Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch has a toothed driving clutch member and a toothed driven clutch member which are moved together upon energization of an electromagnet with their teeth in engagement. A spring disengages the teeth when the electromagnet is deenergized. The spring provides a relatively large spring force for initial breakaway to overcome residual magnetism and metal to metal contact of the teeth. After initial breakaway the spring provides only sufficient force to further separate the members. With this arrangement a small magnet may be used to engage the clutch because the large force of the spring must be overcome only during final engagement of the clutch.