Tightening Shimano XT (or similar) pedals with a 15mm wrench

Hi there!

My Chas Roberts needs new pedals as the last pair of Time pedals didn't last long. As Time seems to have some quality problems, I want to switch to Shimano. Now here is the problem.

I've got beautiful oldschool PBC MTB cranks which I want to keep, but those haven't got a opening on the back for tightening the pedal with a hex key. All higher end Shimano pedals (XT etc) haven't a flat head for mounting the pedal with a wrench. But from the pictures I see a flat head for opening the pedal.

My question: can I miss-use this flat head for tightening the pedal as well? From my understanding this should work, as the rotation isn't countered...right?

Thanks so much...

Use M520 shimano SPD pedals. Then you can use a 15mm spanner.

@adroit looking good - seems to be the best choice as an allrounder and really cheap, thanks!

But just out of interest, as I would be willing to spend more money (this is my main tourer), I still would be curious if its possible to mount the XT ones...

There's nothing gained from the more expensive pedals but the finish.
And the options are all on the shimano page If you look at the pictures you can see which axles take a spanner.
There are a few options with different pedal structures, but why anyone wants better than the M520 (or the M324 if you want a flat pedal option as well) is beyond me.

Okay, you sold me - they are so cheap to try blind.
I've never serviced a modern pedal, but so far it looks like it doesn't work out anyway what I asked for: exploded view pdf

It won't. Turn the hex-shaped bit and the pedal will just turn round and round. It screws into the pedal body so it's part of the body not the axle.