How to Remove and Install Bicycle Pedals: A No-Fuss Guide for Every Rider

Removing and installing pedals is one of those tasks that sounds simple—until you’re standing in your garage, sweaty, with a wrench in hand, swearing at a pedal that just won’t budge. Trust me, I’ve been there, and always, always struggle, first of all to remember the direction to loosen each pedal side. 

The good news is that with a little know-how, removing and installing pedals can be as smooth as carving through a buttery singletrack.

Let me walk you through it step by step. By the end, you’ll know the tricks to make this job a breeze—and avoid smashing your knuckles in the process.

Why Removing Pedals Feels Like a Pain (and How to Make It Easy)

Here’s the thing about pedals: the threads are directional. If you don’t remember which way to turn them, it’s easy to end up frustrated and yanking in the wrong direction. And if they’ve been on your bike for a while—or installed without grease—getting them off can feel like a wrestling match.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s the golden rule that every mountain biker should burn into their memory (I'll tell you a trick later):

• The right pedal loosens counterclockwise (and tightens clockwise).
• The left pedal loosens clockwise (and tightens counterclockwise).

It’s like this because of how the threads are cut to prevent the pedals from loosening while you ride. Simple enough in theory, but remembering it when you’re mid-task? That’s another story.

Bonus: How to Always Remember Which Way to Turn Pedals

Here’s a super simple trick to help you remember pedal directions effortlessly:

“Tightens Toward the Front, Loosens Toward the Back”

• When tightening pedals, turn toward the front of the bike (clockwise for the right, counterclockwise for the left).
• When loosening pedals, turn toward the back of the bike (counterclockwise for the right, clockwise for the left).

This works because the direction aligns with the natural motion of the threads. No need to remember “righty-tighty” or “lefty-loosey” rules—just think about the direction of the bike.

Visual Example: Imagine pedaling forward. That’s the direction you’d tighten. Reversing the pedaling motion? That’s how you loosen.

It’s intuitive and works every time!

The Tools You’ll Need

Nothing fancy—just the right tools for the job:

• A pedal wrench or a 15mm spanner (some pedals require this).
• An Allen key (usually 6mm, used from the backside of the crank).
• Grease or anti-seize compound (this will make your life easier later).
• Optional but helpful: a cheater bar for extra leverage or penetrating oil for stubborn pedals.

How to Safely Remove Pedals Without the Stress

Step 1: Secure Your Bike

Start by stabilizing your bike. I like to use a sturdy work stand so the crank arms can spin freely, but leaning your bike against a wall works too.

Step 2: Identify the Tool Interface

Some pedals have a flat spot near the crank for a wrench; others have an Allen key socket on the inside. Check what your pedals need.

Step 3: Loosen the Right Pedal (Counterclockwise)

Attach your wrench or Allen key to the right pedal. Apply steady pressure and turn it counterclockwise. A quick tip: position the crank arm so it’s at 3 o’clock—this way, you can push down instead of awkwardly pulling up.

If the pedal feels stuck, don’t panic. This happens a lot, especially with pedals that haven’t been removed in ages. A few drops of penetrating oil can work wonders; let it sit for 10 minutes before trying again.

Step 4: Loosen the Left Pedal (Clockwise)

Repeat the process on the left pedal, but this time turn it clockwise. Remember, it’s reverse-threaded!

Step 5: Protect Your Knuckles

Here’s a mistake I’ve made more times than I care to admit: putting all my strength into loosening a stubborn pedal, only for it to suddenly give way, leaving my knuckles to meet the chainring. Ouch. Wear gloves, and position your hands to avoid those painful slips.

Or even worse, to damage your frame. We can't stop recommending everybody to protect their bike frame.

Pro Tip: If all else fails, use a cheater bar (a length of pipe slipped over your wrench) for extra leverage. Just be careful not to overtighten or damage the crank arm.

Installing Pedals: Keep It Simple

Once the old pedals are off, installing new ones is straightforward if you follow these steps:

Step 1: Check the “L” and “R” Markings

Pedals are usually marked with “L” (left) and “R” (right) to prevent mix-ups. Trust me, threading a pedal into the wrong crank arm is a headache you don’t want.

Step 2: Apply Grease

Before threading the pedals, coat the threads with grease or anti-seize compound. This step makes future removal a breeze and prevents corrosion.

Step 3: Thread by Hand

Start threading the pedals by hand to ensure they’re aligned properly. Right pedal: tighten clockwise. Left pedal: tighten counterclockwise. Remember: ALWAYS tighten towards the front of the bike, loosen towards the back. If you meet resistance, stop and check—it’s easy to cross-thread.

Step 4: Tighten Snugly

Use your wrench or Allen key to secure the pedals, but don’t overdo it. They should be snug but not torqued down like a crank bolt.

Avoiding Common Problems

Stuck Pedals

If you’re battling a seized pedal, don’t force it. Apply penetrating oil, let it sit, and try again. If it’s still stuck, consider taking it to your local bike shop—better safe than sorry.

Cross-Threading

Cross-threading is a nightmare that can ruin your crank arm. Always thread by hand first to avoid costly mistakes.

Pro Tips to Make Pedal Swaps Easier

1. Grease Is Your Friend: Every time you install pedals, grease the threads. Skipping this step can make removal a nightmare.
2. Check Tightness Regularly: Loose pedals can damage the crank arm. Periodically check them, especially after long rides.

Step	Action	Direction
Loosen Right Pedal	Use wrench/Allen key, turn counterclockwise	Towards the back of the bike
Loosen Left Pedal	Use wrench/Allen key, turn clockwise	Towards the back of the bike
Install Right Pedal	Thread by hand, tighten clockwise	Towards the front of the bike
Install Left Pedal	Thread by hand, tighten counterclockwise	Towards the front of the bike

Why This Matters

Pedals may seem like a small component, but they’re the connection between you and your bike. Getting them off or on shouldn’t be a battle, and with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re swapping out pedals for a new ride, upgrading to clipless, or just performing routine maintenance, these tips will keep your bike in top shape and your frustrations to a minimum.