Purdue University Reviews LINK Tools in ATEC Journal
By Michael Leasure, Purdue University

"The next generation in tool design" as the advertising claims. This innovative concept in tool design includes a ratchet, extensions, and universal that lock and hold together so they cannot become separated during use. The release of the assembly may be accomplished with one hand. The new generation ratchet utilizes a sliding button to release sockets. This feature eliminates the accidental release of the socket while "palming" the back of the ratchet head in use. This improvement is an example of a company dedicated to improving their product based upon user feedback. TO READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW, CLICK HERE.

I recently had the opportunity to test a set of the tools in the repair of an aircraft engine in our powerplant laboratory. The task was the removal and reinstallation of a cylinder assembly. I will explain more about that experience later in this article.

The concept of the "quick-release" ratchet system dates from the early 1960's. Inventor Pete Roberts was responsible for this early innovation in tools and has followed with the evolutionary, in not revolutionary LINK tool concept.

The security of knowing that a tool will not fall into the inner recesses of an airframe during use is valuable not only from a safety standpoint, but when lost productivity is factored into the equation, the value of the locking feature becomes clear. The other obvious benefit is that when pulling a socket off of a bolt or nut, the assembly will not come apart. This prevents the socket from hanging up on the nut or bolt in an inaccessible location. This really adds to the versatility of the LINK assembly as removal force can be applied as well as insertion force.

From my experience turning wrenches on heavy aircraft, I can recall a socket or extension dropping loose from the ratchet while working on a high scaffold or "cherry picker". Again, it is not only hazardous to personnel and aircraft surfaces below but results in lost time and productivity in retrieving the tool. The LINK tool eliminates most of that worry. In my experience, it is not the ratchet that drops because it is firmly held in the technicians' hand while the socket and extensions, or universal joints, are another matter.

When I received the tool kit I immediately opened it and began to inspect the tools. My first impressions were favorable. The size, weight, and "feel" of the tools in the hand were good. The chrome sheen of the various assemblies reminded me of the finish applied by other high-end tool companies. The detents in the ratchet are firm and positive without being harsh. Clearly, this was a well-made set of tools with the professional mechanic in mind.

As I mentioned earlier, I used the set to remove and reinstall a cylinder on an engine in our powerplant laboratory. A few impressions were noted during this exercise. First, it did take me some time to get used to releasing the sockets and extensions during use. I was reminded of my first trip rabbit hunting with a pump shotgun. I just kept forgetting to pump in a second shell and second chances were rare. Just like the shotgun, the release of the sockets became second nature with some practice and use. Secondly, I would have liked a set of ¼ inch drive sockets and a ratchet to use on specific fasteners. Those products are currently in development and will be available in the near future. The cylinder base wrenches, of course, did not lock onto the ratchet, as they were not designed to do so. The LINK locking feature does, however, hold most other quality brands of sockets.

The ratchet and sockets were primarily used during the cylinder work. The unidriver was used to start a couple of the nuts onto their studs and it was handy for this. The screwdriver inserts were used on the intake coupler clamps as well as the rocker box screws and they performed without incident. Overall, the set performed well and was no worse for the wear in this short exercise.

The LINK tool representative supplied various literature and endorsements related to the tools and their use in the industry for my review. I found the endorsement list to be very impressive. Organizations of prominence included individuals at United Airlines, TWA, Embry-Riddle University, Tulsa Tech, and Bombardier. All had used the tools and had found them to their liking. I was particularly intrigued by their potential in the educational environment. The student would learn from the first use of this tool the importance of tool control and safety. The use of this tool set would be a constant reminder of the importance of accounting for all tools when working on aircraft and the importance of not having tools that come loose and drop out of control into inaccessible areas.

In conclusion, I was impressed with the LINK tools and their implications in industrial, mechanical, and educational areas. The endorsement list was long and impressive. The tools performed well in use. It was important for me that the tools perform as well as a standard set but with the added locking feature. In other words, no compromises were made to incorporate the locking feature that would limit the utility of the tool in use. I found this set to be as good or better than a standard set, and with the added locking AND QUICK-RELEASE features, it was superior.

LINK tools may be contacted through their website at WWW.LINK-TOOLS.COM or by phone at (773) 549-3000, Fax (773) 549-3164.