Check the threads on both pedal and crank before assembling, and
*always* start the threading by hand. Since you destroyed the threads
of a pedal, it sounds like your cranks are made of a hardened metal, and
its threads may be damaged.
Heating the crank with a propane torch should help things here. Try not
to get the crank to the point where it glows, you could "un-harden" the
crank material. Also, try not to heat the pedal, as you only want the
crank to expand. Let both surfaces cool naturally, again you could
re-temper the materials and create a weak point in your crank.
Once the pedal's off, clean the threads (both pedal and crank) with some
sort of degreaser and an old smelly toothbrush. The threads should look
straight and clean. If they're burred, look smashed, or asymmetrical in
any way they're probably toast.
You may be able to revive your cranks by re-tapping the threads. A bike
shop can do this; don't bother going to a machine shop as the thread
sizes used are nonstandard. If your pedals have mashed threads, trash
'em, they could only make things worse for you.
--
maestro8 - Mad Scientists for World Domination
Those are my principles. If you don't like those, I have others. --
Groucho Marx
------------------------------------------------------------------------
maestro8's Profile: http://www.unicyclist.com/profile/7871
View this thread: http://www.unicyclist.com/thread/36409
