Yes, you can remove track spikes without the specialized wrench, but it takes some smart thinking and effort. When you are far from your gear, or your wrench is lost, you might need to remove track spikes by hand. This guide shows you safe and effective ways to get those sharp tips out of your running shoes when you have nothing but your surroundings or everyday items.
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Why Spikes Get Stuck
Track spikes are meant to stay put. They screw tightly into the sole plate of your running shoe. This tightness helps you grip the track surface. However, dirt, mud, and running can make them stick even more. When you need to change them or clean your shoes, those stuck spikes become a problem, especially if you cannot find your spike wrench. Knowing how to unfasten track spikes manually saves your practice session.
The Importance of the Right Tool (And Why We Are Ignoring It)
Normally, you use a spike wrench or key. This tool grabs the ridges on the spike head. It gives you the grip needed to turn the spike. Without it, you lose that leverage. This means we must find things that can mimic the wrench’s grip. We are looking for improvisation when we need field spike removal no tools.
Methods for Track Spike Removal Without a Wrench
When the proper tool is missing, you must look around you. The goal is simple: find something hard and thin that can fit into the cross-grooves of the spike head. This will let you twist the spike loose.
Using Coins for Loosening
Coins are surprisingly effective tools for this job. They are flat and strong enough for a quick fix. This is a great method for taking out running spikes without key.
Choosing the Right Coin
Not all coins work the same way. You need a coin with a durable edge and the right thickness.
- Thickness Matters: The coin must fit snugly into the small indentations (grooves) on the spike head. If it is too thick, it will just slip out.
- Material Strength: Use metal coins, not soft plastic tokens. Pennies (in some regions) might be too soft. Quarters or dimes often work best due to their hardness and edge profile.
The Coin Removal Technique
- Locate the Grooves: Look closely at the top of the spike. You will see small lines or a cross shape. These are where the wrench usually grips.
- Insert the Coin Edge: Place the edge of the coin flat against the spike head. Try to push the edge deep into one of the grooves.
- Apply Twisting Force: Hold the coin firmly against the spike. Gently turn the coin counter-clockwise. You are trying to break the initial seal of tightness.
- Maintain Pressure: Keep the coin pressed down hard. If you let up, the coin slips, and you risk damaging the spike head or the shoe sole.
If the spike is very tight, try turning it just a tiny bit first. Once it moves slightly, it becomes much easier to loosen track spikes without wrench.
Improvised Tools from Everyday Carry Items
Sometimes, a coin isn’t enough, or you don’t have the right one. This is where track spike removal improvisation comes in handy.
The Screwdriver Alternative
If you carry a small multi-tool or pocket knife that has a flathead screwdriver attachment, this is your best bet. A flathead screwdriver acts very much like a specialized spike key.
- Selection: Choose the smallest flathead you have. It should be wide enough to span across the spike grooves, but thin enough to sit firmly inside them.
- Action: Place the tip into the groove. Use it to lever the spike counter-clockwise. This method offers excellent leverage compared to a coin.
Keys as Emergency Levers
A standard house key can sometimes work, especially for slightly looser spikes. This is ideal for removing dirt track spikes by hand when you are far from the track house.
- Method: Use the sharp corner or the edge of the key’s teeth. Wedge this corner into the groove.
- Caution: Keys are softer than metal spikes. Use very light pressure initially. Too much force can bend or break your key. Use this method only if other options fail or for very mild resistance.
Using Pliers (If Available)
While technically a tool, if you have small needle-nose pliers or even strong tweezers, these can sometimes grip the sides of the spike head, especially if the spike is sticking out a bit.
- Grip: Clamp down hard on the exposed sides of the spike head.
- Twist: Turn slowly. Pliers offer good gripping power but little rotational precision. This works best for alternative tools for track spikes when standard leverage fails.
Dealing with Dirt and Rust: Making Removal Easier
Often, the difficulty in track spike removal no tools comes from debris packed around the spike threads. Dirt and small pebbles act like glue.
Cleaning the Area First
Before trying to twist the spike, clean the surrounding area.
- Brushing: Use your fingers, a stiff piece of grass, or even a spare shoelace to clear away loose dirt around the base of the spike.
- Moisture Application: Water helps dissolve packed dirt. If you have a water bottle, squirt a tiny bit around the spike base. Let it soak for a minute. This helps lubricate the threads slightly.
The Rock or Concrete Trick
If you are on a field or track surface, use the ground itself. This is the most common technique for removing dirt track spikes by hand in a pinch.
- Find an Abrasive Surface: Locate a rough piece of concrete curb or a sharp-edged, sturdy rock.
- Scraping: Hold the shoe firmly. Drag the area around the spike head across the rough surface. The friction grinds away the caked dirt blocking the threads. Do not scrape the plastic sole plate aggressively—just focus on the metal spike.
- Retrying the Twist: After scraping, try your coin or key method again. The debris should be gone, allowing better contact for twisting.
Grip Enhancement Techniques
When trying to remove track spikes by hand, the biggest hurdle is slippage. Your fingers or makeshift tools slide off the small metal head.
Using Rubber for Friction
Anything rubbery can dramatically increase the grip you have on the spike head.
- Gloves: If you are wearing thin athletic gloves, they might provide just enough friction to turn a slightly loose spike.
- Rubber Bands: Wrap a thick rubber band around the head of the spike. Press down hard on the band and use it to turn the spike. The rubber conforms to the shape, providing temporary grip.
- Grip Tape/Band-Aids: If you have athletic tape or even a large bandage, wrap it tightly around the spike head, leaving a small portion exposed to twist.
The Pinch and Twist Method (For Very Loose Spikes)
If the spikes are not completely seized, you might be able to use brute fingertip strength combined with sharp edges.
- Use Fingernail Edges: If you have very strong, well-trimmed nails, try digging the edge of your nail into the grooves. This is tedious and painful, but sometimes works for spikes that are only slightly tightened.
- Using the Outer Sole Edges: Sometimes, the hard, sharp edge of the shoe’s outer sole (the rubber or plastic edge near the spike plate) can be wedged against the spike head. Push the sole edge into a groove and use the shoe itself as a turning lever. This requires careful balancing so you don’t damage the sole.
The Destructive, Last Resort Methods
These methods should only be used when you absolutely must get the spikes out and cannot wait until you get home. They carry a high risk of damaging the spike itself, making it impossible to reuse, or possibly damaging the sole plate inserts. This is the realm of true track spike removal improvisation.
Brute Force Twisting (High Risk)
If the spike is only moderately tight, you can try twisting it with maximum gripping power.
- Use a Towel: Wrap a thick, dry towel around the spike head. This protects your fingers from sharp edges and maximizes grip.
- Twist Hard: Apply intense, direct rotational pressure counter-clockwise. If you feel a strong resistance, stop immediately. Forcing it risks stripping the threads entirely, meaning the spike becomes permanently stuck.
The Hammer (Not Really “No Tools,” but Common)
If you have access to a rock or hard, heavy object, you can simulate the effect of a hammer strike to shock the threads loose. This is absolutely a last resort.
- Protect the Shoe: Place a thick piece of cloth or leather over the spike head.
- Tap Lightly: Gently tap the side of the spike head, aiming to jar it loose rather than smash it flat. The impact can break the rust bond.
- Follow Up: Immediately after tapping, try the coin method again.
Prevention: Making Future Removal Easier
The best way to deal with track spike removal without spike wrench is to prevent them from getting stuck in the first place.
Cleaning After Every Use
Always clean your spikes shortly after practice, especially after running in mud or wet conditions.
- Immediate Removal: If you use replaceable spikes, remove them immediately after practice. This ensures dirt doesn’t dry and harden around the threads.
- Wipe Down: Use a dry cloth or stiff brush to clean the threads before storing the shoes.
Lubrication (Use with Caution)
Some athletes lightly treat the threads of their spikes before screwing them in.
- Graphite Powder: A tiny bit of graphite powder (often used for locks) can act as a dry lubricant. Apply it sparingly to the threads. This helps them spin freely next time. Do not use oil-based lubricants, as they attract more dirt and debris.
Proper Tightening
Only tighten spikes as much as necessary. Over-tightening makes them incredibly hard to remove later, even with the correct tool. Hand-tight plus a quarter turn with the wrench is usually enough. Do not crank them down with full force unless conditions demand extreme security.
Comparing Tool Substitutes
| Substitute Item | Effectiveness (1-5, 5 being best) | Best For | Risk of Damage | Ease of Finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flathead Screwdriver | 5 | Good leverage | Low to Medium | Medium |
| Hard Metal Coin (Quarter) | 4 | Most common emergency | Low | High |
| House Key | 3 | Mildly stuck spikes | Medium (key bending) | High |
| Rubber Band/Grip Material | 2 (as a primary tool) | Enhancing grip on other tools | Very Low | High |
| Sharp Rock Edge | 4 (for cleaning) | Removing caked dirt | Medium (sole plate) | High |
This table shows that while you can attempt easy track spike removal no tools, the available items are often imperfect substitutes for the right equipment.
Addressing Specific Spike Types
The advice above generally applies to standard needle or pyramid spikes. However, some specialized spikes require slightly different approaches when you are trying how to remove track spikes without tool.
Pyramid Spikes
Pyramid spikes are usually shorter and have fewer defined grooves than needle spikes. They rely more on friction.
- Technique: They are often easier to turn by hand once the dirt is cleaned away because their base is less aggressively threaded. Focus heavily on cleaning the area around the base.
Tartan Spikes (Less Common Now)
Older-style spikes made for older track surfaces might have a flatter head.
- Technique: These might respond better to the scraping method on concrete, as you are trying to grind away the material holding them in place rather than turning a deeply threaded post.
Final Tips for Successful Manual Removal
When you are stuck without your wrench, remember these key points to ensure success and prevent shoe damage.
- Go Slow: Speed is the enemy when improvising. Jerky, fast movements cause tools to slip. Slow, steady pressure breaks the seal much more effectively.
- Work in Small Increments: If a spike resists, do not push harder immediately. Twist it slightly backward (clockwise) and then try turning it forward (counter-clockwise) again. This rocking motion can loosen tight threads.
- Check the Direction: Always turn counter-clockwise to loosen. This seems obvious, but in a stressful field situation, it is easy to forget.
Successfully executing field spike removal no tools depends on patience and using the right household objects to mimic the leverage of a specialized wrench. By employing coins, keys, and abrasive surfaces wisely, you can always manage your footwear, no matter where you train.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I damage my running shoes by trying to remove spikes without the proper wrench?
Yes, you can. If you apply too much force, especially when using sharp objects like keys or screwdrivers, you risk gouging the rubber sole plate or stripping the metal insert where the spike screws in. Always use the least forceful method first and stop immediately if you feel strong resistance.
Is it safe to use super glue or tape to grip the spike for removal?
Using tape or rubber bands for grip is safe, as they are temporary friction aids. However, using any kind of adhesive like super glue is highly discouraged. The glue can bond permanently to the spike head and the sole plate, making the problem much worse and likely destroying the shoe’s spike receptacles.
How much dirt accumulation is too much before I should try to remove the spikes?
If you can see significant amounts of packed, dry dirt surrounding the base of the spike, that dirt is likely acting as a binder. You should attempt to scrape or brush this dirt away before applying any twisting force. Trying to turn a spike surrounded by hard debris guarantees slippage or thread damage.
What should I do if I successfully loosen the spike but cannot fully unscrew it by hand?
Once the spike starts moving by hand, continue turning it slowly. If it still feels tight, apply a small amount of water or spit to the threads (if you are outdoors) to lubricate them slightly, then continue twisting by hand. Often, the initial difficulty is only breaking the initial seal.
Are certain spike materials harder to remove manually than others?
Yes. Steel spikes are generally harder and more resistant to stripping than softer metal alloys. Pyramid spikes are sometimes easier to remove manually than needle spikes because they are shorter and have less surface area to bite into the sole plate threads.