A chalk line is a small yet super handy and useful product that is needed to make straight, accurate, and non-permanent lines on flat and uneven surfaces.
These lines help in construction and cutting and play an essential role in job sites.
If you’re looking for one, we have for you a Buyer’s Guide to help you know what features to look for in a chalk line.
This would give you a clear picture of each product and will enable you to choose the perfect one for yourself.
Buyer’s Guide
Before buying the best chalk lines you need to consider a few essential factors that will help you in making the right decision.
Below is a list of features that you need to look at before buying a chalk line:
Hook
While choosing the best chalk line, you must consider the quality of the hook because the hook plays a vital role in keeping the chalk line secure and perfectly straight.
You should make sure that you are going to benefit from its hook in both the short run and in the long term.
Cost-Effectiveness
Chalk Lines don’t cost much, but you should never go for a cheaper option if it doesn’t work very well.
Cost-effective purchases are what you should always be aiming for so get one that is worth your money.
Durability
You should always make sure it is durable because the best chalk lines still have a faster rewind.
This allows you to rewind the string faster, so you can complete more tasks. The aluminum and rubber will tend to hold up better in the rain and snow.
You should go for those that are durable, and you can benefit from them over a couple of years.
Accuracy
Accuracy is a critical factor to consider before you buy it. It should be accurate enough because drawing straight.
Precise lines are essential when you’re piling tiles or cutting wood. These things require accuracy, so this factor is crucial to look for.
A chalk line blessing you with crisp, spot-free straight lines is what you need.
Length of line
The longer the line, the bigger the surfaces you can cover. If you’re working on big projects, then the length of the line plays an important role.
Top 10 Chalk Lines Reviews
Below are our top ten picks for the best chalk lines available in the market with their brief reviews and pros and cons.From the list below you can choose the one that suits your requirements the best.
1. Keson G110 Chalk Line Reel
Keson’s little giant chalk line reel has 10% more string than any similar box and that too with lesser replacements.
It has large handles that can accommodate even gloved hands, so if you like working with gloves on, fitting your hand through it will not be a problem.
You do not have to refill it again and again, either because it has the capacity to hold nearly a pound of chalk and a lining of cotton poly-cord that holds it better and lasts longer.
It is very durable with a steel crank handle that is best for years of use.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Durable
- 10% more string
- Large handle
- Convenient
- Good for snapping long lines
Cons:
- The line is not as thick as previous models
- No end rings
2. Stanley 47-442 Chalk Reel
This chalk reel has blue chalk and is imported. It has a very high impact ABS case that gives it high durability.
This is also due to the stainless steel hook that stays rust-free. The patented on-board hook storage makes holding chalk very easy.
It also has a sliding door, so you can quickly fill in the chalk with very little falling out. Once you close this door, it stays inside and does not leak out.
It has folding crank handles that store neatly into the case.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Durable
- High impact case
- Rust free
- Convenient
Cons:
- Line it forms is too thick
3. M-D Building Products 00760 Chalk Reel
M-D Contractor Chalk Reel is an extremely cheap product that provides excellent results.
This chalk line works incredibly, and you can create a straight line without any efforts or hassle. It has a poly and cotton mixed line, and you can make super precise lines with it.
It comes with a steel hook attached to the line, so you can anchor it to any nail or point and quickly make accurate lines.
The line is of 50-feet and can be easily used on long surfaces. The reel is made up of hard plastic which is durable and reliable.
You need to buy the chalk fillings separately though. It can hold up to 1 ounce at once, so not much is wasted.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Light
- Manual creek reel
- Accurate
Cons:
- Comes without chalk
4. Tajima CR202B-P Chalk Line
Tajima CR202B-P is a durable, heavy-duty die-cast aluminum case sealed chalk line with an elastomer gasket.
It has a positive gear lock line hold which is automatically released during rewind. The five gear drive system allows for smooth rewinds.
The 100 feet long line is perfect for long surfaces. The chalk line is exceptionally accurate and easy to use.
It can be crank folded away when not used and it also has an end hook stay to keep end hook from catching on objects when pulled from pouch or toolbox.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to use and fold up
- A highly accurate, small, crisp line
Cons:
- Leaves a spotty line
5. DEWALT DWHT47257L Chalk Reel
The Compact Chalk Reel Kit is one of DEWALT’s best affordable products in the market. It delivers whatever you ask for.
It has a sturdy plastic case that will last you a long time and won’t wear and tear. It’s compact and easy to carry around.
DWHT47257L has a metal hook on the line that offers excellent anchoring power for added accuracy. Holds 1 ounce of chalk inside and provides up to 15 feet of line capacity for great convenience.
The best part is the additional 4-ounces bottle of blue chalk refill that comes with it.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Strong case
- Comes with a refill bottle
- Easy to use
- Compact
Cons:
- Only 30 feet of cord
6. TAJIMA Chalk Box CR401S
This product has an extra-bold snap line – 1.0 mm braided nylon line produces clean, clear, accurate snaps for the precise layout results.
With its 5-gear, fast wind system you can enjoy quick retrieval which would allow quick winding and unwinding saving your precious time.
It has a durable aluminum case, a quick spool line, and an easy-fill neck.
The integrated handle release allows the chalk line to free-spool when pressed and automatically re-engages when winding.
This adds to user convenience and makes this a customer favorite product.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Extra heavy-duty
- Rugged case
- Non-slip grip
- Crisp and straight lines
Cons:
- Gears jam during use
7. IRWIN Tools 64310 Chalk Reel
If you are looking for a long-lasting and reliable chalk line to have in your toolbox, then this is the one for you.
It has an aluminum alloy body and comes with a cotton build. It has a self-locking metal handle which increases the handiness of the product and adds stability in use.
Comes with a well-made refillable case that can hold up to 2 ounces of chalk. An additional 4 ounces of chalk comes with the line.
The product is leak-proof and cannot be damaged easily due to its aluminum alloy construction.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Durable built
- Comes with 4 ounces of refill
- Leak-proof
Cons:
- The string is too thin
8. Strait-Line 1932880 Chalk Reel
Strait-Line Chalk Reel features a wide door for a refill which allows quick and easy refills, and an impact-resistant construction which can handle drops and won’t wear and tear quickly.
The durable aluminum case is what you need on your job site. The Abrasion-resistant polyester line provides up to 5-6 strikes per pull.
It has a robust steel handle and a large center hub which provides increased durability, strength, and torque.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Impact-resistant
- Well made
- Abrasion-resistant
Cons:
- Polyline frays easily
9. Milwaukee ELEC Tool Chalk Reel
Milwaukee Chalk Reel comes with a strip-guard clutch and a superb 6:1 gear retraction ratio.
The best thing about this chalk line is that it keeps edges straight and delivers super accurate and precise lines.
The anti-slip clutch prevents line breakages while reeling and the gear makes the chalk line reliable for harsh and complicated operations.
The gear system makes the line more productive and more resistant and paired with the 1.5mm braided line.
You get one of the most reliable and long-lasting products in the market.
The incredible design of this product prevents spillage, and it comes with a 3-ounce bottle of new chalk.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Comes with a refill
- Well made
- Anti-slip clutch
- No spillage
Cons:
- Wastes chalk
- Breaks easily
- Bad clip
10. Keson P100 Octoganal Chalk Line Reel
Keson P100 has a unique octagonal shape which is impressive for corner work.
The heavy-duty steel crank ensures its long, trouble-free life and the self-sealing grommet allows for spill-free refills.
This prevents wastage of chalk and makes refilling easier.
It holds 3-Ounces of chalk and has a 100 Foot bold cord which allows it to be used on more extended surfaces.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Heavy-duty steel crank
- Self-sealing grommet
- Spill-free refills
Cons:
- Comes without chalk
Frequently Asked Questions
What color is the chalk line?
Chalk powders come in different colors, and each colored chalk powder has a different use.
- Blue chalk powder
It is used for general-purpose as it contrasts well on wood, plastic, and metal surfaces.
- Red chalk powder
Red chalk powder is permanent, and it contrasts well on all surfaces and materials.
Permanent colors are for use on extended outdoor projects where non-permanent chalk lines are likely to be washed away by rain.
- Yellow chalk powder
Yellow chalk powder is also permanent and is perfect for brickwork, plastic, and metal.
The yellow powder is ideal for use on marking outlines that may otherwise be washed away by the elements.
- White chalk powder
It is ideal for interiors and walls that are later to be covered by wallpapers. It contrasts well on dark surfaces and is non-permanent.
Does the chalk line wash off?
Permanent chalk lines do not wash off. These include yellow and red chalk lines.
However, others that are non-permanent, including white and blue chalk, can easily wash off.
Is red chalk permanent?
As mentioned above, red chalk is permanent and can be a hassle to take it off.
It’s better to use blue or white chalk if you’re looking for a non-permanent chalk liner.
What removes chalk? / How do you remove chalk lines?
Different methods can be used to remove chalk lines which include:
- Dabbing with a clean sponge and cold water
- Fabric erasers
- Gentle rubbing with a magic eraser
- Rubbing with a water/vinegar mixture (5 parts water and 1 part vinegar)
- White vinegar on a soft cloth
How do you get red chalk off concrete?
It’s tough to remove red chalk off the concrete, but it is said that it wears off with time.
Scrubbing the surface with a bar of mild soap and water can help in getting rid of red chalk from concrete.
Vinegar is another excellent remedy that can be used to lighten red chalk from concrete.
What is the purpose of a chalk line?
A chalk line or chalk box is a tool for marking long, straight lines on relatively flat surfaces, much farther than is practical by hand or with a straightedge.
They may be used to layout consecutive lines between two points or vertical lines by using the weight of the line reel as a plumb line.
Conclusion
We hope that you find the perfect chalk line for your toolbox amongst our top picks and that our buyer’s guide and answers to FAQs have been helpful enough to enable you to choose and use a chalk line without any trouble.
