A brake or a clutch includes a central shaft, an output-side threaded driver, an output brake plate, an input brake plate, and an input-side threaded driver. The output-side threaded driver and the input-side threaded driver are rotationally locked to the central shaft, such as by splines. The output-side threaded driver is threaded to the output brake plate and the input-side threaded driver is threaded to the input brake plate. The output brake plate is threaded to the input brake plate in a direction opposite the threaded engagement of the drivers to the brake plates. The brake or clutch may include two stator plates and three friction discs located between the output brake plate and the input brake plate.