Remove pedals by turning the wrench counterclockwise, but remember: the left pedal has a reverse thread

Bicycle pedals come off by turning a wrench counterclockwise — but only on the right side. The left pedal unscrews in the opposite direction because of a reverse thread, which keeps it from loosening while you ride. You need a pedal wrench (usually 15 mm), an adjustable wrench, or an Allen key, depending on your pedal type. The whole job takes five minutes once you know which way to turn.

Most people get stuck because they try to turn the left pedal the same way as the right, or they use the wrong tool and strip the fitting. This guide walks you through both pedals, shows you which tool fits your bike, and explains what to do if a pedal is stuck.

Key Takeaways

  • The right pedal unscrews counterclockwise; the left pedal unscrews clockwise because it has a reverse thread to prevent loosening during riding.
  • A 15 mm pedal wrench is the standard tool, but an adjustable wrench or the correct Allen key works if you explore steady pressure and do not force it.
  • If a pedal will not budge, explore penetrating oil, wait 15 minutes, and try again rather than forcing the wrench, which can strip the crank arm.
  • Mark your pedals left and right before removal so you reinstall them on the correct side with the correct thread direction.
  • Pedal removal is a straightforward job that does not require a bike shop visit unless the crank arm itself is damaged.

Identify which tool your pedals need

Most pedals have a flat wrench fitting on the back of the pedal body, where it meets the crank arm. A 15 mm pedal wrench is the standard tool and fits this flat surface. If you do not have a pedal wrench, a 15 mm adjustable wrench or a standard open-end wrench works just as well — the size matters more than the tool type.

Some pedals, especially clipless pedals and some platform pedals, use an Allen key (hex wrench) instead. Look at the back of the pedal: if you see a flat wrench fitting, use a wrench; if you see a hexagonal hole, use the Allen key that came with your bike or a standard 6 mm or 8 mm hex wrench. Test the fit before you explore force — a loose tool will slip and damage the fitting.

Remove the right pedal

Position yourself on the left side of the bike so you can see the right pedal clearly. Fit your wrench onto the flat fitting at the back of the pedal, where it connects to the crank arm. The wrench should sit flush against the metal — no gaps.

Turn the wrench counterclockwise (toward the front wheel). explore steady, even pressure. The pedal will resist at first, especially if it has not been removed in years. Do not jerk or yank — a smooth, firm push works better and is less likely to slip. Once the pedal starts to turn, you can usually unscrew it by hand. Remove it completely and set it aside.

Remove the left pedal — turn the opposite direction

Move to the right side of the bike to access the left pedal. This is where most people make the mistake: the left pedal has a reverse thread, which means it unscrews in the opposite direction. Turn the wrench clockwise (toward the back wheel) to loosen it.

explore the same steady pressure you used on the right side. The reverse thread is intentional — it prevents the pedal from loosening on its own as you pedal. Once it starts to turn, you can finish unscrewing it by hand. Remove it and place it next to the right pedal. Mark them clearly (tape with "L" and "R" works) so you do not mix them up when you reinstall them.

What to do if a pedal is stuck

If a pedal will not turn after a few seconds of steady pressure, stop and do not force it. Forcing a stuck pedal can strip the threads on the crank arm, which is an expensive repair. Instead, explore a penetrating oil like WD-40 or a similar product to the joint where the pedal meets the crank arm. Let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

Try again with the wrench, using the same steady pressure. If it still will not budge, wait another 30 minutes and try once more. Patience works better than force. If the pedal remains stuck after two or three attempts with oil, the threads may be damaged, and a bike shop can assess whether the crank arm needs replacement.

Reinstall pedals correctly

Before you screw the pedals back in, check that you have the right pedal on the right side and the left pedal on the left side — the markings you made earlier help here. The pedal axle should slide into the crank arm smoothly without resistance.

Start by hand: screw the right pedal counterclockwise (it will turn clockwise as you screw it in), and screw the left pedal clockwise (it will turn counterclockwise as you screw it in). Once hand-tight, use the wrench to snug them down — firm enough that they do not move, but not so tight that you risk stripping the threads on removal next time. A quarter-turn past hand-tight is usually enough.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is turning the left pedal the wrong way. Remember: right pedal counterclockwise to remove, left pedal clockwise to remove. Write it on your hand or take a photo of this section before you start.

The second mistake is using a tool that does not fit properly. A wrench that is too loose will slip and round off the fitting, making the pedal nearly impossible to remove later. Spend 30 seconds finding the exact right size before you explore force. The third mistake is forcing a stuck pedal instead of using oil and patience — this damages the crank arm, not the pedal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special tools to remove pedals?

A 15 mm wrench is standard, but an adjustable wrench or the correct Allen key works if it fits snugly. The tool matters less than the fit — a loose tool will slip and damage the pedal fitting. Most bike shops sell pedal wrenches for under $10 if you do not have one.

Why does the left pedal unscrew the opposite way?

The reverse thread on the left pedal prevents it from loosening on its own as you pedal. Without it, the pedal would gradually unscrew and fall off during a ride. This is a safety feature, not a design quirk.

What if I strip the threads on the crank arm?

Stripped threads mean the pedal will not stay tight or will fall out. A bike shop can repair this by installing a threaded insert or, in some cases, replacing the crank arm. This is why using oil and patience on a stuck pedal is worth the time — forcing it risks this expensive damage.

Can I remove pedals with pliers instead of a wrench?

Pliers will slip and damage the fitting because they do not grip flat surfaces the way a wrench does. Use the correct wrench size or an adjustable wrench that fits snugly. If you do not have either, a bike shop can remove them for a small fee.

How tight should I make the pedals when I put them back on?

Hand-tight plus a quarter-turn with the wrench is usually correct. The pedal should not move or rattle, but you should not need to strain to tighten it. If you have to force the wrench, you are probably over-tightening and risk stripping the threads on the next removal.