Need help fixing a mechanic's steering slop mistake!

[JimZ]

I read through the steering slop thread found in the diy links and decided to try the loosen lock nut, turn 1/8 method, but I didn't have an extension for my ratchet. I was bringing my car back to the guy I bought it from and his mechanic for something, so I asked him if he could try to fix the slop for me. I said, you just turn counterclockwise a little bit at a time, right? He said, no, clockwise. I thought I had read counterclockwise (which I of course did), but trusted him as he solely works on mercedes. He was wrong and he turned it clockwise. A lot.
While he turned it, it seemed to be getting tighter, so I went with it. But after driving I noticed that while all the slop used to be to the right, now it's to the left, too. I've got about three inches now and when I corner it doesn't really re-adjust to going straight.
So I have my ratchet extension now and I'm going to turn it counterclockwise, but I'm not sure how much because I don't know how far clockwise he turned it. It was at least a couple 360 spins. Any advice? Am I in for a real pita time of spinning, the allen, tightening the lock nut, trying it, and repeating over and over until it feels right?