How to Remove Pedals on a Bicycle

Sometimes a bicycle owner will need to remove the pedals either to install pedal toe clips or to replace the pedals with new ones. If you ever need to ship your bicycle, removing the pedals would be necessary then too. With the proper tool, this is a simple task to perform.

Things You'll Need

• Pedal wrench or regular wrench that fits

Instructions

1. Keep your bicycle from moving. Try leaning it against a wall and then brace your body against it. Alternatively, ask someone to hold it still for you.

2. Begin on the drive side, which is the side where you find the chain rings. Loosen the pedal while gripping it next to the crank arm and turning counter clockwise. When you get it loose, you should be able to finish removing the pedal with your hand.

3. Repeat Step 2 on the opposite side. The only difference here is that you will need to turn the wrench in the opposite direction, clockwise.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot get enough leverage with a regular wrench, try slipping a piece of pipe over the end of the wrench to lengthen it.

• You can remove most pedals with a wrench, but a few will need an Allen key instead. If that is the case, you will see a small hole for the Allen key on the inside of the crank arm in the end of the pedal axle.

• Watch out for the chain ring. If your hand slips while removing the pedals, you could injure yourself on the teeth.