6/26    I'm trying to take out my regular bike pedals and replace them with
        Shimano R540 clipless. I've tried using the hex tool (number 6) but
        the existing pedal wouldn't budge. I'm aware of the directional
        differences between the left and the right pedal and I've ruined
        one of my hex tools (I over twisted it). What's the best way to
        take pedals out without ruining hex tools? Thanks.
        \_ If you're trying to use a 6mm hex wrench on your pedals, you're
           probably looking at the wrong fastener.  Take a look at the shaft
           of the pedal where it enters the crankarm and you'll find flats
           for a 15mm wrench.  Typical pedal wrenches are a little flatter
           and longer than the 15mm wrench you'd get from the hardware store
           in case you need more clearance and torque (you might not).  While
           you could use a crescent wrench for this, it's a better idea to
           use a fixed 15mm wrench, as crescents tend to loosen and round the
           corners off the flats of the bolt you're using them on.
           Incidentally, you may find http://sheldonbrown.com and http://parktool.com
           to be useful sites for general bike maintenance.
           \_ Alright thanks so much! I will get a special wrench this week
              and try again. By the way, I'm trying to remove another set of
              pedals as I have several bikes, and there is no wrench interface
              on them, just hex in the back. It is an Impact brand. How would
              you remove them when they don't have the flat hex
              wrenchable part?
              \_ There are indeed pedals these days (like my EggBeater SL)
                 which don't have a 15mm flat surface for a pedal wrench.
                 Frankly, I don't like the trend, but it's certainly something
                 you'll have to deal with.
                 One thing to remember is that you'll be turning the hex wrench
                 backwards from what you might be expecting, because you're
                 turning it from the back side of the pedal.  And that the
                 pedal on the left is reverse-threaded.  Usually, bike pedals
                 don't get so tight that they can't be removed by a decent
                 allen wrench, unless you're screwing them the wrong way.  -tom
                 \_ Thanks so much tom!!! I will keep you updated. I may end
                    up buying those "liquid wrench" things as well, we'll see