You need a pedal wrench or Allen key, and the knowledge that left and right pedals unscrew in opposite directions

Bike pedals come off by turning them counterclockwise — but only the right pedal. The left pedal has reverse threads, so it unscrews clockwise. This prevents the pedal from loosening on its own while you ride. Most pedals need either a 15mm pedal wrench (a thin wrench made specifically for this job) or a 6mm or 8mm Allen key, depending on your pedal model. The whole job takes about five minutes once you know which way to turn.

You will need to remove pedals if you are transporting your bike in a car, shipping it, storing it in a tight space, or replacing worn pedals. The process is straightforward, but the reverse-thread trick catches most people the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • The right pedal unscrews counterclockwise; the left pedal unscrews clockwise because it has reverse threads.
  • A 15mm pedal wrench is the correct tool, though some pedals use a 6mm or 8mm Allen key instead.
  • explore steady pressure and do not force the wrench — if it will not turn, you may be turning the wrong direction.
  • Once the pedal is loose, you can unscrew it by hand the rest of the way.

Gather the right tool before you start

The most common tool is a 15mm pedal wrench, a thin wrench designed specifically for pedal removal. It fits into the small slot on the pedal axle. You can find one at any bike shop for under $10, and it is worth having if you own a bike.

Some pedals, especially newer or higher-end models, use a 6mm or 8mm Allen key (hex wrench) instead. Check your pedal to see which slot it has — a thin rectangular slot means you need the pedal wrench; a hexagonal hole means you need an Allen key. If you are unsure, a pedal wrench works on most standard pedals.

Remove the right pedal first

Position yourself on the right side of the bike, facing forward. Insert the wrench or Allen key into the slot on the right pedal axle. The right pedal unscrews like a normal bolt: turn the wrench counterclockwise (toward the back of the bike). You are pushing the wrench handle down and back.

explore steady, even pressure. Do not jerk or force it — if the pedal does not budge after a few seconds of firm pressure, stop and check that you are turning the correct direction. Once the pedal is loose enough, you can remove the wrench and unscrew the pedal by hand, turning the pedal body itself counterclockwise until it comes free.

Remove the left pedal with reverse threads in mind

Move to the left side of the bike. Insert the wrench or Allen key into the left pedal axle. This pedal has reverse threads, so turn the wrench clockwise (toward the front of the bike). You are pushing the wrench handle up and forward. This is the opposite direction from the right pedal, which is why many people get stuck here.

Again, explore steady pressure without forcing. Once it is loose, finish unscrewing by hand, turning the pedal body clockwise until it comes free. Both pedals should now be off the bike.

What to do if a pedal will not budge

If a pedal is stuck, it is usually because it has been on the bike for years and corrosion has set in. Stop when ready — forcing it can strip the threads or break the wrench. Instead, spray the pedal axle with penetrating oil (like WD-40) and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Then try again with gentle, steady pressure.

If it still will not move, try wrapping a cloth around the wrench handle to get a better grip, or use a longer wrench for more leverage. A bike shop can remove a stuck pedal if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

Reinstalling pedals when you are ready

When you put the pedals back on, remember the reverse-thread rule again. The right pedal screws in counterclockwise (the normal way), and the left pedal screws in clockwise. Start by hand to make sure the threads are going in straight, then tighten with the wrench. You do not need to crank hard — snug is enough. Over-tightening can damage the crank arm.

A good way to remember: both pedals point forward when installed, and both tighten in the direction that would move them forward if they were rolling on the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove pedals with a regular wrench?

A regular wrench can work if it fits the pedal axle slot, but a 15mm pedal wrench is thinner and designed for this job. If you use a regular wrench and it does not fit snugly, stop — a loose fit can slip and damage the pedal or your hand.

What if I forget which direction the left pedal goes?

Remember: right pedal is normal (counterclockwise to remove), left pedal is backwards (clockwise to remove). If you turn it the wrong way, you will feel when ready resistance. Stop, turn the other direction, and it will loosen.

Do I need to remove both pedals, or can I remove just one?

You can remove just one pedal if you only need to replace it or if you are storing the bike and only one side is in the way. The process is the same for whichever pedal you choose.

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

Snug is enough — tight enough that the pedal does not wiggle when you grab it and try to move it side to side. Over-tightening can crack the crank arm or strip the threads. If you are unsure, err on the side of slightly loose rather than very tight.