A spring clutch assembly with reduced radial bearing forces is described. The clutch includes a shaft, at least first and second helically wound axially mounted springs for making frictional contact with the shaft, and engaging means corresponding to each of the first and second springs for selectively applying a tightening force to one end of each of the springs in order to prevent rotation with respect to the shaft. Each of the engaging means is radially and symmetrically disposed along the shaft for eliminating radial bearing force induced by the spring ends.