Locked up Brake Caliper

[MajorMalphunction]

While I was putting on my new front tire, I tried to reattach my front brake caliper. In doing so, I saw that the two pistons inside did not give me enough room to fit them back on the disc brake. Without fully thinking about the consequences I started to pump the brake hoping for it to just undo itself. Instead it pushed one of the brake pads out and I'm stuck not riding because the pistons are fully extended. Anyone know how to undo this? Thanks.

[black and silver twin]

you need to push the pistons IN the caliper. Pulling the lever pushes them out. a c-clamp should push them in fine

[MajorMalphunction]

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

[PachmanP]

Make sure you press them evenly or you could pop one piston out!

[gsJack]

I just push a large screwdriver in between the pads and twist it pushing on both pads at once if they are a little too close to slip back on the rotor.

[tt_four]

You've never put a gouge in the brake pad with a screw driver?

I've used a C-clamp a number of times. It's very quick and easy. I think my brake pads are actaully squeezed together at the moment. I'll need to press them back in before i can stick my front wheel back in.

[JAY W]

Before pushing the piston back,clean piston to prevent brakes sticking if necc`.

[MajorMalphunction]

Thanks guys. Since I did not have a Clamp handy, I had to use the next "best" thing... a screw driver. Thankfully I had a set of new front brakes laying around to replace the ones that are pretty much worn down. 

But I do agree, using a screw driver can 1. not apply the right amount of force and 2. can scratch up the brakes. At least from my experience.

[tt_four]

I used a C clamp to press in my front brake, but then I realized my rear was too tight too. I just used a screwdriver, haha. I'm sure if I looked around I've got something that would've been a bit gentler on the brake pads, but it worked. My rear rotor isn't that great anyway.