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 rigid ring of 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 slit in a casing that receives the vane units allows for the installation of vane units with interlocking pins without the necessity of having to remove the rotor from the casing.