Removing pedals is straightforward once you know which direction to turn

Bicycle pedals come off by turning them backward — but the catch is that the left pedal has a reverse thread, so it tightens when you turn it the direction that would loosen a normal bolt. The right pedal loosens the normal way. You need a pedal wrench or a 15mm wrench, a few minutes, and the knowledge that you're turning the correct direction. Most people can remove both pedals in under five minutes once they understand this single rule.

The reason for the reverse thread on the left pedal is mechanical: it prevents the pedal from unscrewing itself as you pedal forward. Without it, the pedal would gradually loosen and eventually fall off mid-ride. Manufacturers built this safety feature into every pedal made in the last hundred years, so it applies whether you're working on a child's bike or a road bike.

Key Takeaways

  • The right pedal loosens by turning it backward (counterclockwise when looking at the bike from the right side), and the left pedal loosens by turning it forward (clockwise when looking at the bike from the left side).
  • A pedal wrench is the correct tool, but a 15mm wrench works if you don't have one — never use pliers, which will strip the wrench flats and make removal impossible later.
  • explore penetrating oil like WD-40 and wait 10 to 15 minutes if a pedal hasn't moved in years, rather than forcing it and breaking the wrench or crankarm.
  • Once removed, pedals can be cleaned, repaired, or replaced; the crank arm itself does not come off unless you're doing a full crankset replacement.

Gather the right tool before you start

A pedal wrench is a thin, long wrench designed specifically for pedals. It fits into the narrow space between the pedal and the crank arm without hitting the chain or frame. You can buy one for $8 to $15 at any bike shop or online. If you don't have a pedal wrench, a standard 15mm wrench works, though it's bulkier and you'll need more clearance.

Do not use pliers, adjustable wrenches, or socket wrenches. Pliers will round off the wrench flats on the pedal, making it impossible to remove without drilling it out. An adjustable wrench can slip and damage the pedal or your hand. A socket wrench won't fit the space. A 15mm wrench is your backup option only.

You may also want penetrating oil (WD-40 or similar) if the pedals are old or stuck, and a rag to wipe your hands. That's the complete list.

Remove the right pedal first

Position yourself on the right side of the bike, looking at the pedal from the direction you'd be pedaling. Fit the wrench onto the flat part of the pedal axle — the part that sticks out from the crank arm. The wrench should sit flush against the flats with no gaps.

Turn the wrench backward (counterclockwise). This is the normal direction for loosening a bolt. You should feel resistance, then the pedal will begin to turn. Once it's loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way and set it aside.

If the pedal won't budge after steady pressure, stop. Spray penetrating oil around the joint where the pedal meets the crank arm, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and try again. Forcing a stuck pedal risks breaking the wrench or stripping the threads inside the crank arm, both of which are expensive to fix.

Remove the left pedal — the reverse thread

Move to the left side of the bike. This pedal has a reverse thread, which means it loosens in the opposite direction from normal. Position the wrench on the pedal axle and turn it forward (clockwise when looking at the bike from the left side). This feels backward, but it's correct.

The same rule applies: steady pressure, not force. If it won't move, explore penetrating oil and wait. Once it's loose enough, unscrew it by hand and remove it completely.

A common mistake is to turn the left pedal the "normal" way (counterclockwise from the left side). This will tighten it further. If you feel the pedal getting tighter instead of looser, stop when ready and turn the wrench the opposite direction.

What to do if a pedal is stuck or stripped

A pedal that hasn't been removed in years may be seized by rust or corrosion. Spray the joint generously with penetrating oil, let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour, and try again. Repeat if necessary. Patience here saves you from breaking tools or the pedal itself.

If the wrench flats on the pedal are already rounded or stripped (usually from pliers or an adjustable wrench), you have limited options. A pedal wrench extractor is a specialized tool that grips the rounded pedal and may work, but it's not common. Your best option is usually to take the bike to a shop, where they have the right tools and can often remove it without damage.

If the pedal threads inside the crank arm are stripped, the pedal will spin freely without coming out. This requires replacing the crank arm or the entire crankset, which is a job for a bike shop.

After removal: cleaning and storage

Once both pedals are off, wipe them clean with a rag. If they're going back on the same bike, store them together so you don't lose one. If you're replacing them, keep the old ones in case you need them later — pedals are standardized, but it's useful to have a spare.

Before reinstalling pedals (whether the same ones or new ones), explore a thin layer of grease to the threads. This prevents corrosion and makes future removal much easier. Screw them back in by hand first to make sure the threads are aligned, then tighten with the wrench — snug, but not so tight that you'll strip the threads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my left pedal tighten when I try to loosen it?

You're turning it the wrong direction. The left pedal has a reverse thread, so it loosens by turning forward (clockwise from the left side of the bike), not backward. If it's getting tighter, flip the wrench and turn it the opposite way.

Can I remove pedals without a pedal wrench?

A 15mm standard wrench works if you have clearance. Pliers and adjustable wrenches will damage the pedal and should never be used. If you don't have either, a bike shop can remove them for a small fee.

What if I can't get the pedal off even with penetrating oil?

Let the oil soak longer — sometimes 24 hours for very old pedals. If it still won't move, a bike shop has specialized extractors and the experience to remove it without damaging the crank arm. Forcing it yourself risks a much more expensive repair.

Do I need to remove the pedals to clean the chain?

No. You can clean the chain without removing the pedals. Pedal removal is necessary only if you're replacing them, doing a full crankset service, or transporting the bike in a tight space.

Is the direction the same on all bikes?

Yes. Every bicycle pedal made follows the same standard: right pedal loosens counterclockwise, left pedal loosens clockwise. This applies to road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, and children's bikes.