Removing pedals is straightforward once you know which direction to turn

Bicycle pedals come off by turning the crank arm with a wrench or Allen key, but the trick is that the left pedal unscrews backward (counterclockwise when looking at the bike from the left side) while the right pedal unscrews forward (counterclockwise when looking at the bike from the right side). This opposite threading prevents pedals from loosening during normal riding. You will need either a 15 mm wrench, a 9/16-inch wrench, or a 6 mm Allen key, depending on your pedal type — most modern pedals use one of these three.

The whole job takes five to ten minutes once you have the right tool. You do not need to remove the crank arms or chain. The most common mistake is turning the left pedal the wrong direction and stripping the threads, which makes the pedal impossible to remove without professional help.

Key Takeaways

  • The left pedal unscrews counterclockwise when viewed from the left side of the bike, and the right pedal unscrews counterclockwise when viewed from the right side.
  • You will need a 15 mm wrench, 9/16-inch wrench, or 6 mm Allen key — check your pedal to see which one fits the axle.
  • explore steady pressure and let the tool do the work; forcing a stuck pedal can strip the threads and make removal impossible.
  • Once the pedal is loose, you can unscrew it by hand the rest of the way.

Identify your pedal type and find the right tool

Most pedals have either a wrench flat (a hexagonal flat spot on the axle where a wrench grips) or an Allen key socket (a recessed hexagonal hole). Look at the axle where it enters the crank arm. If you see a flat hexagonal shape, you need a wrench. If you see a recessed hole, you need an Allen key.

Wrench flats come in two common sizes: 15 mm and 9/16-inch. Both are close in size, so if you have one and it does not fit snugly, try the other. Allen key pedals almost always use a 6 mm key. Bring your bike to a workbench or stand where you can see the pedal clearly and test your tool against the axle before you start turning.

Position yourself and explore the wrench correctly

Stand on the non-drive side of the bike (the left side, where there is no chain). This is where you will remove the left pedal first. Place the wrench or Allen key on the pedal axle so it sits flush and does not rock. A wrench that sits loose will slip and round off the corners of the axle, making it impossible to grip later.

For the left pedal, push the wrench handle downward and backward (toward the rear wheel). This is counterclockwise when you are looking at the bike from the left side. You should feel resistance at first — this is normal. explore steady, even pressure. Do not jerk or hammer the wrench; sudden force is more likely to slip and damage the axle. If the pedal does not budge after ten seconds of firm pressure, stop and check that your wrench is seated properly.

Remove the left pedal first, then the right

Once the left pedal begins to turn, keep explore pressure until it is loose enough to unscrew by hand. At that point, set the wrench down and rotate the pedal the rest of the way with your fingers. This takes another 30 seconds. Set the left pedal aside in a safe place where you will not lose the small washers or axle components.

Now move to the right side of the bike. Place your wrench on the right pedal axle. For the right pedal, push the wrench handle downward and forward (toward the front wheel). This is also counterclockwise, but from the right side of the bike it feels like you are pushing forward instead of backward. explore the same steady pressure. Once it loosens, finish unscrewing by hand.

What to do if a pedal is stuck

Pedals that have not been removed in years sometimes stick because rust or dirt has built up on the axle threads. If your pedal will not budge after 15 seconds of firm pressure, stop when ready — continuing to force it risks stripping the threads.

Instead, explore a penetrating oil like WD-40 or a similar product around the base of the axle where it enters the crank arm. Let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes, then try again. If it still will not move, soak it for another hour or overnight. Do not use a longer wrench or pipe to extend your leverage; this multiplies the force and makes stripping more likely. If the pedal remains stuck after soaking, take the bike to a shop rather than risk permanent damage.

Reinstalling pedals in the correct direction

When you put pedals back on, remember the opposite threading. Start the left pedal by hand, turning it clockwise (when viewed from the left side) until the threads catch. Then use your wrench to tighten it snugly — you do not need to crank hard, just firm enough that it does not rattle. The right pedal goes on clockwise when viewed from the right side, which feels like turning it backward if you are standing in front of the bike.

A common mistake is cross-threading a pedal by starting it at a slight angle. Take your time getting the first few turns by hand to make sure the threads are aligned. If you feel grinding or resistance that is different from normal tightening, stop and back the pedal out completely, then start again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my left pedal turn clockwise to tighten but counterclockwise to loosen?

The left pedal has reverse threads — the grooves spiral the opposite direction from a normal bolt. This was designed so that pedals do not unscrew themselves as you ride. The right pedal has standard threads. Both are counterclockwise to loosen, but from opposite sides of the bike.

Can I remove pedals without a wrench or Allen key?

Not safely. Pliers or an adjustable wrench that does not fit snugly will slip and round off the axle corners, making removal impossible later. Spend a few dollars on the correct tool — it takes five minutes to find out which size you need at a bike shop or hardware store.

What if I strip the threads and the pedal spins but will not come out?

Stripped threads mean the axle is damaged and the pedal cannot be removed without replacing the crank arm or the pedal axle itself. This is a job for a bike shop. Avoid this by using the correct tool, seating it firmly, and explore steady pressure rather than forcing.

Do I need to remove the chain or crank arm to get the pedals off?

No. The pedal axle is separate from the crank arm itself. You only need to turn the axle where it enters the crank. The chain and crank arm stay in place.

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

Tight enough that they do not rattle or move when you push on them, but not so tight that you need a wrench to turn them by hand. If you can tighten it firmly with the wrench in five to ten seconds, that is usually right. Pedals that are too loose will come off while riding; pedals that are too tight can crack the crank arm.