What tools do I need to change bike pedals?

Tools needed

What size wrench do I need to change bike pedals?

The flats on almost all modern pedals take a 15mm spanner, though many pedal spanners also have a 9/16-inch jaw for older pedals. Don't be tempted to use thin wheel cone bearing spanners, as they'll distort and be ruined.

Can you use a regular wrench to remove bike pedals?

Determine Your Pedal's Size

Since you don't have a pedal wrench, typically, your standard 15 mm open-end wrench will do the trick just as easily.

How do you change pedals without a pedal wrench?

How to Take off Bike Pedals without a Pedal Wrench

1. Step 1: Position the Bike Accordingly. ...
2. Step 2: Insert the Spanner Where It is to Belong. ...
3. Step 3: Rotate the Spanner in the Anti-clockwise Direction. ...
4. Step 4: Free the Pedal. ...
5. Step 5: Turn the Bicycle around 180 Degrees. ...
6. Step 6: Rotate the Crank Arm.

How do I loosen my left bike pedals?

The right drive side pedal has a right-hand thread (removes counterclockwise, installs clockwise). The left, non-drive side pedal, has a left-hand thread (removes clockwise, installs counterclockwise).

Are bicycle pedal threads universal?

To simply answer: No, bike pedals are not universal. Not only visually or for their different purposes for various cycling disciplines, but also internally. Bicycle pedals mainly have two sizes: 9/16” and ½”. The 9/16” is the more standard version of pedals and covers almost all subtypes.

Do you need pedal wrench?

You don't need a special pedal wrench. But no, you likely won't find a suitable one at the hardware store. The flats on most pedals are thinner than the width of common 15mm open end wrenches. If you find one that's real thin, it may work.

Do you need a torque wrench to install pedals?

Yeah, pedals should be tighter than just "hand tight" and you don't need a torque wrench.

Are all pedal wrenches the same size?

Pedal wrench flats are typically 15mm in size. 9/16" (~14.3mm) is somewhat common on older pedals. 17mm and other sizes have been used, but you aren't very likely to encounter them. (A "cone wrench" is thinner and shorter than a pedal wrench, and unable to provide appropriate durability or leverage for use on pedals.

Do you need to grease bike pedals?

It's necessary to grease pedal threads to prevent corrosion and facilitate installation. If the pedal threads aren't greased, the pedals will fuse with the crank arms, making removal a difficult task. You can use anti-seize compounds too because the involved parts aren't in dynamic motion.

How do you remove a stubborn pedal?

Penetrating fluids like PB B'Laster or multi-use WD40 can slowly work their way into the threads to help break up the bond. Lay the bike on its side so that the pedal spindle is facing up, and spray the end of the pedal spindle with penetrating fluid. Wait 10-20 minutes before pulling on the wrench again.

Are bicycle pedals reverse threaded?

Remember, the left pedal spindle is reverse threaded. Turn it clockwise to remove the pedal when facing the crank arm. The right side is normal, so turn it anti-clockwise to loosen it.

How do I know my pedal size?

Check the Cranks on the Bike

Manufacturers made it easy to put the sizing on the crank, knowing that people would look for their pedal size. If your cranks are made up of three separate sections, two separate crank arms, and the spindle that goes through the frame, your pedals will be size 9/16″ x 20 TPI.

Do pedals have different threads?

It is important to remember that pedal threads are different from left side and right side. The right side pedal has a right-hand thread (removes counterclockwise, installs clockwise). The left side pedal has a left-hand thread (removes clockwise, installs counterclockwise).

How do you tell if my pedals are 1 2 or 9 16?

If the cranks are THREE PIECES, meaning two crank arms bolted to a spindle, it will be 9/16 thread on the pedals. If the crank is ONE piece through a large bottom bracket housing, it's 1/2 thread.

Which way do left pedals unscrew?

Use a pedal wrench or hex key to unscrew the pedals from the crank arms. Right pedals loosen by turning counter-clockwise, left pedals loosen clockwise. Apply bike grease to the new pedals and screw them in at an even 90 degree angle.

What size thread is a bike pedal?

Bicycle pedals are commonly a 9/16″ x 20 threads per inch. The inside diameter of the internal thread (the “nut”) must be smaller. Measured in millimeters, the OD of the pedal is typically 14.2mm.