Can't get my pedals off
- Thread starter jdrussell
- Start date
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clarion
Guru
- Location
- Exiled from Hyperborea
I thought M540s had flats, just like M520s. I know our XT & XTRs are allen key only.
I'd echo the ideas of using WD40, GT85 or PlusGas. What you have over the bike shop is time. Time to let it penetrate, give it a bit more, and leave, maybe overnight.
Then use the longest allen key you've got. Make sure you know which way the thread goes (it can get confusing by the time you have a tool the other side of a crank.
Maybe try pushing it just a little bit the 'wrong' way. This can just break the seal a bit and allow you to then undo.
If you can't undo it still, then be prepared to use leverage. Get a short tube which fits reasonably well over the allen key you're using, and apply pressure. BE CAREFUL! If it yields suddenly, you can crack your face on the bike, or bash your fingers on the chainring.
If this doesn't work, swear a lot, go make a cup of tea, then come back and give it A Hard Stare. Scowling tends to work reasonably well.
In future (and I know this is regarded as heresy) don't tighten your pedals so much. Adding copper grease definitely helps, but there is no reason for you to have pedals more than nipped tight. For my own bikes, I usually have them hand tight. They never come undone accidentally, even on fixed.
I'd echo the ideas of using WD40, GT85 or PlusGas. What you have over the bike shop is time. Time to let it penetrate, give it a bit more, and leave, maybe overnight.
Then use the longest allen key you've got. Make sure you know which way the thread goes (it can get confusing by the time you have a tool the other side of a crank.
Maybe try pushing it just a little bit the 'wrong' way. This can just break the seal a bit and allow you to then undo.
If you can't undo it still, then be prepared to use leverage. Get a short tube which fits reasonably well over the allen key you're using, and apply pressure. BE CAREFUL! If it yields suddenly, you can crack your face on the bike, or bash your fingers on the chainring.
If this doesn't work, swear a lot, go make a cup of tea, then come back and give it A Hard Stare. Scowling tends to work reasonably well.
In future (and I know this is regarded as heresy) don't tighten your pedals so much. Adding copper grease definitely helps, but there is no reason for you to have pedals more than nipped tight. For my own bikes, I usually have them hand tight. They never come undone accidentally, even on fixed.
And I thought my 3 foot pipe wrench I use for freewheels was a bit excessive!
PpPete
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chandler's Ford
Part of the reason for having such a big one is that even can small children can then help. They think it's a hoot that they can loosen things that Dad can't manage by himself, and along the way they learn about levers and moments in a practical way that school can never match.
cloggsy
Boardmanist
- Location
- North Yorkshire
Have you done it yet? 
