Boating World

Missing Link

Part of the fun of owning a boat is the time you spend on do-it-yourself routine maintenance.

May 1, 2003

Part of the fun of owning a boat is the time you spend on do-it-yourself routine maintenance. OK, maybe it's a small part of the fun, but you've got to admit that a little shade-tree tinkering can be therapeutic. That is unless a loose-fitting wrench causes you to smash your knuckles, or you wind up blindly feeling around your slimy bilge for a dropped socket. That's where the LINK tool system enters the picture. Rather than sliding a socket down over a spring-loaded ball bearing, you slide up a collar to engage or disengage a locking pin. When a socket or socket accessory is locked into position, that's where it stays. And the best part is that the LINK system works with any standard sockets or attachments you already have. Every one of them will push on, lock automatically and release quickly. There are lots of different tool combinations you can check out on the LINK website, but boaters will really appreciate the 41-piece, 3/8-inch Drive System Set in an easy-to-store case ($249.99). It will replace all the sockets and screwdrivers on your boat, and it includes LINK's own automatic-locking ratchet. The high-quality steel tools have a distinctive chrome finish and come with a lifetime warranty.