I Cannot Get my Pedals Off!

[Velocivixen]

I have a 2011 Trek FX 7.3 WSD that I bought in October. I ordered new pedals for it just for kicks. I ordered the MKS "Lambda" aka Rivendell "Grip King" pedals and they'll be here in a couple of days. So I went to a lbs and bought a Park tool long handled pedal wrench, some Phil Wood grease, and I thought I'd practice today getting my current platform pedals off. I have watched videos and have read how to remove them, so I understand how to get them off. I am familiar with tools and am no wimp as far as strength. I CANNOT get them off (I've only tried the right pedal or the one on the drive train part of the bike).
There is a hole for a 6 mm hex wrench on the other side of the crank where the pedal spindle goes into and I've tried that also.

So.....how in the h*ll am I supposed to be all independent and change my own pedals if I can't get these off!??? Sorry...I'm just about in tears and I'm frustrated. Why are they on so tight? I think I'll go to my LBS and have them at least "break the seal" so to speak, so later this week I'll be able to do it.

I've tried it on a repair stand and with the bike on the floor. I've tried it from different leverage vantages and no such luck. I'm about ready to stand on it (the pedal wrench).

Ideas? Hugs? Kleenex?

[Veronica]

Are you turning the wrench in the correct direction? Counterclockwise on the right, clockwise on the left.

Veronica

[Velocivixen]

Yes.

[Veronica]

Sometimes they just get too tight. I've been known to hit the pedal wrench with a rubber mallet to loosen it up.

Brace the crank on something if you go with this method.

Veronica

[Biciclista]

take it to your LBS..
give the guy a 5 dollar tip when he tells you "no charge"

[Velocivixen]

Thanks ladies for your quick replies. What do you think if I spray some WD-40 on it first, let it set while I drink some coffee, then try it again? Or will that just be wasting time?

[Veronica]

WD 40 might help. You probably want to let it penetrate for 24 hours or so.

Veronica