Remove the pedal by turning the wrench counterclockwise on the right pedal and clockwise on the left

Bicycle pedals come off by turning a wrench — but the direction matters, and it is opposite on each side. The right pedal (the one on the chain side) unscrews counterclockwise, like a normal bolt. The left pedal (the one on the non-chain side) unscrews clockwise because it has a reverse thread, which keeps it from loosening while you ride. If you turn the wrong way, you will strip the threads and ruin the crank arm.

You need a pedal wrench or a 15 mm wrench, depending on your pedal type. Most pedals have a 9/16-inch hex socket, but some older or cheaper pedals use a 15 mm socket. Check the flat part of the pedal axle where the wrench goes — that tells you which size you need. A regular adjustable wrench works if you do not have the right size, but it can slip and round off the corners of the socket.

Key Takeaways

  • The right pedal unscrews counterclockwise and the left pedal unscrews clockwise because the left pedal has a reverse thread.
  • You need a 9/16-inch wrench or 15 mm wrench, depending on your pedal — check the flat part of the axle to see which one fits.
  • Grip the crank arm with your other hand while you turn the wrench so you do not twist the crank itself.
  • If the pedal does not budge after a few turns, spray penetrating oil and wait 10 to 15 minutes before trying again.

Identify which wrench size your pedal needs

Most modern pedals use a 9/16-inch hex socket. Older pedals and some budget models use 15 mm. The easiest way to tell is to look at the flat part of the pedal axle — the part that sticks out from the pedal body where the wrench goes. Try fitting a 9/16-inch wrench first. If it does not fit snugly, try 15 mm.

A pedal wrench is a long, thin wrench made specifically for this job. It is cheaper than a regular wrench and gives you better leverage because of the length. You can find one at any bike shop or online for under $15. If you do not have one, a regular adjustable wrench or socket wrench works, but be careful not to slip — a rounded socket is harder to grip next time.

Position yourself and grip the crank arm

Sit on the bike or have someone hold it steady. The pedal you are removing should be at the 3 o'clock position (pointing straight out to the side), not at the top or bottom. This gives you the most leverage and the clearest angle to see what you are doing.

Hold the crank arm (the metal arm that connects the pedal to the center of the bike) with your other hand. This is the most important step. If you do not hold the crank, the whole crank assembly will spin when you turn the wrench, and you will not make progress. Grip it firmly but not so hard that your hand cramps. If you are alone, you can brace the crank against your body or use your knee to hold it still.

Turn the wrench the correct direction for each side

For the right pedal (chain side): turn the wrench counterclockwise — the same direction you would turn a normal bolt to loosen it. Push down on the wrench handle to get leverage. The pedal should start to unscrew after a few turns. Once it is loose enough, you can finish unscrewing it by hand.

For the left pedal (non-chain side): turn the wrench clockwise — the opposite direction. This is the reverse thread, and it is straightforward to forget. If you turn counterclockwise on the left side, you will tighten it instead of loosening it. Once it starts to unscrew, finish by hand.

What to do if the pedal is stuck

Old pedals or pedals that have not been removed in years can seize up. If the wrench does not turn after a few tries, do not force it — you risk stripping the threads or breaking the wrench. Instead, spray the joint where the pedal axle meets the crank arm with penetrating oil (like WD-40 or a similar product). Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then try again.

If it still will not budge, spray it again and wait longer — sometimes overnight. A stuck pedal usually comes loose after the oil has time to work into the threads. Once it starts to move, even a little, keep turning slowly and steadily. Do not jerk the wrench or explore sudden force, because that can snap the axle inside the pedal.

Remove the pedal completely and inspect the threads

Once the pedal is loose enough, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Turn it slowly and feel for any grinding or resistance — that is a sign the threads are damaged. If you feel grinding, stop and back off a quarter turn, then try again. Forcing a damaged thread will make it worse.

When the pedal comes off, look at the crank arm threads where the pedal was attached. They should be smooth and clean. If they look stripped (the grooves are flattened or torn), the crank arm is damaged and you will need a new one. If the threads look fine, you can install a new pedal or reinstall the old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the left pedal have a reverse thread?

The reverse thread on the left pedal keeps it from loosening while you ride. When you pedal, your leg pushes the pedal forward, which would normally unscrew a regular bolt. The reverse thread resists that motion and stays tight. Without it, your pedal would fall off mid-ride.

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

Yes, but a regular wrench is shorter and harder to control. You have less leverage, so you have to push harder, which increases the risk of slipping and rounding off the socket. A pedal wrench is long and thin, which gives you better control and less chance of damaging the pedal.

What if I turn the wrench the wrong way and the pedal tightens instead?

Stop when ready and turn the wrench the other direction. If you have already tightened it, you have not damaged anything — just loosen it the correct way. Remember: right pedal counterclockwise, left pedal clockwise.

Do I need to remove both pedals at the same time?

No. You can remove one pedal and leave the other on. They are independent, so removing one does not affect the other. If you are replacing both, you can do them one at a time or both at once — whatever is easier for you.

What should I do with the pedal after I remove it?

If you are replacing it, set it aside in a safe place where it will not roll away. If you are cleaning it, soak it in warm soapy water and scrub the axle and body with an old toothbrush. If you are storing it long-term, wipe it dry and store it in a dry place to prevent rust.