The article illustrates simple ways how to take off bike pedals. You must first remove your pedals if you wish to modify or replace them. As long as you are aware of the type of pedals you have, doing so is quite straightforward. To remove the pedals, you must first decide if you need a 15mm wrench or a hex key. The pedal is then easily detached from the crank by simply unscrewing it with the proper tool.
Table of Contents
Determining Tools On How To Take Off Bike Pedals
Step 1
If the bike has an instruction manual, read it. Pedal removal and installation instructions are frequently included in instruction or maintenance manuals that came with your bike. If your particular bike requires anything special, carefully read these instructions to find out what it is. In addition, the instructions will specify whether a 15mm wrench or a hex key is required to remove the pedals.
To quickly jump to the section on the pedal or crank, verify if the manual contains a table of contents.
You can still figure out what kind of tools you’ll need to remove them even if your bike didn’t come with a handbook.
Step 2
Look for a hex fitting on the pedal if you don’t have a manual. The pedal is attached to the crank by the crank arm. The hex fitting will be located on the end of the crank arm and looks like a hexagonal impression. Most bike pedals require either a 6mm or 8mm hex key to install and remove the pedals.
Popular crank brands that require a hex key include Shimano, Look, and Speedplay.
Step 3
If you don’t have a manual, look on the pedal for a hex fitting. The crank arm connects the pedal to the crank. The hex fitting, which has a hexagonal impression, will be found near the end of the crank arm. The majority of bicycle pedals need to be installed and removed with a 6mm or 8mm hex key.
Shimano, Look, and Speedplay are a few well-known crank brands that need a hex key.
Protect Knuckles On How To Take Off Bike Pedals
Start by moving your chain onto the big ring; this reduces the likelihood that any slides will cause knuckle injuries from the chainring.
This is one of those rare chores where having the bike upright on the ground rather than suspended in a bike stand makes it easier to complete.
Using A Hex Key To Remove The Pedals On How To Take Off Bike Pedals
Step 1
To determine which hex key you need, insert a 6mm and an 8mm hex key into the fitting. A 6mm and an 8mm hex key should be inserted into the hex fitting on the end of the crank arm to determine which size you require. The bolt holding the pedal in place should be able to be rotated with the help of the hex key, which should fit securely in the fitting.
Step 2
To release the left pedal, turn the hex key in a clockwise direction. Use the right-sized key to turn the hex fitting. Holding the pedal in place, turn the hex key counterclockwise to loosen it. Once the pedal becomes free, keep turning the hex key.
Sometimes an “L” is used to designate the left pedal.
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It could be simpler to remove the pedal if you turn the crank so that it is pointing downward.
Step 3
The right pedal can be released by counterclockwise rotating the hex key. Move around to the bike’s opposite side, then insert the hex key into the fitting on the crank arm’s end. The right pedal is typically located on the same side as your chainrings. To loosen the pedal, turn the key in the other direction. The pedal must then become enough free to allow you to remove the crank, so keep twisting the hex key.
The right pedal, which is occasionally denoted with a “R,” will be on the same side as the chainring.
Removing Pedals By a 15mm Wrench On How To Take Off Bike Pedals
Step 1
To move the chain to the largest ring, put the bike in high gear. The chain should change to the largest ring once you have the bike in high gear and have rotated the pedals a few times. You’ll have more space as a result, and taking the pedals off will be simpler.
Skip this step if your bike doesn’t have various gears.
Step 2
On the bicycle, raise the back wheel. While removing the pedals, hang your bike on a bike rack or hang the saddle from the edge of a table or workbench. Even if you peddle the bike ahead or turn the crank, the bike will remain still if the back wheel is raised while you work. This will make using a wrench to remove the pedals much simpler.
Step 3
Between the right pedal and crank arm, place a 15mm wrench. Your chainring and the right pedal will be on the same side. The 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) crank arm that connects the pedal to the bike’s crank is used. Apply the 15mm wrench to the fitting that connects the crank arm and pedal.
To turn the wrench more easily, move the pedals a little more forward.
Step 4
To loosen the pedal, raise the wrench. Pull up on the handle to remove the bolt holding the pedal to the crank arm once the crank arm has been installed. When you turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction, the pedal will begin to come apart from the crank arm. One rotation of the wrench should cause the pedal to loosen.
Step 5
To remove it, keep the pedal in place while moving the crank forward. The crank will turn as if you were riding a bike if you apply pressure to the pedals. Until the pedal entirely comes off, hold the wrench and pedal in place while moving the bike forward.
Step 6
To remove the left pedal, turn the wrench counterclockwise. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side of the bicycle to take out the left non-drive pedal. To remove the bolt, raise the wrench. The left pedal should now be entirely unscrewed by pushing the bike forward while holding the pedal in place to prevent rotation.
Summary
You’d think taking your pedals off would be simple. But those employing the almost always unerring dictum ‘lefty-loosey, righty-tight, will find themselves in trouble.
This is because of 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 the pedal on the left-hand crank.
To combat this while the right-hand drive-side crank arm is conventionally right-hand threaded, 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 bike pedals a breeze. If you’re having trouble, try a squirt of penetrating oil on the back of the treads. Otherwise get stuck in with our guide.
