Removing pedals (slightly unusual!)

OK so i have sorted everything i wanted to sort on my old 1976 Raleigh frame and am using it as a daily commute and everything is fine, but i really would like to change the pedals!

Now i had a look at them and they have the flat on the outer side to fit a spanner on, but also have an allen key bolt on the inner side?

Now i am aware that they will be tight after possibly never being removed since the 70's and i know that one side is on a reverse thread but i had a quick go at removing them and they don't budge at all.

My worry/question is this; Does the allen bolt thread into the pedal on a normal thread and is it's funtion simply to hold the pedal on in case of it working loose?

pictures...

You can use an allen key or a spanner, but the spanner will be a better idea because you're gonna need all the leverage you can get.

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=83

Can't get pictures ATM as i'm at work and don't ahve a lead for my camera phone, DOH!

Was just looking at some new pedals on the internet and noticed that some have this allen head on the inner but it is part of the pedal thread, so should i be turning it the same way as the spanner, meaning that it is there as an installation/removal aid?

Some model and makes of pedal do not use a pedal wrench flat. These pedals will typically have a 8mm hex fitting in the back side of the pedal thread. Use an 8mm hex wrench in this fitting to remove and secure the pedals. When turning the pedals, keep in mind the wrench is on the back side of the pedal. The pedal thread direction has not changed, but the appearance of the wrench turning "clockwise" or "counter-clockwise" will appear different. View the wrench from the orientation of the pedals, standing to the right side of the bike for the right pedal, and the left side of the bike for the left pedal. Turn the wrench accordingly.

Can't get pictures ATM as i'm at work and don't ahve a lead for my camera phone, DOH!

Was just looking at some new pedals on the internet and noticed that some have this allen head on the inner but it is part of the pedal thread, so should i be turning it the same way as the spanner, meaning that it is there as an installation/removal aid?

Yes, you can use either one, they both work the same way, you're just more likely to get more leverage with a spanner.

Ah cool, cheers for the replies guys, when i tired originally i was turning the allen key and the spanner against each other, bad times... I'll have another go tonight all being well, i really want to change them as they look gash and one has developed a squeek/wobble!

WD40 and heat and scaffolding pole with spanner
get a friend to help hold the other crankarm in place

Or get some bars slotted on to the allen key or spanner (if they'll fit) for more leverage.

Not so old-school then...

Not so old-school then...

He didn't say he was old-school, he's old Skool. That's closer to Nu Skool, only older.

See? Good.

If its rslly stuck you can remove the crank, fit the spanner then put them all on the floor like a little pyramid. Then jump on it. This usually works for me.

(make sure its set up to turn the spanner the right way)

Rule of thumb with pedals (and helps the "challenged" like me remember stuff) is that to loosen turn the spanner to the rear of the bike, to tighten turn toward the front.

As mentioned above a decent pedal spanner will be hugely easier to use as the extra length gives much more leverage.

Easiest time to remove the pedals is with the bike built up, standing on its wheels- it can be a bugger getting them off if the bike is in a stand as you have less holding the bike still.

Dammit - i'm glad you said that - i really don't want to be taking the crank off as its cottered and i'm a bit dubious as to it going back on again tight without sourcing some new cotter pins... Didn't get a chance to have a go lastnight, looks like a weekend job!

Ah cool, cheers for the replies guys, when i tired originally i was turning the allen key and the spanner against each other...

Cringe.