"Top-quality, nickel/chrome-plated tools that are virtually impervious to the marine environment. The case floats, has dedicated spots for everything, so you know instantly if something is missing, and things stay put – they don’t jumble together as with so many other sets."

"Some advice from a tool collector: Don't lend your LINK set to a friend. After using it, they may decide to claim amnesia."

"(Link) means no more sockets stuck on a fastener while the handle rests in your hand. No more accidental disconnects and bruised knuckles while doing engine repairs."

-- DIY boat owner: the Marine Maintenance Magazine
TO READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW, CLICK HERE

"No matter what angle I had to attack a screw or nut from, Link's locking mechanism kept the tool steady, for which my unskinned knuckles are forever thankful."

"One day rain flooded the kit…but thanks to the nickel-chrome finish, the tools came through rust-free."

- Power & Motoryacht
TO READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW, CLICK HERE

"The drive set is also designed to work with existing brand sockets, so you're not stuck using only proprietary components."

- Sailing

- Practical Sailor  

"Link delivers automatic locking. They function as a solid tool no matter how many tools are used together."
 
- Marine Business Journal

- Southern Boating  

Shortly after we reviewed nautical toolkits (February 2002), Links Tools, a name new to us, contacted us with a proposal to evaluate its products. To that end, we obtained Link's 41-Piece 3/8"-Drive Locking System Set.

Before opening the fitted blue plastic carrying case, we skimmed the included catalog (you can find the same information at www.link-tools.com) and immediately discovered Link's market discriminator: components that lock together and release by one hand if needed-a noteworthy advantage if you use a socket set where the tools or you, or both, must operate in cramped quarters. In addition, you enjoy these features even if you utilize sockets from other manufacturers, as long as they have indents on the drive end. We successfully tested numerous configurations, adding Craftsman and Snap-on components.

This socket set, the largest Link currently offers, packs a lot into only 41 tools:

• 1 UniDriver / 6" extension
• 1 Automatic locking ratchet, 7-¼"
• 2 Drive extensions, 2" and 6" long
• 1 Universal joint
• 2 Sockets, sparkplug, 5/8" and 13/16"
• 9 Sockets, 6-point, 5/16" to 13/16"
• 11 Sockets, 6-point, 8mm to 18mm
• 5 Allen wrenches in sockets, 3/16", 5/16", 3/8", 6mm, 10mm
• 5 Torx bits in sockets, T25, T30, T40, T45, T50
• 2 Screwdriver bits in sockets, slotted, 9/32", 5mm
• 2 Screwdriver bits in sockets, Phillips, #1 and #2

To achieve the design objective, each coupling of two components is secured by a case-hardened steel pin, activated by a spring-loaded collar around the driving member. The pin replaces the ball bearing commonly used by many other manufacturers. Put a socket on one of the extensions as you normally would, but to remove it you grasp the extension with one hand and move the locking collar with your thumb and index finger. Gravity alone is sufficient to separate the components.

We were able to add and remove all components very easily. The more components you link together, the less you need a universal joint (see photo). Yet you can pull on both ends and the components stay locked until you uncouple them. The ratchet handle is smooth and easy on the hands. This set was so pleasurable to use that we found ourselves looking for applications.

The UniDriver connects into the system at both ends. It's a 6" extension, a screwdriver and a nutdriver in one tool. It has a large, comfortable aluminum handle around a steel drive shaft, and will take the same torque as the other components. We used it for all three applications and found it became the centerpiece of the set, with the ratchet used only for final tightening.

For strength, Link says it heat-treats the chrome-vanadium steel to 130% of ANSI standards; we would be even more impressed if actual safe torque limits were shown. Against corrosion, Link first plates the steel with nickel, then again with chrome. Even the insides of the sockets are plated.

Link is a young company, one of whose principals invented the original quick-release ratchet in 1962 and holds the patents for today's locking system. The tools are guaranteed "as long as you own" them. This set sells for $250. The set, minus the sockets, sells for $150, giving you Link's new technology to use with your existing sockets. A ¼"-drive set is also available. As with all things, value is subjective; all we can say is that quality and innovation are both present in Link's tools, and that the problems their designs solve are real ones.

Is it the tool that makes the man (or woman), or the man that makes the tool? In the case of Link Tools, it's both.

By Jan Mundy, Editor, DIY boat owner: the Marine Maintenance Magazine 2002 Issue #4

If you have ever dropped a socket in the bilge while tightening or loosening a fastener, you'll appreciate LINK® tools. If you haven't experienced "Murphy's Law of Unintended Disconnects," and you do a lot of your own routine engine maintenance or equipment installations, you likely soon will and you'll wish for LINK tools. With LINK tools you won't be fishing sockets out of the bilge, often a hopeless effort, or dodge the socket that falls to the deck and rolls into the water during mast adjustments.

LINK tools are unique in their patented locking system developed by Pete Roberts, inventor of the quick-release ratchet wrench in the '60s. Each "link" locks together and regardless of the number of extensions or drive combinations you connect, they stay together. This means no more sockets stuck on a fastener while the handle rests in your hand. No more accidental disconnects and bruised knuckles while doing engine repairs.

Link Tools International offers tool sets that range from five to 41 pieces, 1/4" or 3/8" drives and the corresponding 6mm and 9mm metric sizes. The small set (US$149.99) includes a ratchet, 5cm and 15cm (2" and 6") extenders, universal joint and UniDriver (resembles a screwdriver handle). The larger set (US$249.99) includes both SAE and metric socket sizes, spark plug sockets, socket-mounted slot, Phillips and Torx screwdriver bits, Hex bits, UniDriver, universal joint, 2 extenders and locking ratchet handle. A custom molded carrying case makes it easy to select tools. Turn it upside down and all tools stay in place. When securely latched, this kit apparently floats for at least 10 minutes, likely long enough to fish it out of the drink!

Link's patented locking technology begins with the ratchet handle. Just slide the thumb-operated gold button forward to quickly connect, securely lock and release. Extensions, the UniDriver and other "links" in the set feature a spring-loaded collar that engages or disengages a case hardened steel pin that fits into detents in the socket housing. Simply push on a socket or bit and it "clicks" to permanently lock.

Components let the user customize the tool for any job, providing maximum driver and reach capabilities. With connections at both ends, the UniDriver converts to a screwdriver when used with a socket-mount bit. Attach it to the ratchet and it converts to a high-torque ratcheting driver for driving or extracting nuts or screws. Atach an extension handle and universal joint and you can work around corners. An optional palm wrench lets you hand tighten, then attach the ratchet for the final torque. If it's a breaker bar you need, Link also offers sliding T-bars with its patented locking mechanism. For those really demanding jobs, there's an optional 43cm (17") brace.

Tools are nickel-chrome plated for rust resistance, made to 130% ANSI strength standards and are guaranteed for life. Unless the finish is scratched it likely won't rust, but for added protection toss some silica gel packs in the case.

LINK tools are not available in stores and only sold direct by the manufacturer. Some advice from a tool collector: Don't lend you LINK set to a friend. After using it, they may decide to claim amnesia.