Have a pair of SPDs that came with a bike ages ago. They’ve been in a box with the platform bits clipped into them for about a year. Finally dug them out but they’re really really really tight, even after I loosened the bolts (at front and back of pedal) and used GT84 on ’em.

Havn’t used SPDs before and there’s no way I could use these – getting the shoe out by hand can take 10 minutes swearing.

Is there an adjustment I havn’t found or something? Any other ideas?

getting the shoe out by hand can take 10 minutes swearing

Have you tried using your foot? Usually much easier!

screw them into cranks too, or use a screwdriver to lever the spring/plate back?

Yup, tried with feet, no luck, the things are uterly solid, nothing moves on them 🙁

used GT84 on ’em

There’s yer problem. Try GT85 instead. 😉