Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 12:47:21 -0800

> What's the trick to removing pedals?  Of the three times that I have
> tried to remove my pedals (I have two bikes and am in the process of
> exchanging/switching pedals) I have only succeeded once.  The main
> problem is the pedals have been put on very tightly and I can't even
> budge the damn thing.

Left and right pedals have left and right threads respectively, and
are best removed with a long handled 15mm pedal wrench.  Rather than
using any clever wrench orientation or other methods to determine
which way to tighten or loosen pedals, use the rule that rotating
"forward" (as the wheels of the bicycle do) tightens and rotating
"backward" loosens.

Pedals are often made with tight fitting threads in an effort to
improve the hold of this poorly designed mechanical interface.  The
intent is to prevent relative motion under load although they move
anyway.  If that were not the case, the threads would not be left and
right handed.  That they move is also apparent from damage where the
pedal axle frets against the crank face, the main causes of crank
failures at the pedal eye.  Besides damaging the crank face, fretting
motion depletes thread lubrication and causes galling (aka welding) so
that pedals often cannot be removed forcefully without damaging pedal
shafts, wrenches, or cranks so that forceful removal strips threads.

To remove "frozen" pedals from an aluminum crank, remove the crank and
pedal from the BB spindle, heat the pedal end of the crank over gas
flame cooking stove until it sizzles to the wet touch.  Using a pedal
wrench, the pedal usually unscrews relatively easily without damage.
If a lubricated pedal with clean threads does not screw in easily, a
thread tap should be run through the crank to prevent galling on
insertion.  This is best done on the bicycle, where the crank is held
firmly by the BB and prevented from rotation by the chain.  To keep
chain tension to a minimum (so the rear wheel does not spin), keep the
pedal wrench as parallel to the crank as possible rather than as an
extension to the crank.


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