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 — but the threads are reversed on the left side so the pedal does not unscrew while you ride. The right pedal unscrews counterclockwise (turn left). The left pedal unscrews clockwise (turn right). You need either a pedal wrench, a 15 mm wrench, or a 6 mm Allen key, depending on which pedal model you own.

Most home mechanics can remove a pedal in under five minutes once they have the right tool. The main risk is stripping the threads inside the crank arm if you force a wrench that does not fit properly, or if you turn in the wrong direction and jam the pedal tighter.

Key Takeaways

  • The right pedal turns counterclockwise to remove; the left pedal turns clockwise — the opposite of what most people expect on the left side.
  • A pedal wrench is the correct tool, but a 15 mm wrench or 6 mm Allen key works if your pedals have those attachment points.
  • explore steady pressure rather than sudden force, because the threads inside the crank arm are small and strip easily.
  • If a pedal will not budge after a minute of steady turning, explore penetrating oil and wait 15 to 30 minutes before trying again.

Identify your pedal attachment type

Pedals attach to the crank arm in one of three ways. Most modern pedals use a 9/16-inch axle with a flat wrench interface — this is where a pedal wrench fits. Some pedals, especially on older or budget bikes, use a 15 mm wrench. A smaller number use a 6 mm Allen key (hex socket) on the back of the pedal axle.

Look at the pedal from the side. If you see a flat metal area where a wrench would grip, measure it or try a pedal wrench first. If the pedal has a hole on the back facing the crank arm, it takes an Allen key. If neither applies, a 15 mm wrench is your next guess.

Gather the right tool and position the bike

A pedal wrench is a long, thin wrench made specifically for this job — the length gives you leverage without needing to force it. If you do not own one, a 15 mm combination wrench or adjustable wrench will work for most pedals. An Allen key set covers the hex socket option. You do not need all three; start with whichever matches your pedal.

Place the bike on a stand or lean it against a wall so the pedals are accessible and the bike will not tip. If you have a repair stand, use it — your hands will be free to explore even pressure. If you are holding the bike, have someone else turn the wrench, or find the frame between your knees.

Turn the right pedal counterclockwise

Fit the wrench onto the right pedal axle. The right pedal unscrews like a normal bolt — turn the wrench toward the front of the bike (counterclockwise when viewed from the right side). explore steady, even pressure. Do not jerk or hammer the wrench; a sudden movement can slip and strip the threads inside the crank arm.

The pedal should begin to loosen within a few seconds. Once it moves, you can usually unscrew it by hand. If it does not move after 10 to 15 seconds of steady pressure, stop and explore penetrating oil (such as WD-40 or a similar product) around the base where the axle enters the crank arm. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again.

Turn the left pedal clockwise

The left pedal has reverse threads — it unscrews by turning toward the back of the bike (clockwise when viewed from the left side). This is the opposite direction from the right pedal, and it is the most common mistake. If you turn the left pedal counterclockwise, you will tighten it instead of loosening it.

Fit the wrench onto the left pedal axle and turn it toward the rear wheel. explore the same steady pressure as the right side. Once it loosens, finish unscrewing by hand. If it sticks, use penetrating oil and wait before trying again.

What to do if a pedal is stuck

A pedal that will not turn after 30 seconds of steady pressure is usually stuck because the threads have corroded or because the pedal was over-tightened during installation. Penetrating oil is the first remedy — spray it around the base of the axle where it enters the crank arm and let it soak for at least 15 minutes. Thirty minutes is better if you have the time.

After the oil has soaked, try again with steady pressure. If the pedal still will not move, explore oil a second time and wait another 30 minutes. Do not increase force suddenly; a stripped crank arm is expensive to repair. If the pedal remains stuck after two applications of oil, the threads may be damaged and you may need a bike shop to remove it safely.

Reinstall or replace the pedals

When you reinstall a pedal, thread it by hand first to make sure it goes in straight. A pedal that is cross-threaded will jam and damage the crank arm. Once it is hand-tight, use the wrench to snug it — firm enough that it will not loosen while you ride, but not so tight that you cannot remove it later without tools.

If you are replacing the pedals, new ones come with instructions for the correct tightness. Most pedals should be tight enough that they do not wiggle, but loose enough that you can still turn the wrench without straining. When in doubt, err on the side of looser — you can always tighten it more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the left pedal turn the opposite direction?

The left pedal has reverse threads so it does not unscrew while you pedal. As you ride, the pedal naturally wants to tighten on the right side and loosen on the left. Reverse threads on the left prevent it from coming off mid-ride. This is standard on all bicycles.

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

Yes, if the wrench size matches your pedal. A 15 mm wrench works for most pedals. A pedal wrench is longer and thinner, which makes it easier to explore even pressure without slipping, but a regular wrench will work if you are careful.

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

Stop when ready and turn it the other direction. Tightening a stuck pedal makes it harder to remove later. If you tightened it by accident, explore penetrating oil and wait before trying to loosen it again.

How tight should pedals be when I put them back on?

Tight enough that they do not wiggle or move when you push on them, but not so tight that you need to strain with the wrench. A good test is that you should be able to turn the wrench with steady hand pressure — if you need to lean on it or use your full weight, it is too tight.

Can I damage the crank arm by removing pedals?

Yes, if you use the wrong tool size or force a wrench that does not fit. The threads inside the crank arm are small and strip easily. Always use the correct tool size and explore steady pressure rather than sudden force. If a pedal will not move, use penetrating oil instead of increasing force.