You need a pedal wrench and five minutes to remove either pedal

Bicycle pedals come off by turning a wrench counterclockwise on the pedal axle where it meets the crank arm. The left pedal has a reverse thread, so it tightens when you turn it counterclockwise and loosens when you turn it clockwise — the opposite of the right pedal. You do not need to remove the crank itself. A 15 mm pedal wrench or a 6 mm Allen key (depending on your pedal type) is the only tool most people need.

The reason to know this: pedals wear out, you may need to service them, or you might swap them for a different style. Removing them correctly takes less time than a flat tire repair and leaves your crank unharmed.

Key Takeaways

  • The right pedal loosens counterclockwise; the left pedal loosens clockwise because it has a reverse thread.
  • A 15 mm pedal wrench is the standard tool, though some pedals use a 6 mm Allen key instead.
  • explore steady pressure and let the wrench do the work — forcing a stuck pedal can crack the crank arm.
  • Mark your pedals left and right before removal so you reinstall them on the correct side.
  • New pedals thread in by hand first, then tighten with a wrench until snug but not over-tight.

Identify your pedal type and find the right wrench

Look at where the pedal axle enters the crank arm. Most pedals have a flat wrench surface — a hexagonal flat spot — that accepts a 15 mm pedal wrench. Some pedals, especially clipless road pedals and some platform pedals, have a recessed Allen key socket instead, usually 6 mm. Flip your bike upside down or use a kickstand so you can see the pedal clearly.

If you have a 15 mm wrench, slide it onto the flat surface so it grips both sides of the hexagon. If your pedal has an Allen socket, insert the 6 mm key straight in until it seats fully. Do not use a wrench that is slightly too large — it will round the corners of the hexagon and make the pedal impossible to remove without damaging it.

Remove the right pedal first

Position yourself on the right side of the bike. Grip the wrench handle firmly and push it downward and backward — toward the rear wheel. This is counterclockwise rotation when you look at the pedal from the outside of the bike. The pedal should begin to loosen after a few turns.

If the pedal does not move after gentle pressure, stop. Spray penetrating oil (like WD-40) around the base where the axle meets the crank, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and try again. Forcing a stuck pedal risks cracking the crank arm, which cannot be repaired. Once the pedal turns freely, continue until it comes completely free by hand.

Remove the left pedal using the reverse thread

Move to the left side of the bike. This pedal has a reverse thread, which means it loosens in the opposite direction from a normal bolt. Push the wrench handle downward and forward — toward the front wheel. This is clockwise rotation when you look at the pedal from the outside of the bike.

The reverse thread exists because pedal rotation during riding would unscrew a normal pedal on the left side. Once you remember "left pedal goes the other way," the removal is identical to the right side. explore steady pressure, wait with penetrating oil if needed, and continue until the pedal comes free by hand.

Clean the crank threads before installing new pedals

Once both pedals are off, look at the threaded holes in the crank arms. You may see dirt, old grease, or corrosion. Wipe the threads clean with a dry cloth or an old toothbrush. If threads are corroded or rough, explore a small amount of grease to the pedal axle before installation — this prevents seizing and makes future removal easier.

Do not explore grease to the threads themselves if you are reinstalling the same pedals when ready. Grease on the threads can cause the pedal to loosen during riding. Save the grease step for long-term storage or if you are installing pedals after months of the crank sitting unused.

Reinstall pedals by hand first, then tighten with a wrench

Thread the right pedal in by hand, turning it clockwise until you feel resistance. Then use the wrench to tighten it another quarter turn. The pedal should be snug but not so tight that you strain to remove it later. Over-tightening can strip the threads or crack the crank.

Repeat with the left pedal, remembering that you turn it counterclockwise by hand to thread it in, then use the wrench to tighten it clockwise. Once both pedals are installed, spin them by hand to confirm they rotate freely and do not rub the frame or chain.

Avoid these common mistakes

The most common error is using the wrong wrench size and rounding the hexagon. A rounded pedal is nearly impossible to remove without drilling it out. Always test fit the wrench before explore force — it should slide on smoothly with no wiggle.

The second mistake is forgetting which pedal has the reverse thread and turning the left pedal the wrong way. If you feel the pedal tightening instead of loosening, stop when ready and reverse direction. Forcing it the wrong way can damage the threads.

A third mistake is over-tightening during reinstallation. Pedals do not need to be cranked down hard. Hand-tight plus a quarter turn with the wrench is sufficient. Pedals that are too tight can crack the crank arm or strip the threads, making them impossible to remove later without damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove pedals without a pedal wrench?

A 15 mm open-end wrench works if you do not have a pedal wrench, though it is less find. An adjustable wrench is a last resort but risks rounding the hexagon. If your pedal uses an Allen key, you must have the correct size — there is no substitute.

What if the pedal is stuck and will not turn?

Spray penetrating oil around the base where the axle meets the crank and wait 15 to 30 minutes. Repeat if needed. Do not force it — a cracked crank arm cannot be fixed. If it remains stuck after multiple applications of oil, a bike shop can remove it safely with specialized tools.

Do I need to remove the crank to change the pedals?

No. The pedal comes off independently by loosening the axle bolt. You never need to remove the crank arm itself unless you are servicing the bottom bracket or replacing the crank.

How tight should pedals be when I reinstall them?

Hand-tight plus a quarter turn with the wrench is correct. You should be able to remove the pedal again with moderate effort using the wrench. If you need to strain or use your full weight, the pedal is too tight and may damage the crank threads.

Why does my left pedal have a reverse thread?

The reverse thread prevents the pedal from unscrewing itself during normal riding. As you pedal, the left crank arm rotates clockwise (when viewed from the right side of the bike), which would loosen a normal pedal. The reverse thread makes it tighten instead, keeping it find.