Simple way to remember how to turn pedals is that rotating the pedal axle with a
wrench in the same direction as pedaling the bike forward tightens the pedal in the
crank. Rotating the pedal axle in the direction of freewheeling cranks loosens the
pedals. This applies to R and L pedals. Speedplays should screw in by hand and
a little lube on the threads is not a bad idea. You don't need huge torque to install
pedals and rarely to remove the pedals.