Looking to ride next weekend and of course stripped the rear allen bolts trying to change brake pads. I tried gentle torch heat and cut a small slot in the bolt head to fit a large flat head screw driver in there but to no avail (can only go so deep with a slot before cutting the caliper metal since bolt heads are flush with caliper). I've searched the forum and basically only found the following 2 options: screw extractor or go to a machine shop.
The brake pads are worn to the nub but still might risk it for one last charity, toys for tots, ride of the season (Northeast rider here - that's my excuse for using worn brakes...charity)..... Can't risk destroying the bolts with no spares on hand - this is an "over the winter project".
Any other options anyone has come up with besides the above two I mentioned?
Has anyone replaced these bolts with something else (ie hex heads) - doesn't seem feasible since no room for a socket due to the orientation of the caliper/allen setup?
Any thoughts are appreciated.