The apparatus has a split ring 64 which engages a member 88 to which a torque load is to be applied. The split ring 64 is initially loaded to establish a threshold friction load between the split ring 64 and the member. The split ring is loaded into gripping engagement with the member 88 during a toward (torque input) operation; and the split ring 64 is released from the member during a return operation to achieve repeated operation without removing the apparatus from the member to be torqued. The member 88 may have a smooth cylindrical outer surface or its outer surface may be undulating (Fig. 8, not shown). <IMAGE>
