A chalk line is a metal or plastic case filled with powdered chalk and a reel containing
50 to 100 feet of line. It's used to mark a straight line between two points. Many models
can also be used as a plumb bob, a hanging weight that is often used to check the
alignment of vertical surfaces such as walls. In the case of a chalk line, the hanging
weight is the case.
Using a Chalk Line
Shake the chalk line before use to distribute chalk evenly on the line, and refill the
case when lines become hard to see. To mark a line, hold the chalk line taut between the
two endpoints and snap it against the work. For accuracy when snapping lines greater than
20 feet, secure the ends and then hold the line down at a point somewhere near the middle.
Snap the two segments individually. To make a finer line, replace the stock line with a
length of 20-pound-test braided nylon fishing line.
Make vertical lines on a surface by using the case as a plumb bob, holding it taut at its
resting point and snapping the string.
Purchasing
Choose a chalk line in a metal case if you plan to use the tool as a plumb bob - the
added weight makes it more resistant to swinging. Chalk is available in red, blue,
yellow, or fluorescent orange.
Other Names
Snap line
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