What is the correct socket / tool to remove the oil pump from a Pinto engine, in the Haynes manual it says use a suitable splined socket, but i tried my range of Torx sockets and none seemed to be the right size, i tried the nearest size but it just slipped and removed a couple of the slines from the bolt

Spline and torx are completely different. Should be able to get a suitable spline tool from Halfrauds if you mention what it's for.

IIRC what you need is a M6 spline bit.

Geoff

Ahhhhhh, cheers guys