I'm replacing the brake pads on my 2004 FXSTSi. These bolts hold
the brake pads to the pad clips, but I can't seem to find what tool
takes them off. They appear to be bolts for 5/16" 12 point socket.
I seems that 12 point sockets do not go that small. How do I get
them off?

 

1/4" 12 point socket.

Or a die grinder and a drill

 

Sears sell 1/4" 12 point socket sets and they go smaller than 1/4".

 

Careful, those strip really easily. I replace mine every time I do the pads because they are cheap and are a pain in the *** to get out when they round off.

 

My suggestion is to use box end wrenches instead of sockets on those. That way if you start to round them off or damage them in any way with the torque you can see it and stop before the damage is done. You can's always feel them give way before it is too late.

 

On EBAY, there's a guy that sells about any size twelve point socket you may want. That's where I got mine.

 

Someone painted them..This works since it's hard to fine a 1/4 drive socket in 12 point...Offset box wrench.

 

Banjo bolt sockets - harbor freight sells them. Just bought one.

 

You sure about that. I have a set of those and they are for external torix. They sure are not 12 point..Least the set I have. I had them to work on an old Dodge car years ago. Only thing I have ever seen them on.

 

Think about it a second what's half the points on a 12 point fastener ? Torx's are 6 point so they will catch 6 slots on a 12pt bolt, in a pinch it will do just fine if the sizes are close.

I've hammered a torx socket onto a rounded off 12pt more that a few times , whatever gets it done you know.