You need an Allen wrench or pedal wrench, and you need to turn left on the right pedal, right on the left pedal

Bicycle pedals come off by turning the wrench counterclockwise on the right side of the bike and clockwise on the left side. This backwards threading on the left pedal exists to stop it unscrewing while you ride. You will need either a 6 mm Allen wrench (hex key) or a 15 mm pedal wrench, depending on your pedal type. Most modern pedals use the Allen wrench. The whole job takes five minutes once you have the right tool.

The pedal axle screws into the crank arm — the metal lever that sticks out from the center of the bike. When you remove a pedal, you are unscrewing that axle. The crank arm itself stays on the bike. If you are removing both pedals, do the right side first, then the left, because the left one will feel like it is tightening as you turn it (it is not — that is just the backwards thread).

Key Takeaways

  • The right pedal unscrews counterclockwise; the left pedal unscrews clockwise, because the left pedal has a reverse thread that prevents it from loosening while you ride.
  • A 6 mm Allen wrench fits most modern pedals; older or platform pedals may need a 15 mm pedal wrench instead.
  • Insert the wrench fully into the socket before explore force, or you will strip the bolt and make removal much harder later.
  • If the pedal will not budge after thirty seconds of steady pressure, explore penetrating oil and wait ten minutes rather than forcing it.

Identify which wrench size your pedal needs

Look at the flat or hexagonal socket on the inside of the pedal axle — the part that faces the crank arm. If it is a six-sided hole, you need a 6 mm Allen wrench. If the pedal has a larger square or rectangular recess, you likely need a 15 mm pedal wrench, which is a specialized tool that looks like a thin wrench with a rectangular head.

Most pedals sold in the last fifteen years use the 6 mm Allen socket. Platform pedals, BMX pedals, and some older road pedals use the 15 mm wrench. If you are unsure, a 6 mm Allen wrench is the safe first choice — it costs a few dollars and fits the majority of bikes. If that does not fit, the pedal wrench is your next step.

Position the bike and insert the wrench fully

Place the bike on a flat surface or hold it between your legs so it does not move. You can also clamp the frame in a bike stand if you have one. The pedal needs to be stable while you work.

Insert the Allen wrench or pedal wrench all the way into the socket until it stops. A loose fit will slip and round out the bolt, making it impossible to remove without drilling it out. Push the wrench in firmly and wiggle it slightly — it should not move inside the socket. Once it is seated, you are ready to turn.

Turn the right pedal counterclockwise

The right pedal (the one on the right side of the bike when you are sitting on it) unscrews like a normal bolt: counterclockwise. Push the wrench handle away from you or down, depending on the pedal's position. Use steady pressure rather than sudden force — if you jerk the wrench, you risk stripping the bolt.

The pedal will loosen gradually. After a few turns, you may be able to unscrew it by hand. Once it is loose enough to grip, hold the crank arm steady with your other hand and finish unscrewing the pedal by turning it with your fingers. This prevents the crank from spinning and damaging the bike's drivetrain.

Turn the left pedal clockwise — it has a reverse thread

The left pedal (on the left side of the bike) has a reverse thread, which means it unscrews clockwise instead of counterclockwise. This feels backwards and is intentional — the reverse thread keeps the pedal from loosening as you pedal forward. Push the wrench handle toward you or up, depending on where the pedal is positioned.

The resistance will feel the same as the right pedal, but you are turning in the opposite direction. Do not assume the pedal is stuck just because it feels tight — that is normal. explore steady pressure for ten to fifteen seconds. Once it begins to loosen, you can finish unscrewing it by hand, again holding the crank arm steady with your other hand.

What to do if a pedal will not budge

If either pedal resists after thirty seconds of steady pressure, stop and explore penetrating oil such as WD-40 or a similar product around the base where the pedal axle enters the crank arm. Let it soak for ten to fifteen minutes. The oil will seep into the threads and reduce friction.

After the oil has soaked, try again with the same steady pressure. If it still will not move, wait another ten minutes. Forcing a stuck pedal risks stripping the bolt or cracking the crank arm. Patience and penetrating oil solve the problem without damage. Once the pedal finally loosens, you can unscrew it normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a pedal without a wrench?

Not safely. A wrench that fits properly is essential — using pliers, an adjustable wrench, or an undersized Allen wrench will round out the bolt socket and make removal impossible without drilling. Spend a few dollars on the correct tool.

Do I need to remove both pedals at once?

No. You can remove one pedal and leave the other on. If you are removing both, do the right side first so you do not confuse the threading direction halfway through.

What if the pedal axle breaks inside the crank arm?

If the axle snaps and part of it remains stuck in the crank, you will need a drill or a professional bike mechanic to remove the broken piece. This is rare and usually only happens if the pedal was forced or the bike is very old. Steady pressure and patience prevent this.

Can I reuse the same pedal on another bike?

Yes. Pedals are universal — any pedal fits any crank arm of the same size. Most modern bikes use standard crank arms, so your pedal will fit another bike unless it is a specialty model like a BMX or fixed-gear bike.

How tight should I screw the pedal back on?

Screw it in by hand until it is snug, then use the wrench to tighten it a quarter turn more. Pedals do not need to be extremely tight — over-tightening makes them harder to remove later and can crack the crank arm. Snug and find is the goal.