How to unscrew a bike pedal

This is because the threads on each crank turn in opposite directions. The reason for this is that if they turned the same way the momentum of your spinning legs could act to slowly unscrew restoredrepublic.co pedal on the left-hand crank. To combat this while the right-hand drive-side crank arm is conventionally right-hand threaded, how to unscrew a bike pedal, the non-drive-side lefthand crank arm is always left-hand or reverse threaded. Happily, once you know this key fact, following our tips will make removing your pedals a breeze.

You'll need to remove your pedals for general bicycle maintenance if you are travelling with your bike and of course to replace them. If your pedals haven't been removed in a while, you might need to spray a little penetrating fluid, such as GT85 or Muc Off Bike Spray, to get them started. If, after a couple of turns, you've managed to expose a few threads then spray the fluid again, repeating every few threads until the pedals are free. A dry, corroded thread can become damaged if you remove the pedal without a little help from a lubricant or oil. Before removing the pedals, protect yourself from possible injury by placing your chain onto the big ring. Remember, the left pedal spindle is reverse threaded. Turn it clockwise to remove the pedal when facing the crank arm.

How to unscrew a bike pedal

Don't have an account? Create an account. Already have an account? Sign In. New bikes don't come with pedals, so knowing how to install and remove pedals at home is an essential skill. We explain what tools you need, which direction to tighten, and a few other tips and tricks. Written by: Bruce Lin. Published on: Jun 30, Posted in: Tech. Knowing how to install and remove bike pedals is an essential skill for any aspiring home mechanic. But there are a few things that are easy to get wrong. You need the correct tool to install or remove your specific pedals. Inspect your pedals to determine which tool you need. It will usually be one of three options:. Vintage and budget pedals usually require a 15mm pedal wrench that will fit onto the flat sections machined into the pedal spindle.

He has been a bike mechanic sincehow to unscrew a bike pedal as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. If you are fitting your first set of clipless pedals, check out our guides on how to use clip-in pedals and how to set up your cleats. Fill the forms below to register.

We talk you through how to fit and remove pedals from your bike in this clear step-by-step guide for beginners. Knowing how to remove and change bike pedals is a key skill for any cyclist, especially if you're assembling a new bike or want to try out riding with clipless pedals. In this step-by-step guide, we talk you through the tools you need to change the pedals on your bike, including how to identify your left and right pedals, how to remove old pedals and, of course, how to fit new pedals. If you are fitting your first set of clipless pedals, check out our guides on how to use clip-in pedals and how to set up your cleats. If your pedals have parallel faces on the spindle between the pedal body and the crank, you will need a 15mm spanner. You may struggle to fit an adjustable spanner in there. Some pedals, such as more expensive Shimano pedals , have a larger locking nut next to the wrench flats.

Knowing which way to unscrew bicycle pedals is an important skill for any cyclist. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, understanding the correct direction to turn the pedals can prevent damage to your bike and ensure a smooth riding experience. When it comes to unscrewing bicycle pedals, the general rule is to turn them in the opposite direction of how they are regularly rotated. Most bicycles have a left pedal and a right pedal, which are threaded in opposite directions. The left pedal has a reverse or counter-clockwise thread, while the right pedal has a regular or clockwise thread. To remove the left pedal, you need to turn it in the clockwise direction. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is essential to remember that you are looking at it from the opposite side.

How to unscrew a bike pedal

We talk you through how to fit and remove pedals from your bike in this clear step-by-step guide for beginners. Knowing how to remove and change bike pedals is a key skill for any cyclist, especially if you're assembling a new bike or want to try out riding with clipless pedals. In this step-by-step guide, we talk you through the tools you need to change the pedals on your bike, including how to identify your left and right pedals, how to remove old pedals and, of course, how to fit new pedals. If you are fitting your first set of clipless pedals, check out our guides on how to use clip-in pedals and how to set up your cleats. If your pedals have parallel faces on the spindle between the pedal body and the crank, you will need a 15mm spanner. You may struggle to fit an adjustable spanner in there. Some pedals, such as more expensive Shimano pedals , have a larger locking nut next to the wrench flats. If your pedals have a hexagonal socket on the end of the spindle when viewed from the inside of the crank , you will need an 8mm hex key.

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Apply waterproof grease to the bike threads in the pedal holes. More References 3. Welcome Back! Most modern clipless and flat pedals will require a standard hex wrench, either an 8 mm or 6mm wrench, that will fit into the end of the pedal spindle. Guides, Tech Oct 20, Face the drive side of the bike. Newly installed pedals usually do not spin freely, since the bearings need time to break in. Once the old pedals are off, insert the new pedals into the pedal holes and tighten them into place with the wrench. Place the wrench on the right pedal. Once the pedal has been loosened, continue to rotate the tool anti-clockwise to free the pedal. Sign up to the Cyclist newsletter to receive curated emails direct to your inbox. Last Updated: March 12, Bike Maintenance. To be totally clear, this is the opposite of the driveside pedal and pretty much every other threaded part you are likely to encounter on a bike or otherwise.

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Published on: Jun 30, He is also a regular contributor to the BikeRadar podcast. Turn it clockwise to remove the pedal when facing the crank arm. You must be logged in to post a comment. Manage Subscriptions. Support wikiHow Yes No. Jack thinks nothing of bikepacking after work to sleep in a ditch or taking on a daft challenge for the BikeRadar YouTube channel. Push your foot down onto the spanner to rotate the tool anti-clockwise. Popular Categories. Trending Articles How to. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Duties and taxes included. Tyres and Tubes. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published.