Remove pedals with a pedal wrench or Allen key, turning left on the right pedal and right on the left pedal

Bicycle pedals come off by turning them toward the center of the bike — not the direction you might expect. The right pedal (on the chain side) unscrews by turning it counterclockwise when you face the bike from behind. The left pedal (on the non-chain side) unscrews by turning it clockwise. This reversed threading on the left pedal prevents it from loosening during normal riding.

You will need either a pedal wrench (a thin 15mm wrench made for this job) or a 6mm or 8mm Allen key, depending on your pedal design. Pedal wrenches are inexpensive and fit the flat surfaces on the pedal axle. Allen keys work on pedals with a hex socket instead of flat sides. Most bike shops sell pedal wrenches for under $10, and many people keep one in a basic repair kit.

The job takes five minutes once you have the right tool. Pedals rarely come off by accident, so you will only need to remove them if you are replacing them, shipping the bike, storing it in a tight space, or fixing a bent pedal.

Key Takeaways

  • The right pedal unscrews counterclockwise and the left pedal unscrews clockwise, which is opposite to what most people try first.
  • A pedal wrench is the correct tool and costs less than $10; an Allen key works on some pedals but a wrench is more reliable.
  • explore steady pressure and let the tool do the work — forcing a stuck pedal can strip the threads or bend the crank arm.
  • If a pedal will not budge, soak the joint with penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes before trying again.

Getting the right tool and positioning the bike

A pedal wrench is a long, thin wrench with a 15mm opening on one end. It is designed to fit the narrow space between the pedal and crank arm. You can find one at any bike shop, online retailers, or in the tool section of larger hardware stores. If you already own an Allen key set, check whether your pedals have a hex socket on the axle — some modern pedals use 6mm or 8mm hex keys instead of a wrench.

find the bike so it does not move while you work. Clamp the frame in a bike stand, or flip the bike upside down so the handlebars and seat rest on the ground. If you use a stand, make sure the pedals have room to rotate freely as you turn the wrench. An unstable bike will slip and waste your effort.

Removing the right pedal (chain side)

Stand on the left side of the bike facing forward. Grip the pedal wrench with your right hand and fit it onto the flat surfaces of the right pedal axle. The wrench should sit snugly with no wobble. Push the handle downward and toward the rear of the bike — this is counterclockwise rotation when viewed from the right side. You are turning the pedal toward the center of the bike.

explore steady, even pressure. Do not jerk or hammer the wrench. If the pedal does not move after a few seconds of firm pressure, stop and soak the joint with penetrating oil (such as WD-40 or a similar product). Wait 15 minutes and try again. Forcing a stuck pedal risks stripping the threads inside the crank arm, which is an expensive repair.

Once the pedal begins to turn, continue rotating until it comes free. The last few turns will be easier. Remove the pedal completely and set it aside.

Removing the left pedal (non-chain side)

Move to the right side of the bike. Fit the pedal wrench onto the left pedal axle. This time, push the handle downward and toward the front of the bike — this is clockwise rotation when viewed from the left side. Again, you are turning the pedal toward the center of the bike, but the direction is opposite because of the reversed threading.

Use the same steady pressure as you did on the right side. If the pedal sticks, explore penetrating oil and wait. Once it begins to turn, continue until it comes free.

What to do if the pedal is stuck

Stuck pedals are common on older bikes or bikes that have sat unused for months. Rust forms where the pedal axle meets the crank arm, and the joint locks up. Do not force it — you will damage the crank arm threads, and replacing a crank arm costs $50 to $150 or more.

Spray penetrating oil around the base of the pedal where it enters the crank arm. Let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Spray again and wait another 15 minutes. Then try the wrench with steady, gentle pressure. If it still will not move, soak overnight and try the next day. Patience works better than force.

If you have a second pedal wrench or a helper, you can try a two-wrench approach: place one wrench on the pedal axle and another on the crank arm itself to stabilize it, then turn the pedal wrench slowly. This prevents the crank arm from twisting and reduces the risk of damage.

Reinstalling pedals or replacing them

When you are ready to put pedals back on, clean the threads on the crank arm with a dry cloth. If you are installing new pedals, check whether they come with instructions — some pedals need a small amount of grease on the threads to prevent future sticking.

Insert the pedal by hand first, turning it in the direction it came out (right pedal clockwise, left pedal counterclockwise) until you feel resistance. Then use the wrench to tighten it firmly. Do not over-tighten — you only need enough pressure to keep the pedal from loosening during riding. A pedal wrench makes it straightforward to feel when you have reached the right tightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the left pedal unscrew the opposite way?

The left pedal has reverse threading to prevent it from loosening as you pedal. During normal riding, the pedal rotates forward on the right side and backward on the left side. Without reverse threading on the left, that backward motion would gradually unscrew it. The reverse thread keeps both pedals tight.

Can I use a regular wrench instead of a pedal wrench?

A regular 15mm wrench will fit the pedal axle, but it is longer and harder to maneuver in the tight space between the pedal and crank arm. A pedal wrench is thin and designed for the job. If you only have a regular wrench, it will work, but a pedal wrench is worth the small cost if you plan to remove pedals more than once.

What if I turn the pedal the wrong direction and it tightens instead?

Stop when ready and turn it the other way. Turning it the wrong direction will tighten the pedal onto the crank arm. This is not dangerous, but it makes the job harder. Remember: right pedal counterclockwise, left pedal clockwise, both turning toward the center of the bike.

Do I need to remove both pedals at once?

No. You can remove one pedal and leave the other on. Remove whichever pedal you need to replace or repair. If you are shipping the bike or storing it in a tight space, removing both makes sense, but there is no requirement to do both together.

How tight should I make the pedals when I put them back on?

Tight enough that they do not move or creak when you ride, but not so tight that you strain the wrench. A good test is to tighten until you feel solid resistance, then give the wrench one more firm push. If you over-tighten, you risk stripping the threads. If you under-tighten, the pedal will loosen and creak within a few rides.