What does it take to remove the rear side fender bolts? The ones that attach the chrome trim to the fender? I have a T45 cobalt socket that just got mangled in my attempt to remove the bolt.
I am trying to install a mounting plate for a solo bag. Lousy torx head bolts don't let you get much of a bite on the bolt. I thought the cobalt ( lowes brand) socket would handle whatever I needed to do on the bike.
Do I need an impact wrench? Or what would you suggest for a better socket?

 

Do you mean the chrome fender struts? Did the bolt get mangled also? If not, spray some WD-40 on the threads of the bolt if you can, wait a few minutes, try with another T 45 socket.
Sometimes after spray, wait, I have also struck the bolt with rubber mallet, then removed.

 

I used a hand impact on mine, The air impact would not loosen them up. Just give it a good wack and you'll be fine. I broke three bits before I used the impact. Mike

 

They have loctite on them. Pentrant is not going to phase it. I hit it with my impact. I have yet to figure how to put the proper heat with out damaging other part like that chrome side bar. Then loctite needs 250-300 degrees F. That is a big torx and with a tight good fit, a impact will pop it loose. Same for the floorboards and foot pegs mounts. Going by hand just wallows it out. I use a cheap 3/4 drive impact from Harbor. If you end up replacing bolt because chrome cracks, no big deal. Wring the torx out, and you have a mess.

 

The bolt head is still ok. The socket must have been softer than the bolt head. I'll go to HF tomorrow and pickup an impact wrench. Not sure what a hand impact is but will look for one of those also while shopping. I have replacement bolts that are allen heads for the bags. Concerned about hitting the side of that chrome trim and pushing in the side of the fender. Bad enough they locktite those on without making them torx.

 

Hand impact with a QUALITY bit!
My Torx set is made by SK, it was pricey, but excellent quality!

 

Would I dent the side of the fender using these? Hand impact wrench I meant to say.

 

Tools You always get what you pay for . It took me years to collect the set of tools I have . Buy the best you can and take good care of them .

 

You wont dent the fender. I know it seems like you would. there are spacers and the mount is very strong.

 

I can put a 1x4 between the tire and the inside of the fender to reinforce the impact some. Going tomorrow to sears and get what I need.