Bicycle Mechanics - Stuck Pedals--You Need a Propane Torch

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juniorhornlicks
10-15-09, 01:37 PM
So I had a couple of stuck pedals on my rummage sale mountain bike (I wasn't the one that put them on--I know to grease them beforehand). After trying WD-40, PB Blaster (letting it soak in over 24 hrs), beeswax, and pouring boiling water over the crank arms, nothing worked. They were stuck. Yes, I was turning them in the right direction, BTW.

I finally broke down and got a propane torch from Autozone, heated up the crank arms near the pedals, and they came off in no time flat. :thumb:

I'm also able to use the propane torch for soldering copper pipes and toasting marshmallows. So I think I definitely got my money's worth. :D

DMF
10-15-09, 02:07 PM
Gots to remember to get marshmallows at the store...
oilman_15106
10-15-09, 02:09 PM
Most likely the combo of PB Blaster and the heat. One question, are the crank arms still usable?

genius1265
10-15-09, 03:01 PM
Yeah currently have the same problem with one of my bikes, except I have xtr spds and they only take hex wrench in the back wich i almost stripped from trying so damn hard.
Bianchigirll
10-15-09, 03:53 PM
they only take a HEX? theat is sort of dumb OH yeah shimano
DannoXYZ
10-15-09, 05:48 PM
Yeah currently have the same problem with one of my bikes, except I have xtr spds and they only take hex wrench in the back wich i almost stripped from trying so damn hard.Don't use the wrong tool for the job (little itty-bitty L-shaped allen keys). Get an automotive-style ratchet wrench (at least 12" in length) and some of these bits:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/93200-93299/93203.gif

I find if you grind 1mm off the tips, you get a nice sharp corners at the end that really grip well.
operator
10-15-09, 05:53 PM
they only take a HEX? theat is sort of dumb OH yeah shimano

No, it's not dumb. Most high end road pedals do not feature wrench flats for decreased q-factor.
DannoXYZ
10-15-09, 05:58 PM
No, it's not dumb. Most high end road pedals do not feature wrench flats for decreased q-factor.Also structurally, you end up with a stronger pedal-axle for the same weight if you don't have flats and sharp edges on it. Perfectly round spindle would be strongest.
operator
10-15-09, 06:04 PM
Also structurally, you end up with a stronger pedal-axle for the same weight if you don't have flats and sharp edges on it. Perfectly round spindle would be strongest.

Explain if this
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/shop/images/P/DSCF0149.jpg
is stronger than this
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/product-images-large/shimano-6620-ultegra-spd-sl-pedal-28580.jpg

That is one difference between the dura ace pedals and the rest of the line up.
DannoXYZ
10-15-09, 06:11 PM
Assuming "all else is equal". Meaning same alloys, same construction methods, same loading and usage, etc. Difficult to quantify in real-life situations. But from an engineering & design viewpoint of someone designing a pedal-axle from scratch in Solidworks, if you wanted the strongest design for the lowest weight, you'd make as round and as smooth an axle as possible.
juniorhornlicks
10-16-09, 09:14 AM
Most likely the combo of PB Blaster and the heat. One question, are the crank arms still usable?

Yes, I didn't have to heat them that much. I did probably put more heat on the pedals themselves where they attach to the crank arms than I would if I wanted to save the pedals. They were junk, so I just torched them a little too.