I Can’t Get My Bike Pedal Off (Why & What Now?)

If you need to get your bike pedal off but are struggling to do it you may be looking for reasons why and what you can do about it…

Why can’t I get my bike pedal off?

Water, dirt, mud, and other elements of nature may cause your bike pedals to get stuck. The details will get stuck between your bike and the spindle, making it difficult to remove the pedal from your bike.

Rusting is another leading reason why your bike pedal will get stuck. Rusting most commonly happens when you ride your bike outdoors long distances and leave your bike outdoors, especially during storms or humid weather. The rust will cause your bike pedal to bond to the spindle, making it challenging to get off.

What do you do when you can’t get your bike pedal off?

A close-up photo of a black bike pedal.
A close-up photo of a black bike pedal.

If you can’t get a bike pedal off, then you should try using penetrating oil and a wrench. These tools will help you loosen the bike pedal so you can remove it from your bike pedal.

If you do not have penetrating oil, you may use boiling water on your bike pedal to help it get unstuck. Pour boiling water on your bike pedal to loosen the pedal and remove any sediment, minerals, or other elements that may keep your bike pedal tight.

How do you get a bike pedal off?

The best way to get a bike pedal off is to place the bike on its side and use penetrating oil. Applying penetrating oil can loosen the pedals from the spindles, which can help you remove the pedal from your bike.

After applying penetrating oil to your bike pedal, let it sit for several minutes to help remove the sediments and nature elements. Place the bike on its side and then loosen the pedal by spinning it counterclockwise. If you feel that you might forget this, the best way to remember this rule is the classic saying, “right is tight, left is loose.”

Why is my bike pedal stuck?

Weathering is the most common cause for your bike pedal to get stuck. Weathering causes rusting on your bike, which makes it difficult to remove your pedal from your bike.

Small amounts of mud, water, and dirt may get stuck between the pedal and the spindle. When things get stuck between the spindle and the pedal, removing the pedal from your bike becomes difficult.

A common reason that bike pedals are stuck is that they were too tight during installation. To loosen your bike pedals, you need to get a wrench. Loosen your bike pedal counterclockwise to loosen the pedal from your bike.

How do you unlock a bike pedal?

To unlock a bike pedal, you must first remove all the elements between your bike pedal and spindle. They can get stuck for many reasons, like elements or overtightening. You must loosen the overtightened bike pedals or remove mud or dirt from between the bike pedals.

Use a penetrating fluid like WD40 to soak the bike pedal and loosen the pedal. After letting the WD40 sit on your pedal for 10 to 20 minutes, you can try loosening the pedal with a wrench. It should slowly loosen the pedal so you can remove it from your bike. Before replacing your bike pedal, clean it thoroughly, so there are no more minerals on either part of your bike. That way, it will not get stuck in the future.

How do bike pedals get stuck?

Bike pedals get stuck when things get stuck between the bike pedal and the spindle. Things get stuck in your bike pedal, most commonly when you neglect to wash your bike after riding it outdoors in muddy terrain. Failing to clean your bike after outdoor riding can cause your bike to pick up mud, water, and other outdoor elements.

Storage is an integral part of bike care. Leaving your bike outside can cause your bike pedals to get stuck because of the rusting that can happen. It is common for rust to develop in humid areas or in places where it frequently rains. Instead of keeping your bike outdoors, find a place inside your garage or house to keep your bike.

Can all bike pedals get stuck?

All bike pedals can get stuck no matter what type of pedal or bike. You must take care of your bike and wash it frequently to prevent things from getting stuck in your pedals, especially after biking outdoors. Cleaning your bike often will ensure nothing gets stuck between your pedal and spindle.

Is it normal for bike pedals to get stuck?

A red bike locked on a porch outside a house.
A red bike locked on a porch outside a house.

It is typical for bike pedals to get stuck because of weathering and the elements of nature. All bike pedals can get stuck, especially when you ride outdoors in muddy terrain.

Bike pedals might get stuck if you install them too tight during installation. Use a wrench to loosen your bike pedals and help them get unstuck. Riding with your bike pedals too tight may cause problems for your bike that you cannot reverse.

When is it most common for bike pedals to get stuck?

It is common for bike pedals to get stuck when you bike through mud, water, and other elements of nature. If you leave your bike outdoors when it rains or in humid weather, it is common for your bike to begin rusting and your bike pedals to get stuck to your bike.

Should I be concerned if my bike pedal gets stuck?

You should always be concerned if your bike pedals get stuck. It is essential to take care of your bike pedals immediately if they get stuck. Otherwise, by leaving your bike pedals stuck, you may cause further problems with your bike pedals.

Keep in mind it is entirely normal for bike pedals to get stuck, so you should not worry too much if your bike pedals get stuck. It is something that you can take care of with a few simple steps, like pouring hot water on your pedals or loosening them with a wrench. Still, it would help if you took care of the problem as soon as possible.