Abstract: An output torque sensing and limiting mechanism, for preventing the continued application of torque to a load when the torque exceeds a selected value. The mechanism is positioned at the end of a gear train, meshed with the final gear and adapted to transmit the output torque to the load, through an output adapter. An input gear assembly includes a sector gear, meshed with the gear train, for receiving the input torque. A housing assembly is rotationally carried on the input gear assembly, with wing members extending to define a wing angle. The sector gear lies in the wing angle, with vertical gear ends adjacent each wing member. A torque sensor subassembly is carried in each wing member, consisting of a bearing button positioned in registration with the sector gear end, biased into position by a wave spring and adjustable by means of a retainer button. Microswitches are carried on the sector gear, located with the switch elements extending into the gap between the sector gear and each wing member.