Shimano M520 - can't unscrew/release tension

[puffinbilly]

Bought a pair of second hand Shimano m520 to give clipless a try. They're set on the highest tension and I can't clip in - supposed to loosen with an Allen key but won't budge - one of the screws seems to be rounded and Allen key is ineffective.
Any bright ideas?

 

[gbb]

A long shot depending on what tools you have etc.
Firstly make sure there's no gunge inside the hex preventing full insertion of the allen key, poke around with a small flat blade screwdriver to clean any deep gunk out.
Sometimes you can hammer in a slightly bigger torx bit and get a bite that way. You'd probably be better trying it with the pedal off and laid on something hard to get the torx bit to drive in
If you have a dremel or small angle grinder with a thin disc, cut a slot across the screw head and use a screwdriver, make sure you get good purchase with the best fit screwdriver you have.

 

[Jody]

Any bright ideas?

Spend £20 and chuck your old ones in the bin.

 

[Levo-Lon]

As above, there cheap and if you don't like them you will get most of what you paid selling them

 

[vickster]

Send them back if faulty (assuming you are using the right size allen key...I've had maybe 6 pairs and never had an issue, it is quite stiff and notchy as a mechanism too)

 

[Jody]

Send them back if faulty

They were second hand.

 

[vickster]

As above, there cheap and if you don't like them you will get most of what you paid selling them

As a buyer, I'd be pretty unimpressed if the seller sold something that is faulty without saying so

 

[vickster]

They were second hand.

Oops completely misread that!

Bin and buy new then

 

[puffinbilly]

Thanks for the responses - just soaked them in Wd40 - if that doesn't work I'll just sell them and replace.

Not worth buying new -I was buying to try if clipless was for me.

 

[vickster]

Thanks for the responses - just soaked them in Wd40 - if that doesn't work I'll just sell them and replace.

Not worth buying new -I was buying to try if clipless was for me.

If you sell, be honest about the fault. Presume you’ve asked the seller about the issue although if you paid less than the new price of around £20, they’re probably only fit for the scrap yard

 

[midlife]

Thanks for the responses - just soaked them in Wd40 - if that doesn't work I'll just sell them and replace.

Not worth buying new -I was buying to try if clipless was for me.

You will sell on the broken pedals? wouldn't it be easier to splash out the £19.99 on new ones then sell them if you don't like them....

 

[puffinbilly]

Thanks for regarding me so highly @vickster and @midlife

The pedals were bought from a bike charity - they're ok if you're used to clipless but as a novice I can't use them - a friend has and can use them and will buy them from me.
Just a little background - as a full time carer twenty pounds is a lot of money to me right now.

 

[Levo-Lon]

@puffinbilly
I have an older pair of M505 pedals that are better for spd virgins.
These back right off so very light entry.

Pm me ,and ill send you them free of charge.
Working in care myself, i know how tight things can be for care staff.

They look like this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-...1ead963ab0:g:B6wAAOSwBnVW8~l-&redirect=mobile