How to Take the Pedals Off a Bike

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you want to upgrade or replace your pedals, you'll need to take them off first. Doing so is fairly simple as long as you know what kind of pedals you have. First, you'll have to figure out whether you need a hex key or 15mm wrench to remove the pedals. Then, it's as simple as unscrewing the pedal with the right tool so that it detaches from the crank.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Determining Which Tools You Need

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-1.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your bike came with an instruction or maintenance manual, it will usually have pedal removal and installation instructions. Read these thoroughly to see if there is anything particular that you need to do with your specific bike. The instructions will also detail whether you need a 15mm wrench or a hex key to remove the pedals. [1]
    • Check to see if the manual has a table of contents so that you can skip to the pedal or crank section.
    • If your bike didn't come with a manual, you can still determine what kind of tools you'll need to remove them.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-2.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The pedal is attached to the crank by the crank arm. The hex fitting will be located on the end of the crank arm and looks like a hexagonal impression. Most bike pedals require either a 6mm or 8mm hex key to install and remove the pedals. [2]
    • Popular crank brands that require a hex key include Shimano, Look, and Speedplay.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-3.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most basic or flat pedals require a 15mm wrench rather than a hex key. You can purchase a 15mm pedal spanner, which is specifically used for bike repairs, or you can use a standard 15mm wrench to remove your pedals. [3]
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Taking the Pedals off with a Hex Key

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-4.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're unsure of which sized hex key you need, figure it out by inserting both a 6mm and 8mm hex key into the hex fitting on the end of the crank arm. The hex key should fit snugly in the fitting and allow you to rotate the bolt that holds the pedal in place.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-5.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Insert the appropriately sized key into the hex fitting. Rotate the hex key clockwise while holding the pedal in place to loosen it. Continue rotating the hex key until the pedal comes loose. [4]
    • The left pedal is sometimes marked with an “L.”
    • Rotating the crank so that the pedal is in a downward position may make it easier to remove it.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-6.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Go over to the other side of the bike and fit the hex key into the fitting on the end of the crank arm. Usually, the right pedal is on the same side as your chainrings. Turn the key counterclockwise to loosen the pedal. Then, continue turning the hex key until the pedal comes loose enough to take off the crank. [5]
    • The right pedal will be on the same side as the chainring and is sometimes marked with an “R.”
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Removing Pedals with a 15mm Wrench

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-7.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you set the bike to a high gear, rotate the pedals a few times so that the chain shifts to the largest ring. This will give you more room and will make it easier to remove the pedals. [6]
    • If your bike doesn't have different gears, skip this step.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-8.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hang your bike from a bike rack or you can hang the saddle on the edge of a table or workbench while you remove the pedals. Lifting up the back wheel as you work will keep the bike still even if you pedal the bike forward or rotate the crank. This will make removing the pedals with a wrench much easier. [7]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-9.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The right pedal will be on the same side as your chainring. The pedal is attached to the bike's crank with a 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) crank arm. Fit the 15mm wrench around the fitting where the pedal and crank arm are connected. [8]
    • Rotate the pedals in a slightly forward position to make rotating the wrench easier.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-10.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the crank arm is in place, pull up on the handle to loosen the bolt connecting the pedal to the crank arm. The pedal will start unthreading from the crank arm when you rotate the wrench counterclockwise. You should feel the pedal come loose after a single rotation with the wrench. [9]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-11.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Push on the pedals so that you rotate the crank as if you were riding the bike. Hold the pedal and wrench in place and continue pedaling the bike forward until the pedal comes completely off. [10]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-12.jpg\/aid10408222-v4-728px-Take-the-Pedals-Off-a-Bike-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Go over to the other side of the bike and repeat the process to remove the non-drive (left) pedal of the bike. Pull up on the wrench to loosen the bolt. Then, hold the pedal in place so that it doesn't rotate as you pedal the bike forward to completely unscrew the left pedal.
    • Kids should learn how to balance, master handlebars, steering, and balancing on two wheels before learning how to pedal. [11]
    • If the kid's a little older, you can take the pedals off their bike and let them walk around with it. [12]
    • Let them run around with it until they learn to balance, then put the pedals back on. [13]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You'll Need

      • 6mm or 8mm hex key
      • 15mm wrench

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Adjust Disc Brakes on a Bike
      How to
      Change a Crank
      How to
      Replace Bike Pedals
      How to
      Remove Rust from a Bike
      How to
      Replace a Bike Hub
      How to
      Replace Road Bike Brakes
      How to
      Adjust a Rear Bicycle Derailleur
      How to Stop a Bicycle Rim from Wobbling
      How to
      Grease Bicycle Wheel Bearings
      How to
      Break a Chain
      How to
      Take Stickers Off a Bike
      How to
      Fix Bike Gear Wire
      How to
      Fix an Exercise Bike
      How to
      Adjust a Front Bicycle Derailleur
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/LFbSBG7jMzY?t=1m5s
      2. ↑ https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/pedal-installation-and-removal
      3. ↑ https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/pedal-installation-and-removal
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/YmPkYMPVqQU?t=1m19s
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/YmPkYMPVqQU?t=1m45s
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/LFbSBG7jMzY?t=1m24s
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/8LLiJF50Zfk?t=1m4s
      8. ↑ https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/pedal-installation-and-removal
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/YmPkYMPVqQU?t=4m27s
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/LFbSBG7jMzY?t=2m26s
      2. ↑ https://www.twowheelingtots.com/how-to-teach-a-child-to-ride-a-bike/
      3. ↑ https://www.twowheelingtots.com/how-to-teach-a-child-to-ride-a-bike/
      4. ↑ https://www.twowheelingtots.com/how-to-teach-a-child-to-ride-a-bike/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 75,426 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement