any way to straighten pedals?

[scrumblero]

I got some cool old pedals but the spindles are just bent enough to be annoying,

any way to straighten em out without using a lathe?

 

[outskirtscustoms]

you could try the hammer and block of wood method but other than that I don't know.
Or swap out the shaft? Are you sure it's not the crank that is bent?

 

[Uncle Stretch]

That is the best way . Roll them around till you find the high spot , and hit them very lightly with a rubber hammer. Remember that it only took enough force to bend them by dropping the bike on that side , so don't whack them very hard. :shock:

 

[user 135]

Dont' put a bent pedal back into a alloy crank.

 

[karfer67]

i have found taking them apart and using a pipe over the shaft works well but it is not perfect. sometimes you can use new shafts in old pedals

 

[Spokeshave]

" Dont' put a bent pedal back into a alloy crank."
Why,will it strip the threads or something after awhile? Just wondering?

 

[scrumblero]

not sure if I can find shafts like this.. they are off a 50's Raliegh

I'm gonna try the uncle stretch method. that sounds right up my alley... :lol:

 

[c.p.odom]

I have straightened enough pedal spindles over the years, but only if really necessary and then not for serious riding. Just a serious vise and a long cheater pipe.
Also, all Ashtabula type cranks need to be aligned and straightened before use. Gets rid of that annoying pedal swim.
First thing you buy for the home shop:
6" Wilton Mechanics Vise or a 4" Wilton Machinist Vise or Both!

 

[user 135]

" Dont' put a bent pedal back into a alloy crank."
Why,will it strip the threads or something after awhile? Just wondering?

Yes, with use they will damage and strip the threads so no pedal can be used in it. The bent axle augers out the crank due to it being a softer metal. I had it happen to a Shimano 600 crank.

 

[Spokeshave]

Good to know ,CMan Thanks,
Jeff