Do I Need A Pedal Wrench? (Beginners Guide)
Just as it is crucial to own a home first aid kit, so is it to have a toolbox on standby for repairs and maintenance. A pedal wrench is an essential tool used mainly by bike owners.
This, however, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have other uses around the house.
Sometimes, when your bike pedals loosen, or you notice a little shakiness, you can use a pedal wrench to tighten it.
Yes. You’ll need a pedal wrench at home for mandatory fix-ups and to unscrew pedals. If you own a bike, you’ll need a pedal wrench to make emergency fix-ups a success.
So remember to get pedal wrenches when getting home equipment or any work tools.
What Is a Pedal Wrench?
Pedal wrenches are tools with open-end precisions, usually in thin forms to allow them to fit into narrow flat ends of pedals.
They’re functional bike maintenance tools that help you mount and dismount bike pedals and ease the process of loosening hard tightened pedals.
When it comes to thriving maintenance processes, having the right tools will get the job done in no time, enabling you to obtain good results with no stress.
Similarly, a pedal wrench is the best tool for a successful pedal change or tightening.
Almost all pedals require a bike pedal wrench to get any job done as its design is perfect for entering the flat areas between the exterior spindles in the middle of the pedals and crank.
This tool is inexpensive, and you should buy a pedal wrench as they’re necessary for pedal jobs and more reliable than conventional wrenches.
Is a Pedal Wrench Necessary?
Pedal wrenches are vital for getting the desired outcomes in specific operations as most bike pedals need them.
You can’t use one pedal wrench to do every pedal fix-up; hence you need to get the best wrench suitable for handling each bike pedal proficiently.
You’ll require a proper pedal wrench to adjust, replace and remove bike pedals and another Wrench to open bike pedals and some fix-ups on its parts.
A pedal wrench with open precisions is perfect for most pedal jobs as they fit most menial pedal jobs like tightening, loosening, etc.
#1. Adjusting and removing bike pedals
You require wrenches with precision openings like similar ring sizes or open-ends to change pedals or take them off. Having a pedal wrench set saves you time.
The rings at the end allow you to simply do tightening or unfastening operations on seat post nuts for higher-end bicycles.
#2. Doing fix-ups on the bike pedal’s internal components
Working on internal components of pedals requires a different pedal wrench to remove the parts for cleaning or replacement.
Also, it’s simple to do as the screws are loosely fastened, and an Allen wrench will instantly do the job.
Placing the pedals on a vise is a practical strategy that makes your work less stressful.
How to Use a Pedal Wrench?
You use a pedal wrench to unfasten pedals from a bike by turning the right pedals left to right and the left pedals in a clockwise direction. Then you tighten the nuts on each pedal afterward.
A common mistake most people make that you should avoid is the direction you turn the pedals to.
Remember that you should move in a clockwise direction to unfasten it and to the counter-clockwise position to tighten it.
This could get confusing but learning how to use the wrench properly will make it easier to get things done.
Look at your pedal threading or the stamps on spindles before deciding which directions to move them to for tightening or loosening.
Bike maintenance tools don’t always cost a fortune; for example, a pedal wrench is affordable, so only get quality pedal wrenches as they’re reliable and can do hard work without losing their original shape.
Substandard wrenches don’t possess quality steel content and can bend while being used, making them of no use.
For this reason, getting quality pedal wrenches is reasonable as it’s durable and can do more jobs.
While using wrenches with precision openings fitted for each process is effective, they won’t do every job.
You’ll have to use other tools and wrenches or grease in higher standard pedals to make your job effortless and guarantee you’ll reach the tightening limit the manufacturer stipulated.
Can I Use a Regular Wrench to Remove Pedals?
Yes, you can use regular 15 mm standard or 8 mm wrenches to remove bike pedals after confirming which would be best for your bike.
Pedal wrenches are reliable tools but most certainly not your only option.
However, do remember that pedal wrenches might be your only option at some point because pedal removals can get tricky, and you’ll need all the leverage to get the job done.
But a park tool pedal spanner will work for flat spindle pedals; still, you’ll have to confirm your pedal’s design and threading before deciding.
How to Take off Bike Pedals Without a Pedal Wrench?
Proper pedal wrenches are reliable for maintenance and pedal removals, but they aren’t your only option.
Here are steps on how to remove pedals without using pedal wrench tools.
#1. Specify Your Pedal’s Size
The first step is to confirm your pedal’s size; a 15 mm open-end wrench is perfect for the job. After that, assess the pedal and verify it has a wrench flat available for attachment.
This strategy is only applicable to pedals having level spindle wrenches. Some old-generation bikes may require a different wrench size like the 8 mm Allen type, so always confirm first.
#2. Apply Wrench to Spindle
Directly set the bike pedal wrench in the pedal’s spindle and allow it to stay put without support by tightening it.
Next, move the pedal backward and make the wrench’s handle face the floor. Ensure to kick the bike’s stand down to prevent movement.
#3. Climb the Bike
Climb the bike and act like you were starting it just to have better access to weighing it down with your weight.
This way, your feet will be on the pedal and tool, then apply weight on the wrench directly to start the loosening process.
#4. Pedals Removal
Applying your leg weight will get the pedal unfastened, but you might need to do more with your hand.
Twist the pedal consistently until it comes off, and do the same to the other bike pedal.
#5. If Pedals Won’t Come Off
If these steps don’t work, you may have bike pedals with reverse threading. The solution is to unscrew to the right for loose and left for tightening strategy when removing screws.
Always look for any indications of your pedal’s threading before unscrewing to save you time and stress of doing it wrong.
Do You Need a Torque Wrench to Install Pedals?
Using a torque wrench for pedal installations entirely depends on what bike you own; some pedals are easy to install hence no need for torque wrenches, while others aren’t and need to be torque tightened as the manufacturer recommended.
If your bike doesn’t state any stipulated tightening range, it’s okay to use a park tool wrench spanner to put the screws in place after getting them in with your hands.
The most important thing is to put the screws tight enough; so they don’t fall.
Most people think using a torque wrench makes the nuts and screws so tight it’s difficult to remove later. It’s okay to use your hands or regular tools.
Conclusion
Pedal wrench tools are necessary bike maintenance tools you should have on standby as they’ll always come in handy.
While you may not need pedal wrenches for every pedal job, they’re reliable and make your job easier than overexerting yourself.
Remember to use them correctly (clockwise and counter-clockwise) by checking their specifications to avoid mistakes.
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