Knowing how to install and remove bike pedals is an essential skill for any aspiring home mechanic. It’s easy to do — you simply thread the pedals into or out of the crank arms. But there are a few things that are easy to get wrong. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll definitely get it right.
2026 update: The basic process for changing bike pedals has not changed, but this guide has been updated to make the most important details easier to find: which way pedals loosen, what tools you need, how to remove stuck pedals, and how to install new pedals without cross-threading your crank arms.
Quick answer: To remove bike pedals, remember that the right pedal loosens counterclockwise and the left pedal loosens clockwise. To install bike pedals, grease the threads first, then thread the right pedal clockwise and the left pedal counterclockwise. If you forget, use this trick: to install, turn the top of the pedal spindle toward the front of the bike; to remove, turn it toward the rear of the bike.
Contents:
- How to Remove Bike Pedals
- How to Change or Replace Bike Pedals
- Bike Pedal Direction Chart
- Step 1: Get the Correct Tool
- Step 2: Identify the Pedal Thread Direction
- Step 2.5: Grease the Pedal Threads
- Step 3: Tighten Your Bike Pedals
- What If Your Bike Pedals Are Stuck?
- Important Tip: Avoid Cross-Threading Bike Pedals
- Bike Pedal FAQ
How to Remove Bike Pedals
To remove bike pedals, first identify the right and left pedal. The right pedal, also called the drive-side pedal, has normal threads and loosens counterclockwise. The left pedal, also called the non-drive-side pedal, has reverse threads and loosens clockwise.
Put your pedal wrench, 15mm wrench, or hex wrench on the pedal spindle, then turn the tool so the top of the pedal spindle moves toward the rear of the bike. That simple “top toward the rear” trick works for both sides when removing pedals.
If the pedal will not move, double-check that you are turning it the correct direction before adding more force. The left pedal is reverse threaded, and this is where most pedal-removal mistakes happen.
How to Change or Replace Bike Pedals
Changing bike pedals is just removing the old pedals and installing the new ones correctly. Here’s the short version:
- Find the correct tool for your pedals.
- Remove the old pedals, remembering that the left pedal is reverse threaded.
- Clean and grease the threads on the new pedals.
- Start threading each pedal by hand to avoid cross-threading.
- Tighten each pedal firmly, but do not overdo it.
Most pedals are marked with an “R” or “L” on the spindle. Always install the right pedal on the drive side and the left pedal on the non-drive side.
Bike Pedal Direction Chart
| Pedal | Thread Type | To Install / Tighten | To Remove / Loosen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right / Drive Side | Standard thread | Clockwise | Counterclockwise |
| Left / Non-Drive Side | Reverse thread | Counterclockwise | Clockwise |
Easy memory trick: To install bike pedals, turn the top of the pedal spindle toward the front of the bike. To remove bike pedals, turn the top of the pedal spindle toward the rear of the bike.
Step 1: Get the correct tool to install and remove your bike pedals
You need the correct tool to install or remove your specific pedals. Inspect your pedals to determine which tool you need. It will usually be one of three options:
- Pedal wrench / 15mm wrench
- 8mm hex wrench
- 6mm hex wrench
Vintage and budget pedals usually require a 15mm pedal wrench that will fit onto the flat sections machined into the pedal spindle. Pedal wrenches are narrow, so they easily fit between the pedal and crank arm. A pedal-specific wrench is ideal, but it isn’t always necessary. A 15mm box wrench or small adjustable crescent wrench will do the same job, provided it is narrow enough to fit.
Note: If you're using a 15mm cone wrench like I am here, be cautious! This tool is extremely thin and could round-out your pedals' wrench flats. A dedicated pedal wrench is always preferable.
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Most modern clipless and flat pedals will require a standard hex wrench, either an 8 mm or 6mm wrench, that will fit into the end of the pedal spindle.
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Step 2: Identify the pedal thread direction
- Right / drive side pedal: Standard thread — spin clockwise to tighten
- Left / non-drive side pedal: Reverse thread — spin counterclockwise to tighten
A lot of people get hung up when installing or removing their pedals because the right pedal uses the standard thread direction (righty-tighty) while the left pedal is reverse threaded (lefty-tighty). The left pedal is reverse threaded to prevent the pedal from loosening itself while pedaling.
Here’s an easy way to remember which way to thread your pedals:
- To install: Spin the TOP of the pedal spindle toward the FRONT of the bike.
- To remove: Spin the TOP of the pedal spindle toward the REAR of the bike.
It’s usually obvious which pedal is the right and which is left, but if you’re unsure, most pedals will have an “R” and “L” stamped on the pedal spindle. If not, you can identify which side a pedal should be installed on by looking closely at the pedal threads to determine which direction they spin to tighten.
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Step 2.5: Grease the pedal threads before installing
No one likes wrestling with a stuck pedal. Before installing your pedals, you should always grease the threads on the pedal spindle. Grease prevents corrosion, so the pedals will be easier to remove later. If you’re installing used pedals, give the threads a quick wipe and clean before greasing. You don’t need to use a lot of grease. A small dab spread thinly on the threads is enough.
You don’t need to use bike-specific grease, but a small tube is affordable, and it can last for years. If you want to use a non-bike-specific grease, most hardware and auto parts stores will carry waterproof grease or anti-seize. In a pinch, Vaseline will work, or you can install your pedals dry, but be sure to add real grease as soon as possible.
Step 3: Tighten your bike pedals
Bike pedals don’t need to be torqued down excessively as the spinning motion of the cranks will actually keep the pedals tight as you ride. The typical recommended torque for pedals is about 360 inch-pounds or just over 40.5 Newton meters.
Many mechanics, however, don’t tighten pedals this much or even use a torque wrench. The common method is to install the pedals until the spindle contacts the crank arm and then give it a single firm “oomph” with a pedal wrench or hex wrench to tighten it. This will be enough to keep the pedal from loosening, but not so much that the pedal becomes difficult to remove in the future.
What If Your Bike Pedals Are Stuck?
Stuck bike pedals are common, especially if the pedals were installed dry, ridden in wet conditions, or left on the bike for years. Before you go full gorilla mode, make sure you are turning the pedal the correct direction. Again: the right pedal loosens counterclockwise, and the left pedal loosens clockwise.
If the pedal still will not move, try these steps:
- Use a longer wrench for more leverage. A proper pedal wrench or long hex wrench makes a big difference.
- Position the crank for better leverage. Rotate the crank so you can push down safely and use your body weight.
- Apply penetrating oil. Let it sit around the pedal threads before trying again.
- Use steady pressure. Avoid sudden sloppy force that can round off wrench flats or cause injury.
- Stop before damaging the crank. If the pedal is badly seized, a bike shop can usually remove it safely.
If you are removing pedals from carbon cranks or expensive crank arms, be extra careful. Damaged pedal threads can be costly to repair.
Important Tip: Avoid cross-threading bike pedals
Cross-threading happens when the pedal threads do not engage correctly with the threads in the crank arm. If you cross-thread your pedals, it will damage the threads in your crank arm and your pedal can fall out while you’re riding.
To avoid cross-threading pedals, make sure you install the pedals into the crank arm as straight as possible. Pedals should always thread in easily, and you shouldn’t feel any resistance while tightening. If you do feel resistance, it’s best to stop, remove the pedal, and try again. Try cleaning and regreasing the threads on the pedal spindle and in the crank arm.
Bike Pedal FAQ
How do you remove bike pedals?
To remove bike pedals, turn the right pedal counterclockwise and the left pedal clockwise. A good memory trick is to turn the top of the pedal spindle toward the rear of the bike when removing pedals.
Which way do bike pedals loosen?
The right pedal loosens counterclockwise. The left pedal is reverse threaded and loosens clockwise. This is the detail that trips up most people when removing bike pedals.
How do you change bike pedals?
To change bike pedals, remove the old pedals, clean and grease the threads on the new pedals, start threading them by hand, and then tighten them with a pedal wrench or hex wrench. Make sure the right pedal goes on the drive side and the left pedal goes on the non-drive side.
How do you install bike pedals?
To install bike pedals, grease the pedal threads first. Thread the right pedal clockwise into the drive-side crank arm and the left pedal counterclockwise into the non-drive-side crank arm. Start by hand to avoid cross-threading.
What tool do I need to remove bike pedals?
Most pedals use either a 15mm pedal wrench, an 8mm hex wrench, or a 6mm hex wrench. Check your pedals before starting so you use the right tool.
Can you remove bike pedals without a pedal wrench?
Sometimes. Many modern pedals use a 6mm or 8mm hex wrench at the end of the pedal spindle. Some pedals require a 15mm wrench. A narrow 15mm wrench can work, but a dedicated pedal wrench is usually better.
Why is the left bike pedal reverse threaded?
The left pedal is reverse threaded so it does not loosen itself while you pedal. That means the left pedal tightens counterclockwise and loosens clockwise.
Should you grease bike pedal threads?
Yes. Greasing pedal threads helps prevent corrosion and makes the pedals easier to remove later. A small amount of grease spread thinly on the threads is enough.
How tight should bike pedals be?
Bike pedals should be snug, but they do not need to be over-tightened. Many mechanics tighten the pedal until the spindle contacts the crank arm, then add one firm final turn with a wrench.
Are all bike pedals the same thread size?
Most adult bikes use standard 9/16-inch pedal threads. Some kids’ bikes, older bikes, or one-piece cranks may use 1/2-inch pedal threads. Check your crank and pedal specs before buying replacement pedals.
How do I know which pedal is left or right?
Most pedals are marked with an “L” or “R” on the spindle. The right pedal goes on the drive side with the chain and chainrings. The left pedal goes on the non-drive side.
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