How Do You Remove a Bicycle Pedal? (Left vs Right Threading Explained)

You need to remove your pedals—maybe for maintenance, to pack your bike for travel, or to replace worn-out pedals. It seems simple enough: just unscrew them, right?

Wrong. Bicycle pedals use reverse threading on the left side, which means turning them the “normal” way will actually tighten them. Turn them the wrong way, and you’ll strip the threads, damage your crank arms, or end up with pedals that are impossible to remove.

In this guide, I’ll explain the critical difference between left and right pedal threading, show you exactly how to remove both pedals safely, and help you avoid the most common mistakes that can ruin your cranks.

The Critical Rule: Left vs Right Pedal Threading

The most important thing to understand is that left and right pedals thread in opposite directions.

Right Pedal (Drive Side)

• Threads: Standard/right-hand threads (clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen)
• To Remove: Turn counterclockwise (toward the back of the bike)
• Memory Trick: “Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey” applies here

Left Pedal (Non-Drive Side)

• Threads: Reverse/left-hand threads (counterclockwise to tighten, clockwise to loosen)
• To Remove: Turn clockwise (toward the front of the bike)
• Memory Trick: “Lefty-loosey” is reversed—turn clockwise to loosen

Why reverse threading? The pedaling motion naturally tries to unscrew pedals. Reverse threading on the left pedal prevents it from loosening during normal pedaling.

Tools Needed

You’ll need one of these tools:

Option 1: Pedal Wrench (Best Choice)

• Size: 15mm (most common) or 9/16” (older bikes)
• Advantages: Long handle for leverage, fits pedal flats perfectly
• Where to buy: Bike shops, online retailers ($10-20)

Option 2: Allen Wrench (If Pedals Have Allen Socket)

• Size: Usually 6mm or 8mm (check your pedals)
• Advantages: Compact, fits in pedal body
• Limitation: Less leverage than pedal wrench

Option 3: Adjustable Wrench (Last Resort)

• Size: Adjustable to fit pedal flats
• Advantages: Versatile, you might already have one
• Limitation: Can slip, less secure grip

Pro Tip: If your pedals are stuck, a pedal wrench provides the best leverage. For tight pedals, you may need a longer wrench or a cheater bar (pipe over wrench handle).

Step-by-Step: Removing the Right Pedal

The right pedal (drive side, with the chain) uses standard threading:

1. Position the Bike: Place the bike so the right crank is pointing forward (3 o’clock position). This gives you the best leverage.

2. Identify the Pedal: Make sure you’re working on the right side (the side with the chain and gears).

3. Apply Force:

   • Place the wrench on the pedal flats (the flat surfaces between the pedal body and crank)
   • Push the wrench downward and backward (counterclockwise)
   • Use your body weight—lean into it if needed

4. Break It Loose: The first turn is usually the hardest. Once it starts moving, continue turning counterclockwise until the pedal is completely removed.

5. Remove Pedal: Once loose, you can unscrew it by hand the rest of the way.

Step-by-Step: Removing the Left Pedal

The left pedal (non-drive side, no chain) uses reverse threading:

1. Position the Bike: Place the bike so the left crank is pointing forward (9 o’clock position).

2. Identify the Pedal: Make sure you’re working on the left side (the side without the chain).

3. Apply Force:

   • Place the wrench on the pedal flats
   • Push the wrench downward and forward (clockwise)
   • This feels backwards, but it’s correct for the left pedal

4. Break It Loose: The first turn requires significant force. Once it starts moving, continue turning clockwise until the pedal is completely removed.

5. Remove Pedal: Once loose, unscrew it by hand the rest of the way.

Critical Warning: If you try to turn the left pedal counterclockwise (the “normal” way), you’ll tighten it further and risk stripping the threads or damaging the crank arm.

When Pedals Are Stuck: Advanced Techniques

If your pedals won’t budge, try these techniques:

Technique 1: More Leverage

• Use a longer wrench or add a cheater bar (pipe over wrench handle)
• Warning: Don’t use excessive force—you can break the crank arm

Technique 2: Penetrating Oil

• Apply penetrating oil (like WD-40 or PB Blaster) to the threads
• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes
• Try again—the oil helps break the corrosion bond

Technique 3: Heat (Use with Caution)

• Apply heat to the crank arm (not the pedal) using a heat gun or hair dryer
• The expansion can help break the bond
• Warning: Don’t overheat carbon cranks or aluminum components

Technique 4: Impact Force

• Use a hammer to tap the wrench handle (not the pedal itself)
• The impact can help break loose stuck threads
• Warning: Be careful not to damage the crank or pedal

Technique 5: Professional Help

• If nothing works, take it to a bike shop
• They have specialized tools and experience
• Better to pay $20-30 than to damage expensive cranks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Wrong Direction on Left Pedal

The Problem: Turning the left pedal counterclockwise (the “normal” way) tightens it further.

The Fix: Always turn the left pedal clockwise to remove it.

Mistake 2: Not Using Enough Force

The Problem: Pedals can be very tight, especially if they haven’t been removed in years.

The Fix: Use proper leverage—pedal wrench with long handle, or add a cheater bar.

Mistake 3: Stripping the Threads

The Problem: Using the wrong tool or excessive force can strip the threads.

The Fix: Use the correct size wrench, apply force gradually, and stop if something feels wrong.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to Grease When Reinstalling

The Problem: Installing pedals without grease makes them harder to remove next time.

The Fix: Always apply a thin layer of grease to pedal threads before installing.

Mistake 5: Cross-Threading

The Problem: Starting pedals at an angle can cross-thread them, ruining the threads.

The Fix: Start pedals by hand, turning them backwards first until you feel them “click” into the threads, then turn forward to tighten.

How to Install Pedals (Quick Reference)

When reinstalling pedals:

Right Pedal:

• Start by hand, turning counterclockwise until threads engage
• Then turn clockwise to tighten
• Use wrench to secure (moderate tightness—don’t overtighten)

Left Pedal:

• Start by hand, turning clockwise until threads engage
• Then turn counterclockwise to tighten (reverse threading)
• Use wrench to secure

Always: Apply grease to threads before installation to prevent seizing.

Pedal Removal FAQs

Summary: The Golden Rules

1. Right pedal: Turn counterclockwise (backward) to remove
2. Left pedal: Turn clockwise (forward) to remove—this is the opposite of normal!
3. Use proper tools: Pedal wrench (15mm) is best, Allen wrench works if pedals have sockets
4. Apply grease: Always grease threads before reinstalling
5. When stuck: Use penetrating oil, heat, or more leverage—don’t force it

Remember: The left pedal’s reverse threading is designed to prevent it from loosening during pedaling. Once you understand this, removing pedals becomes straightforward. If you’re ever unsure, take it to a bike shop—damaged crank threads are expensive to fix.