<p>A vane unit system having a plurality of vane units having at least one airfoil projecting from a base is modified by placing a hole in the base and receiving a pin which extends between adjacent bases of vane units. A series of modified bases form a ring of rigid vanes that are less susceptible to vane motion caused by pressure fluctuations within the compressor of a gas turbine. A blade assembly tool having a shape to fit within the slot in a casing that receives the vane units allows for the installation of vane units with pins locking to shims or adjacent vanes without the necessity of having to remove the rotor from the casing. Preferably, the pins are coiled straps resiliently engaging at least one but preferably both holes in two adjacent vanes.</p>
