask!

Most standard screws, bolts or nuts are unscrewed by turning them anti-clockwise, as shown in the image below.

A good way to remember this is to try and commit to memory the phrase that all junior mechanics learn – righty tighty, lefty loosey.

WHICH WAY TO UNSCREW A NUT

Be aware though that like most rules, there are exceptions! Some fasteners feature left hand threads, for example where the item that is being secured needs to turn clockwise. In cases like this, the rule is reversed, so if you come up against a particularly stubborn nut or screw, always take a moment to double-check before you burst a blood vessel or ruin the fastener in question!