Mountain Biking - Do you use a Pedal Wrench?

I just got in my first pair of clipless pedals from Nashbar yesterday. I ordered some shoes and some other things, but instead of the mtb shoes I ordered, they accidently shipped some jacked up crazy shiny silver road shoes... Oh well, so it looks like I'll be waiting a little longer, but that's for another post (always upgrade to 2day shipping). Anyway, I was looking over the pedals and noticed the installation booklet in the pedal box and was looking at it and noticed it mentioned using a 15mm pedal wrench to install. Hmmm, I have quite a few wrenches on my bench, should have a 15mm..... Uh, no... So, I start thinking about it and look online and see that the cheapest 15mm pedal wrench on nashbar is about $13. So is that the cheapest route, or can you buy a 15mm wrench at the big orange home improvement place? If so, how much should it run there? Can't wait to get the stock platforms off and get these new ones on.

Most of the pedals I have used have also had provision for using an allen wrench as well as an open-end wrench. That said, I've never run into a clearance problem where I actually needed a pedal wrench instead of a regular wrench. What makes a pedal wrench a pedal wrench is the thickness, not the size. A pedal wrench is thin to alleviate any clearance problems between the pedal cage or body and the crankarm.

Never used a pedal wrench.

Hell, most of the time the wrench I use isnt even a 15mm, either a adjustable or something thats a close fit.

I got a thin cheapy import 15mm open end at the auto parts store. Thin enough cross-section to work on every pedal I've used it on. A pedal wrench has better angles for torquing, though; except I'll probably never spend the money.

Most of the pedals I have used have also had provision for using an allen wrench as well as an open-end wrench. That said, I've never run into a clearance problem where I actually needed a pedal wrench instead of a regular wrench. What makes a pedal wrench a pedal wrench is the thickness, not the size. A pedal wrench is thin to alleviate any clearance problems between the pedal cage or body and the crankarm.

That makes sense. So now that you said that about the allen wrench, I just looked and noticed that it accepts an allen wrench on the inside of the spindle. So do you tighten them down all the way using just an allen wrench? Can you get enough torque on them using an allen wrench?

I just looked and noticed the directions also said "tighten to a minimum of 300 inch/lbs of torque". OK, so I've never measured this anytime I've swapped pedals on any of my other bikes and never ran in to any problems. Do you guys just crank them down good, or do you actually have the gear to measure the torque on them?

Thanks for the tips guys!

I have never had a problem using an allen wrench. No pedals falling off, etc. Just make sure your spindle threads are greased and snug it down good and tight. It doesn't require Herculean force to keep them tight. As for the torque wrench, I don't have one, but I'm looking for a good price on one. It would be nice to have one around so I don't get too ham-fisted when tightning bolts.

My kids use a pedal wrench... only because they have one! It came in one of those Park Tool kits, which they got for x-mas about 5 years ago.

I use a pedal wrench. 3 of my pedals don't have clearance for a standard wrench.

The egg beaters I just bought don't even have a 15mm wrench fitting, just the allen. As far as torque, 300 inch pounds = 25foot pounds, so imagine a 25lb weight hanging from the end of a foot long wrench.. thats how much force you need.. not much.

$13 seems like a good price. Any local bike shop will have them. If you do any winte riding or any situation in which you'll switching pedals, I do recomend it. For the price, it's worth it.

Winnipeg

I've got a 5/8 wrench that is narrow and fits a pedal almost perfect.

I use a pedal wrench when the pedals only have 15mm flats, but if they take an allen key, that's what I use.

i avoid bike wrenches unless i have to. they are too thin.

Just remember to put a little grease on the threads.

Use the Allen wrench and snug it down. You won't have a problem.

The Allen key should be fine for installing, but does it give you enough torque to remove the pedals?

i have clearance problems between the crank arm and the pedal, so i just use an allen key. when i put the pedals on i just tighten them with my fingers, they tighten while you are riding and i've never had my pedals fall off.