Park Tool PW-5 Home Mechanic Pedal Wrench

I like Park Tools. I've been messing around and working on my own bikes since I was a kid, but I'm no expert. In my experience, Park Tools have been pretty good to me.I don't remove pedals that often, so I didn't feel a need to get their top of the line, multiple slotted pedal tool, so I saved a few bucks and ordered this one. Worked like a charm on a very stubborn pedal. You just have to make sure your angle is right so that you don't bust your knuckles on anything. Also, the long handle is much better than using a normal wrench. It has a nice grip and it is thin but strong.If you are going to change a pedal "once in a while", this is the tool for you.

I took a regular crescent wrench to upgrade my pedals, and while it fit, there just wasn't enough clearance for me to confidently use it without scratching up my crank. So I decided to make a small investment in a proper pedal wrench.There are so many different options in this price range, and I thought about saving a few bucks, but know that Park Tools seems to be reasonably trusted among enthusiasts. I probably would have spent a little more for the PW-3 or PW-4, but Amazon had this ready for next-day delivery, so the decision was made.This made removing my old pedals a breeze. I had clearance all day long, and the wrench didn't flex or dent, even though I needed to use a fair amount of force to get the old pedals off. Of course, I didn't forget to go with Polylube 1000 when putting my new pedals on.For the headache and heartache this saved me, it was well worth the price.

After reading the many negative reviews, I was unsure about purchasing the Park PW-5 pedal tool. However, since it costs so much less than the professional grade PW-3 & PW-4, I decided to give it a try.I removed a pair of Shimano PD-M747 pedals that would not budge using a long arm 6 mm Allen wrench. With the Park Tool PM-5, they came off without any strain.If you are trying to decide if this tool is for you, here are a few questions to ask yourself:Is a steel one piece crankset involved?Has the bike been stored outside?Do you ride the bike hard and put it away wet?Is there corrosion visible?Have the pedals been installed for 10 years or more?Did a gorilla install the pedals with a breaker bar and no concept of a torque spec?If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, consider investing in the more expensive PW-3 or PW-4 tool. Both are capable of providing superior leverage and grip. Both are made out of a higher grade of steel. However both cost more than twice as much+.If you greased the pedal threads before installation, and you maintain your bike, the PW-5 should be fine. Especially if your cranks are alloy and not left in the elements overnight on a regular basis.PM-5 is practically a Bic Lighter for <$11.00. It did the job and if it fails after the next use, it still has cost less than a trip to the LBS. I will throw it away (recycle) and get another. Besides, Shimano now uses a 8 mm hex (Allen) on the spindle, so why invest in an bike shop grade tool for dated technology?As for the tool finish? It is not as pretty as the others but again, it costs less than $11.00.Happy with this purchase, pedals replaced (2000 - PD-M747's, replaced with 2016 - XTR M9000's).In fairness to those who had a bad experience, I will admit to the following:I maintain my bikes myself.I always clean the bike after a wet or dirty ride.I lubricate everything.My bikes are garaged. (In California).It rains very infrequently here.I never cross-thread or force any threaded component connection.Thank you Park Tools for providing an inexpensive alternative to the LBS or the more expensive tools.

Works great. I had tried to remove my pedals with a normal wrench before, and it didn't budge. I was concerned I wouldn't have enough leverage with this home mechanic tool, but it did the job and now I'm glad I have a smaller tool that I can take with me in my checked luggage so I can put my bike back together at the airport.TIPS TO REMOVE PEDALS:Tool leverage was not the biggest issue with removing the pedals, it's securing the pedals in the first place that's hard. I found the best way was to find a curb (or concrete stair step of sorts). Please your bike with the opposite pedal (or just the shaft if the other pedal is already removed) on the concrete. If you want to protect from scratches put down a rag or something. Then sit down on the bike or have a friend do that. Put the wrench on, put your foot on the pedal you're removing and pull up towards the back of the bike while putting all your weight on the bike and pedal. I was able to do it by myself with 150 lbs sitting on the bike. Once you get the first movement it's a breeze to remove the pedal.I haven't attempted to put the pedals on yet, but I will try something similar in reverse and report back.

I own a Saris Solo Rack, and using it with a hatchback car usually means I have to install and remove the pedals quite often. Doing it with a Allen key (even a T-handle one) was a hassle. Bought this tool looking for a relieve and boy, did I get one. Takes approximately 5 seconds to remove a pedal. Is that easy. The long span means it needs little strength to create torque, and the cone fits perfectly into the pedal spindle.Couldn't be happier with this baby. Definitely one of the best bike-related purchases I've made. Best of all: price point is ridiculous. And comes as a surprise, seeing Park Tool has always been on the expensive side of things.

Tool seems fine although with slight wear, Bicycle Addiction sent me a used tool in a previously opened package.