Bicycle Mechanics - Newbie trying to replace pedals by himself

I figure this is something I can do myslef and not have to pay the LBS to do.

Main question: is the bolt connecting the pedal to the crank reverse-threaded? I've tried both ways and I just can't loosen the sucker. I've had to stop trying for fear I might break something or strip out the head of the hex bolt. I have no idea what the make of the pedals or crank arm is (is that the right word for the part the pedal is attached to?). I do know that the frameside part of the pedal has a hex bolt, and the outside part of the pedal where it meets the crank arm seems to require a crescent wrench. Do I need to use a crescent wrench and an allen wrench in tandem? Could it just be super, super tight?

Any and all suggestions welcome.

(I mean, how hard can it be?)

Search, man, search!

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQpedls.shtml

The pedal is usually undone with a pedal spanner which fits on the flats of the pedal where it screws in to the crank. This is usually long to provide sufficient leverage but a decent size cescent wrench should do it if you push on the opposite pedal for leverage while undoing. The LEFT HAND pedal has a left-hand thread i.e. turn clockwise to undo, while the right hand pedal has a normal r/hand thread i.e. turn anticlockwise to undo.I remember this by saying "the right pedal is right." When re-assembling smear some copper grease on the threads as this can save future hassle when dissembling.Good luck!

Yes, they are TIGHT. You might need a long wrench or a cheater bar.

The LEFT side is reverse threaded; you turn it clockwise to loosen. An easy way to remember is that with the wrench pointing up, you would pull the wrench toward the rear of the bike to remove the pedal. This applies to both sides.

Put your chain on the big ring to cover the teeth so you don't cut the hell out of yourself if the wrench slips.

Thanks for the replies, folks - I got em off. It turned out that the hex bolt on the frameside end of the pedal wasn't a hex bolt at all, just a second place to loosen or tighten the pedal from. Of course , I didn't realize this until I got the pedals off. I ended up having to borrow a bigger crescent wrench than the one I had to get the proper leverage. With the bigger wrench I was able to get the pedals off no problem.

Once again, thanks!!