Can you remove bike pedals with a regular wrench? No, you’ll typically need a specific type of wrench called a pedal wrench, or sometimes a standard combination wrench with the correct size. Knowing how to take bike pedals off is a fundamental skill for any cyclist who wants to perform their own bike maintenance, swap out pedals for different riding styles, or pack their bicycle for travel. This guide will walk you through the entire process, covering the necessary tools, crucial considerations, and step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth and successful bike pedal removal.
Why Remove Bike Pedals?
There are several common reasons why a cyclist might need to remove their bike pedals:
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Pedals can get dirty, especially after riding in wet or muddy conditions. Removing them allows for a thorough cleaning and inspection of the bearings.
- Replacing Worn-Out Pedals: Over time, pedals can wear out, bearings can become stiff, or the pedal body can become damaged. Removing them is the first step to replacing them with a new set.
- Upgrading Pedals: You might want to switch to clipless pedals for better efficiency, or to different platform pedals for more grip.
- Bike Transportation or Storage: When packing a bicycle for shipping or for fitting it into a smaller car, removing the pedals can significantly reduce the overall size and make it easier to pack.
- Crankset Maintenance: Occasionally, you might need to remove pedals to perform maintenance on the crankset itself, such as replacing the crank arms.
Essential Tools for Bike Pedal Removal
Before you start, gather the right tools. Using the incorrect tools can damage your pedals or crank arms.
The Mighty Pedal Wrench
A pedal wrench is specifically designed for pedal removal and installation. It’s longer than a standard wrench, providing extra leverage. This extra length is crucial because bike pedals can be quite tight.
- Characteristics of a Pedal Wrench:
- Length: Usually 10-15 inches long.
- Jaw Size: Typically features a 15mm opening, which is the standard size for most bicycle pedals.
- Offset Head: The head is often angled or offset, allowing it to clear the crank arm and get a good grip on the pedal’s flats.
Other Useful Tools
While a pedal wrench is ideal, you might encounter situations where a different tool is needed or can be used.
- Combination Wrench (Spanner): A standard 15mm combination wrench can work, but it might be more challenging to get enough leverage due to its shorter length. Ensure it’s a good quality wrench that fits snugly to avoid stripping the pedal flats.
- Allen Wrench (Hex Key): Some pedals, especially higher-end ones, have an Allen key fitting on the back of the pedal spindle (the part that screws into the crank arm). This is often a 6mm or 8mm Allen key. It’s vital to check your specific pedals for this fitting.
- Gloves: Protect your hands and provide a better grip.
- Rag: For wiping away dirt and grease.
- Degreaser/Cleaning Solution: For cleaning the pedals and crank arms.
- Anti-seize Compound or Grease: Essential for grease bike pedals during reinstallation to prevent them from seizing in the crank arms.
What About a Crank Puller?
It’s important to distinguish between tools for removing pedals and tools for removing the crank arm. A crank puller is used to remove the entire crank arm from the bottom bracket. You do not need a crank puller to remove the pedals themselves; they screw directly into the crank arm.
Deciphering Pedal Threading: The Key to Removal
This is arguably the most critical piece of information when it comes to bike pedal removal. Pedals have different threading on each side of the bike to prevent them from loosening during pedaling.
- Right Pedal Standard Thread: The pedal on the right-hand side of the bike (the side with the front derailleur and crank arm that drives the chain) has a standard, right-hand thread. This means you turn it counter-clockwise to loosen it.
- Left Pedal Reverse Thread: The pedal on the left-hand side of the bike has a reverse or left-hand thread. This means you turn it clockwise to loosen it.
Think of it this way: For both pedals, you’re turning the wrench away from the front of the bike to loosen them.
| Pedal Side | Thread Direction | Loosening Direction | Tightening Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right | Standard (RH) | Counter-clockwise | Clockwise |
| Left | Reverse (LH) | Clockwise | Counter-clockwise |
Why the different threading? When you pedal forward, the force on the pedals naturally tries to tighten a standard thread. If both pedals had standard threads, the left pedal would constantly try to unscrew itself as you pedaled. The reverse thread on the left pedal counteracts this, ensuring it stays securely in place.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Bike Pedals
Now that you have the tools and the knowledge, let’s get to the actual removal process.
Preparation is Key
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Secure the Bike:
- For most pedal removals, you can simply lean the bike against a wall or a workbench.
- If you have a bike stand, that’s even better, as it keeps the bike stable and at a comfortable working height.
- If you don’t have a stand, you might need someone to help hold the bike steady, especially when applying force to the pedals.
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Identify the Pedal Flats/Allen Key Socket:
- Look at the pedal where it meets the crank arm. You’ll see either flats (designed for a wrench) or an Allen key socket on the back of the pedal spindle.
- Crucially, find the correct tool for your pedals.
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Clean the Area:
- Use a rag to wipe away any dirt, mud, or grease from around the pedal spindle and crank arm threads. This makes it easier to get a good grip and prevents dirt from getting into the crank threads.
Removing the Right Pedal (Drive Side)
This is typically the more straightforward pedal to remove as it has standard threading.
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Position the Wrench:
- If using a pedal wrench, place the 15mm opening onto the flats of the pedal spindle. Make sure the wrench is seated firmly and squarely.
- If using an Allen key, insert it into the socket on the back of the pedal spindle. Ensure it’s fully inserted.
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Apply Force to Loosen:
- This is where leverage is important.
- For a pedal wrench: Position the wrench so that you can push downward and away from the crank arm. A common technique is to have the crank arm pointing forward and down, and push the wrench handle towards the rear of the bike.
- For an Allen key: You’ll likely need to turn the Allen key counter-clockwise. You might need to position the crank arm so it’s pointing upwards or forwards to get the best leverage.
- Be firm but controlled. If the pedal is very tight, you might need to apply significant force.
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Turn Counter-Clockwise: Remember, the right pedal is standard thread. Turn the wrench or Allen key counter-clockwise to loosen it.
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Unscrew the Pedal: Once loose, you should be able to unscrew the pedal by hand. Continue turning it counter-clockwise until it’s completely free from the crank arm.
Removing the Left Pedal (Non-Drive Side)
This is where the reverse threading comes into play and can confuse beginners.
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Position the Wrench/Allen Key:
- Place the pedal wrench onto the flats or insert the Allen key into the socket on the back of the spindle, just as you did for the right pedal.
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Apply Force to Loosen:
- This is the crucial step. Because of the reverse thread, you need to turn the wrench or Allen key in the opposite direction compared to the right pedal.
- For a pedal wrench: Position the wrench so you are pushing upward and away from the crank arm. A common technique is to have the crank arm pointing forward and down, and push the wrench handle towards the front of the bike.
- For an Allen key: You’ll need to turn the Allen key clockwise to loosen it. Again, position the crank arm for the best leverage.
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Turn Clockwise: Remember, the left pedal is reverse thread. Turn the wrench or Allen key clockwise to loosen it.
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Unscrew the Pedal: Once loose, unscrew the pedal by hand, continuing to turn it clockwise.
Tips for Stubborn Pedals
- Penetrating Oil: If pedals are extremely tight, a liberal application of penetrating oil (like WD-40 or a dedicated bike degreaser) left to soak for 15-30 minutes can help break down rust and corrosion.
- Gentle Tapping: Sometimes, a few firm taps with a rubber mallet on the end of the wrench handle (while applying pressure) can help shock the threads loose. Be careful not to hit the crank arm.
- Teamwork: Having a second person apply pressure to the pedals (by holding the cranks in a fixed position) while you turn the wrench can also be helpful.
- Heat (Extreme Caution): In very rare, stubborn cases, a slight application of heat to the crank arm near the pedal thread (using a hairdryer or heat gun on a low setting, never a direct flame) can cause the metal to expand slightly, potentially loosening the bond. This should only be attempted with extreme caution and awareness of surrounding components, as excessive heat can damage your crankset.
Inspecting and Preparing for Reinstallation
Once the pedals are off, take a moment to inspect them and the crank arm threads.
What to Look For
- Pedal Threads: Check the threads on the pedal spindles for any damage, cross-threading, or excessive wear.
- Crank Arm Threads: Carefully examine the threads inside the crank arm. Ensure they are clean and free from damage. If you see any dirt or debris, clean it out with a rag or a soft brush.
- Pedal Bearings: Give each pedal a spin. They should rotate smoothly and quietly. If you feel grinding, stiffness, or hear noises, the pedal bearings might be worn out and require servicing or replacement.
Cleaning and Greasing
- Clean Threads: Clean both the pedal spindle threads and the crank arm threads thoroughly with a degreaser and a rag.
- Apply Anti-Seize or Grease: This is a crucial step for pedal installation and future bike maintenance. Apply a good quality anti-seize compound or a thick layer of grease bike pedals on the threads of the pedal spindles. This prevents corrosion and galling, making future bike pedal removal much easier.
What About Pedal Installation?
Bike pedal installation is essentially the reverse of removal, but with a few key differences:
- Right Pedal: Screw the right pedal into the right crank arm clockwise.
- Left Pedal: Screw the left pedal into the left crank arm counter-clockwise.
- Hand Tighten First: Always start threading the pedals by hand to ensure you’re not cross-threading them.
- Tighten Firmly: Once hand-tight, use your pedal wrench or Allen key to tighten them securely. A good guideline is about 30-40 Nm of torque, but “snug and secure” is often sufficient if you don’t have a torque wrench. Over-tightening can damage threads, while under-tightening can lead to pedals coming loose.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Stripped Pedal Threads
If you forced the wrong pedal into a crank arm or didn’t thread them properly, you might strip the threads.
- Symptoms: The pedal spins freely without tightening, or it feels very loose even when tightened.
- Solution: This is a serious issue. The crank arm threads might need to be professionally repaired or the crankset may need to be replaced.
Stripped Pedal Flats or Allen Sockets
If you used a worn-out tool or applied force at an angle, you can round off the flats or the Allen key socket on the pedal spindle.
- Symptoms: Your wrench or Allen key can’t get a firm grip.
- Solution: Try using a slightly larger wrench if possible, or a tool with better grip. In severe cases, you might need specialized tools designed for rounded-off nuts/bolts. For Allen sockets, sometimes a slightly oversized Torx bit can provide enough bite to get them loose.
Pedal Stuck Due to Corrosion
If your bike has been exposed to moisture and salt, pedals can corrode and become extremely difficult to remove.
- Solution: As mentioned, penetrating oil and patience are your best friends here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1: Do all bike pedals use a 15mm wrench?
- A1: Most common pedals use a 15mm wrench. However, some high-end pedals, especially clipless pedals, only have an Allen key fitting (usually 6mm or 8mm) on the back of the spindle. Always check your specific pedals.
- Q2: Can I use a regular adjustable wrench (crescent wrench) to remove pedals?
- A2: While technically possible, it’s highly discouraged. Adjustable wrenches have a tendency to slip, leading to stripped pedal flats and potential injury. A fixed-size pedal wrench or a good quality 15mm combination wrench is much safer and more effective.
- Q3: How tight should I install new pedals?
- A3: Pedals should be installed firmly. The recommended torque is typically 30-40 Nm. If you don’t have a torque wrench, tighten them until they feel very secure, but avoid excessive force that could damage the crank arm threads.
- Q4: What if my pedals are really difficult to turn?
- A4: This usually means they are very tight or have seized due to corrosion. Apply penetrating oil, let it soak, and ensure you have the correct tool and are applying force in the right direction with good leverage.
- Q5: Do I need to grease the pedals when I install them?
- A5: Yes, absolutely. Applying grease or an anti-seize compound to the pedal threads before installation is crucial to prevent them from seizing into the crank arms and making future removal much easier. It also helps create a better seal against water and dirt.
Taking off bike pedals is a manageable task with the right knowledge and tools. Remember the crucial difference in threading between the left and right pedals, use appropriate pedal tools, and always apply a bit of grease during reinstallation for a smoother cycling experience and easier maintenance down the line. Happy wrenching!