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How to Remove Stuck Bike Pedals Properly? – A Detailed Guide


Written by Gary Johnson / Fact checked by Henry Speciale

how to remove stuck bike pedals

Does removing a stuck bike pedal seem impossible for you? Well, it can be a bummer to spend time dealing with bike pedals. But let me tell you that it does not have to be this way. Learning how to remove stuck bike pedals is quite easy.

You will only need a few things, like oil and a hammer. And you have to know the right direction to turn your pedal. With such knowledge, you do not have to spend all day removing stubborn pedals.

If you are interested to know all the easy steps, keep scrolling and check them here.

remove-stucks-bicycle-pedals

Get the Things You’ll Need

removing-bike-pedals

You do not need much when removing bike pedals, other than the four things below:

  • Penetrating Oil
  • Rubber Hammer
  • Pedal Wrench (if none, a simple wrench will do)
  • Bike stand

It is essential to know that friction caused by stuck objects is best dealt with lubricants like oil. You can also get a bike stand for stability.

If you got the things needed, it’s time to start the process.

How to Remove Stuck Bike Pedals: The Main Process

removing-pedal

Since you already gathered everything to achieve this deceptively easy job, let me introduce you to the detailed steps in removing stuck bike pedals.

Step 1: Check Your Bike’s Stability First

It is vital to maintain the overall well-being of your bicycle. Before you try to remove stuck bike pedal, you have to ensure that your bike is firmly standing the whole time.

You would hate a floppy bike when doing the work because you will not be able to concentrate. This step is crucial if you are doing some bicycle maintenance.

I highly recommend using a bike repair stand because it keeps your bicycle firm while you work. Put your bike in a mounting bracket or stand, and carefully turn the crank arm. This will give you an accurate angle for easy leverage and access.

But if you have none, I have two good alternatives that you can work with. So, there’s no need to worry.

You can lean your bicycle against firm support. A wall works best for me. Ensure that the pedal you’re about to work on does not face the wall surface directly. But this alternative will require you to have a buddy that can hold the bike and keep it stable.

Another tip is to turn the bike upside down. For this method, you must ensure that the bike’s handlebars efficiently touch the ground. If you plan to do this, you still have to ask a friend to hold the bike down for you.

Step 2: Apply the Penetrating Oil

Penetrating oil is something you put on to loosen specific parts of your bike. This makes your work easier in dealing with things that your strength could not suffice.

Spray the penetrating oil on the parts connected to the bike’s crank arm. You need to hit all sections properly to ensure a smoother workflow. Let the oil sit for ten minutes.

Although there are penetrating oils that settle quicker than others, I still suggest this duration. There are even instances where you have to soak the penetrating oil overnight. This will give you the best results.

But you may need to let the oil soak overnight for the best results possible. Or better yet, read and follow the guidelines of the manufacturer. Because as I have mentioned before, not all products are the same.

It is also recommended to add a heat source aside from the oil to make the process quicker.

Step 3: Know Which Direction to Turn

It is crucial to know the correct direction when turning. The drive part of the pedal located on your right comes with a standard thread. You should revolve the pedal counter-clockwise if you want to loosen bike pedal.

On the other hand, you should turn the left side clockwise.

Step 4: Align the Pedals Properly

The next step is to place the drive-side pedal in a 3 o’clock placement. Also, align the non-drive section in a 9 o’clock position. Next is to put a 15 mm pedal wrench. However, a 15 mm open-end wrench works fine for the pedal.

Step 5: Push Down to Undo the Spindle

After getting the right angle for your pedal, it’s time to push hard so you can loosen up the rod. Rotate the bike’s wrench according to your bike thread. Just remember the proper directions I discussed in step 3, and you will be good to go.

Step 6: Tap the Bottom of the Wrench

Tapping the bottom of the wrench is the rubber hammer’s role. This step is handy for people that only use an ordinary wrench in absence of a pedal wrench.

One good thing about a pedal wrench is that it gives you the leverage you need, wherein the standard type could not. That’s why locking the wrench and lightly tapping it using your rubber hammer allows you to loosen the bike’s pedal a bit easier.

Step 7: Keep the Spindle Turning

Continue turning the spindle until you freed the pedal, and do the same step on the other side of the bike pedal.

Pro Tips

Visit a professional shop from time to time – even though removing pedal by yourself comes with a great sense of achievement, I still recommend visiting a bike shop and letting the experts do their designated tasks when necessary.

If you are not too sure about the success when you remove stuck bicycle pedals, bike professionals can handle all bike problems. They can even do a simple follow-up or recommendation to how you removed the pedals.

A bike checked by professionals lasts longer. Besides, you do not have to spend much just to get the procedure done. I say it’s really worth it.

Safety first – I cannot stress enough that our safety is the top priority in all activities. That is why I highly recommend wearing gloves at all times, mainly when repairing your bike. Always think about your work surroundings.

When you are doing deeds that require brute strength, like this, it is best not to overstress if your bike’s pedals do not budge. Apply the proper breathing technique, and do not hold your breath while applying strength.

You can always check out this incredible video on dealing with a stuck bike pedal. It’s a short tutorial, so you do not have to spend much time watching the whole thing, and you can focus more on the problem at hand.

Conclusion

Did you find this article entertaining and informative? I have poured in my efforts for this tutorial. So, you won’t have to go an extra mile just to remove your bike’s grounded pedals.

In that way, you can save money, time, and effort as you will be doing it at your own pace.

Hopefully, you have learned how to remove stuck bike pedals. Tell us your experience in the comments, and you can also share the article with your friends if you like it. Enjoy your bike trips, and always remember to be careful at all times.

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