How To Repair Stripped Crank Arm Pedal Threads

In this video, I demonstrate the process of repairing a bicycle crank that has damaged or stripped pedal threads. Generally, the most cost-effective method for this type of repair is to replace the damaged crank arm, but in this case, the crank was not readily available and the cost would require a new crankset and bottom bracket. although the crank in the video is a budget crank, the repair will result in a stronger pedal to crank interface than when the crank was new.

[@alberttibbets6567]

Clear explanation and excellent, clear video. Thanks.

[@JoeyMesa]

You are welcome!

[@danferguson9333]

To get a much smoother and better thread when using a tap do not keep going in one direction like in this video, go maybe a quarter or half turn and backup a quarter turn this will break off the metal you are cutting the go ahead again a half turn to make more new threads but keep backing of every half turn. You will get a much better thread and not overheat the metal.

[@ericwheeler2310]

You could go one and a half to two turns forward no worries than back a quarter with it being such a soft metal , but it was painful to watch as he demonstrated how you should probably not do it , I would be taking extra care given it’s already been stripped out once .

[@tozovr]

He was pretty clear about how you Should do it lol. He Saud his method wasn't ideal.

[@Blox117]

the other way is to fill the thing with epoxy and put the pedal back in

[@Worldwidewhat-wb]

Does that work 🤔

[@DeltoidM.N.C.R.F.T]

How can we get it out?

[@siv5342]

​@@DeltoidM.N.C.R.F.T you dont get it out its fixed i stays there

[@pranabsaha532]

This is a very good explanation. I am new to cycling and I thought that the only way to get it fixed is to buy a new crank and new set of pedals. Of course than there would be a chance that the old chain and cassette might not be compatible and have to change the whole gear set. This solves it greatly and it can be repaired in just some 10-20$ instead of paying 300-400$ for the whole gear set. Thank you for this video

[@JoeyMesa]

You're welcome!

[@JACKKOZ]

I accidentally twisted my pedal on in the wrong direction now I have this peoblem

[@timothyfitzgerald5459]

Same thing happened to me except my idiot roommate decided he was going to put the pedal on for me and didn't know that it was a reversed thread. Now I got a $600 bike just sitting here because I don't know how to fix it

[@michaelkitchen6000]

Can you send a link to the tap and the bushing inserts so I can buy them on Amazon?

[@okyoky405]

this just happened to my crank arm thread. It's very annoying that current threads are aluminum based.

[@Le_Papa]

stripped mine out mid ride had to go back 12 miles home back with 1 pedal came back at like 10:50pm

[@namdarbolour9890]

Thanks for the video. Speaking of stripped threads, I was wondering how you would solve the problem of stripped threads where a crank puller threads into the crank to pull it off a square taper spindle. In that case you can't remove the crank to rethread it, plus you're doing it in a blind hole. Can be a real problem removing the crank! Unrelated to this video really, sorry!

[@bobknoxious5949]

???? 2turns forward 1 turn back 3 turns forwad 1 back repeat 😊

[@whazzat8015]

Would make sure you are meticulous with the Loctite around the pedal you are using to install the insert, unless the pedal is never to be removed, ever again. Good tip on pedal washers and flange, and insert length issue . What is a fair shop charge for the job? an hour + 20 ? Single Unior tools and inserts are to be found, though it looks like the guys below have not mastered google ;-) , and run about $40 for the a one time setup. New cranksets start at about $30, but left side arms begin ~$10 both going up to the threshold for pain. I wonder what the faliure rate is , if a pedal is never removed. It would be interesting to see what the torque needed to strip is.

[@JoeyMesa]

I apply Loctite in between the insert and crank arm. The pedal threads are always grease only . At our shop, the fee is $25 for this thread repair. Not really worth it if it's an inexpensive non drive side crank, but it's pretty cost effective for most drive side crank arms. The reason pedals strip out of crank arm in the first place is not over tightening, but under tightening. I think I did 4 of these repairs last week. A couple were from a competitor shop. We're pretty much in the middle of a bike boom and shops are assembling/selling bikes trying to keep up with demand, and that's when quality control suffers. Gotta get those pedals TIGHT when assembling a new bike!

[@Radnally]

Great advice. Its annoying that the bottom bracket and cranks have so much non standard design going on these days. Almost finished with my second frame. Used columbus Spirit tubing.

[@mlbbnewbie5403]

I have a question,if I am going to repair thread like that in my crankset,would it not change the size or diameter needed to fit the pedals

[@JoeyMesa]

No. The common thread size is 9/16". The threaded repair insert is 5/8" on the outside diameter, so in other words, the damaged crank arm is bored and re-tapped from 9/16" to 5/8", but the threaded insert is 9/16" on the inside, the same as your original crank before and the pedal. The left side has backward threads, so you just have to make sure you're using the correct insert and tap for the crank arm.

[@garylee7774]

What's the average cost for a bike shop to do this? Thanks for the video!

[@JoeyMesa]

We charge $25

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

So, essentially, I can use this trick to convert the LHS threads into the RHS ones (to make the front crankset in a tandem from the standard one)?

[@neilgoth1974]

How about installing helicoil on Shimano crank arm pinch bolts? I find myseld in a situation now that I've stripped those pinch bolt areas as I kept on removing and reinstalling for a deep clean.

[@l3v3lvortx96]

I recently had to buy 2 cranksets because the thread Was damaged now i have to replace or repair it but is the repair more stabile then the aluminium thread from the Crankset

[@lenfornoff8005]

I have shram xx1 cranks with pedal that Allen wrench stripped out can I drill it out then re thread the hole once material is removed or is there another way to get pedal out of crank arm it's really stuck bad

[@pwee507]

Should mention the left pedal would be reverse, correct?

[@simonh.2043]

Thank you. This problem plagues me.

[@JoeyMesa]

Glad to help

[@marcusmartin5758]

What is the size of the thread insert?

[@JoeyMesa]

5/8”

[@reza_dc2]

how do you know which tpi to order?

[@crafter170]

Great Thanks for your video.

[@JoeyMesa]

You are welcome

[@hopenavajo1391]

What if the pedal crank arm can't come off.

[@balangkeglodok]

Informative presentation. Do they make a similar kit for a stripped rear derailleur female in the drop out? I have seen discussion of helicoil and a "dropout saver" nut.... Any thoughts?

[@JoeyMesa]

I like the one wheels MFG makes otherwise a 10 x 1 metric helicoil works well.

[@johnsilvester4681]

Cheaper to buy a new one. Never going to use this tool/ method again😅😂

[@JoeyMesa]

We charge $25 to do this at the shop. A new drive side crank arm can cost much, much more than that...

[@marc_delilan]

Sir ihave a question 😊, how mm that insert you use it is 14mm?

[@RainingRabbitz2]

ugh i dont have that stuff

[@ariesnormanpenafiel979]

What is the size of inserts

[@aisam6311]

That's and expensive kit, but I've solved this problem an only for 20.00. no epoxy/adhesive straight fix and better.

[@JoeyMesa]

Let’s see your video. Our shop charges $25 for this repair. Show me how your repair is better and $5 less expensive.

[@aisam6311]

@@JoeyMesa soon.. but we really did have hard time with this issue and YT search didn't help, soon.

[@Mike-B.]

So, I see you are using lock tight on the pedal thread -- but I think you stated that regular grease is ideal. Which type of lube should be used on say a new bike pedal?

[@JoeyMesa]

I used Loctite on the threaded repair insert, the threaded pedal spindle always gets grease. Pretty much any grease, (bicycle specific is good but not mandatory) will work for bicycle assembly. (threaded fasteners, seat posts, etc.)

[@mgomez5606]

Took my arm to bike shop and they told me they don't install heli coils. WTF. It's not cost effective to buy everything for one time use.

[@danferguson9333]

Helicoils are not cheap maybe find another bike take arm off it

[@mgomez5606]

@@danferguson9333 I bought two arms on Amazon at a fraction than to buy helicoil and tools for one time use only.

[@rafagfa]

I’m having a lot of trouble finding the Unior tools (or Similar) in my area (Toronto). Mainly I can’t find the thread inserts, even on eBay. Any help in affordable ones would be appreciated.

[@JoeyMesa]

I did a search on some of the individual pieces and tools. It's looking pretty slim right now. I'm not sure if it's certain bike tools or all of the bike industry in general. I can say for sure as someone who has worked in the bike industry for almost 40 years, I've never experienced some of the shortages being experienced with bikes, parts, tools Etc. currently. I think your best bet in the next few months would be to find a shop that does the repair I demonstrated in this video.

[@jashmatti186]

i have a question sir what is the name the circle one that u insert to the arm crank and where did you buy it??

[@mgomez5606]

Don't know why they make videos and not reply to viewers.

[@ighfirlee]

helicoil

[@srettubyaj8441]

I’ve just bought an Carrera Vulcan ebike and haven’t put peddles on properly and the threads gone would Halfords fix this?

[@sehalligan1979]

Halfords don’t do pedal threads they’ll want you to replace the whole crank arm

[@yl8908]

Yes same happened to me . Went to Halfords and asked some other shops . They do not do it . Did you have any luck in the end ?

[@srettubyaj8441]

@@yl8908 what I ended up doing was ordering part on eBay for £70 then they fitted it for £20 because I didn’t have right tools

[@yl8908]

@@srettubyaj8441 thank you for your reply .

[@ghulamsharif3399]

HelloI need some advice please. I am planning to tap in a new thread for my bike. Standard 10mm size bolt but I am unsure what size tap do I buy?? Reviews are telling me it's M10 but not sure Cab you please help me it's a Shimano pedal 10mm bolt on pedal size.

[@JoeyMesa]

Pedals use a 9/16" tap size amzn.to/2x9C2gB In this particular video, I'm repairing a crank that the original 9/16" crank arm threads have been damaged to the point that a 9/16 pedal just falls out. 10mm thread size on a bike is typically the size your rear derailleur bolts into the derailleur hanger. That tap size is a 10 x 1 amzn.to/2UY1GxW Shimano pedals are 9/16"

[@ghulamsharif3399]

@@JoeyMesa Thank you In the UK they use metric sizes and as the pedals are 9/16 this equates to M14 (so they say) However is gets more confusing as here they also require TPI (turns per inch) which I think is 2 . As I require a helicoil I think I need is M14x2 but honestly I am still not sure. Helicoil are hard to come by here and I had the same issue as yours where the 9/16 pedal will just fall out. I have found one on Amazon one (see link below) again not sure if this is what I require and my crank is only sale in Japan.. www.amazon.com/M14-2-00-Helicoil-Repair-Kit/dp/B008VVUOA6 Could you please point me to a link where I can purchase the right one eBay or Amazon UK. Sorry I have called a few bike shops but it seems they will not tell me! Buggers! With COVID I need my bike more than ever now. your help is greatly appreciated

[@JoeyMesa]

This is the kit I used in the video. amzn.to/2XqvPrh It's not really cost effective as depending on your crankset, you can more than likely purchase new cranks for less. It also depends on which side (left or right) crank arm is damaged. I'm not sure if Helicoil makes a reverse thread kit as the left side crank threads are reverse. VAR also makes a kit it's a PE-04700 Looks like it's available in the UK, again pretty expensive, but I saw ads on eBay just doing a quick search for individual reamer/taps and the threaded inserts separately.

[@undertwotimes]

I have a helicoil for derailleur hangers since i've stripped out a couple.

[@barondidikakbar6186]

Link shop part ?

[@JoeyMesa]

It's not cheap, but this is the shop kit: amzn.to/3aDhNq2

[@aaasmab]

Thanks, but can you tell me why the pedal damage crank? My crank damage

[@JoeyMesa]

Most of the time, the damage is caused by the pedal not being properly torqued into the crank arm.