Which direction should you twist wire?

• A. Clockwise
• B. Counterclockwise
• C. Upward
• D. Downward

Answer: (A)

The direction is chosen so the tightening action helps the wire grip rather than loosen. Twisting the wire clockwise lets the screw’s clockwise tightening pull the strands tighter into the terminal, causing them to bed down and grip securely. If you twisted counterclockwise, the act of tightening could gradually loosen the wire instead. Upward or downward twists don’t engage the screw’s tightening in the same way and don’t give a positive grip. So the best practice is to twist clockwise.