September 1, 2005
NUCLEAR POWER INDUSTRY WELCOMES LINK TOOLS

LINK^® TOOLS at nuclear generating stations has grown dramatically in the summer of 2005. LINK tools’ ability to insure Foreign Materials Exclusion (FME) through unique hand-to-work automatic locking (eliminating the human factor) and the absence of intensive training necessary to make maximum impact with the tools, have all made important contributions resulting in their rapid adoption.

In the past six months the majority of U.S. and Canadian facilities have received samples of Link Tools. Of those over half have now responded and an overwhelming 81% had a favorable reaction to the tools with an equally high percentage of those deciding to purchase the tools. In fact, 66% of the latter have purchased and already incorporated the use of the tools into their safety systems. Among the newest users are FirstEnergy, AmerenUE, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG & E), Entergy and Progress Energy. As previously reported, energy giants TVA, Ontario Power and Exelon are already using Link Tools.

The LINK patented QUICK LOCK™ technology guarantees no dropped sockets or tool separations and has been a key to several commendations earned by the tools. This fact was highlighted in the evaluation performed in 2001 by the Iowa National Guard for the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). In 2002, Link was selected as a Great Idea at the Department of Defense Maintenance Symposium, co-sponsored by SAE International.

The following year LINK became the first hand tools to receive the highest international certification from TÜV, Europe’s premiere licensing and certification organization. The TÜV “Q-Mark” was awarded to LINK for exceeding standards for quality and durability as well as explicit designations for exceptional ergonomics.

In 2004 TÜV further cited LINK for major health and economic benefits. Extensive on-the-job testing indicated that the use of Link tools significantly reduced strain on the muscles, nerves and skeletal system of workers. Perhaps even more importantly, the use of LINK Tools also significantly increased worker productivity and output.

In 2005, LINK TOOLS were adopted for the retrofitting of the United States Navy’s nuclear submarines. Their ability to complete complicated jobs in cramped, dark spaces made them virtually ‘custom-made’ for submarine use.

LINK’S QUICK-LOCK system has been tested and utilized by users from various fields including Lockheed Martin, United and Delta Airlines, the City of Phoenix Police Department, Northrup Grumman and other major industrial corporations. Link Tools are available in all drive sizes from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch sizes.

Based in Chicago, Illinois, LINK Tools International (U.S.A.), Inc. is the global leader in high efficiency mechanics’ hand tools.
LINK^® and QUICK-LOCK^® are registered trademarks of LINK Tools International (U.S.A.), Inc. For additional information go to www.linktoolsonline.com or call 1-888-727-LINK