FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Tajima gear drive chalkbox

| Posted in Tools for Home Building on April 6, 2005 06:08am

Expensive for a chalkbox, and you should use their special fine-ground chalk in it, which is another issue, but does anybody think these are worth the price?

View ImageRugged box, 3x speed line retrieval, much better line than in conventional boxes, better hook, yadda, yadda, yadda.   Reviewed recently in JLC.

I’m down to one plastic cheapy by Irwin, and two broken-down ones I should throw out.

Reply

Replies

  1. FastEddie1 | Apr 06, 2005 08:30pm | #1

    I have seena new Irwin chalk box at the contractors checkout in lowes.  6x or something.  A little expensive.  I looked at it throiugh the packaging, and the string is differfent ... looks like braided fishing line (not the monofilament fishing line).

     

    I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

    1. rooferman | Apr 06, 2005 09:18pm | #2

      Sure is nice to have a clear fine line to follow.  I seen new boxes throw out chaulk like a fire hose. My boots end up blue. Or worse yet I have to take the wind into acct.  Hate to cover my Buds with chalk..........at least by accident.  Let me know if these work.................I'm ready for a change.

      Larso

    2. User avater
      Timuhler | Apr 07, 2005 04:58am | #9

      I bought 3 of those new Irwins and the three of us that used them all chucked them.  They actually throw pretty far, but didn't last very long before they bacame all jammed up with wet chalk (sludge).  Maybe it works better in the summer.  I'd try it but I like my Tajima too much.

  2. User avater
    Bluemoose | Apr 07, 2005 01:22am | #3

    I have two of those Tajima chalk boxes and will never go back to using those lesser yellow and black chalkboxes. The string is a little stretchy and takes some getting used to, but it is WELL worth the money.

    When I bought my first Tajima I also purchased their super fine chalk, but I didn't really think it was that great. I am still sticking with the Irwin red.

    FWIW, they also make a super thin chalk box that has an even skinnier string than the one you pictured. It's a classy blue color instead of the red.

    You'll be the talk of the jobsite with one too! A great conversation starter.

  3. UncleDunc | Apr 07, 2005 02:52am | #4

    >> ... does anybody think these are worth the price?

    Hard to tell. What's the price?

  4. Mitremike | Apr 07, 2005 03:03am | #5

    I bet Brownbagg will buy the hooks from ya.

    See other thread on chalk boxes

    " I reject your reality and substitute my own"
    Adam Savage---Mythbusters
  5. Lansdown | Apr 07, 2005 04:28am | #6

    I recently bought and it's much better than anything I've had before. They also make one that uses ink instead of powder. Their plumb bob is excellent too. They cost $30.

  6. alias | Apr 07, 2005 04:29am | #7

    i got the red and the blue almost 80.00 for chalk boxs but there worth it especially the blue for the finer lay out ...... i'll cast a big ya here.

    ,

    "expectations are premeditated resentments"
  7. User avater
    Timuhler | Apr 07, 2005 04:56am | #8

    I've good success with it, but do NOT use it when its wet out.  Jams it up pretty good.  I've had this one for about 6 months now without it going bad.  I love the nylong string.

    It's great in the summer time.  I use Irwin black chalk by the way.  Haven't had any problems with it, but I do like the Tajima chalk, I just don't use any color besides black.  I'm a framer and want those lines to last :-)   Although the Tajima blue and red mixed together is a really pretty color :-)

  8. User avater
    tatekata | Apr 07, 2005 02:24pm | #10

    Those chalk lines are finer than North American-made ones.  They are not used that much in Japan, only for drywall.  The fine line is similiar to the line used in the more popular ink lines.  My chaulk-box is going on 5 years of hard use, and is still fine, so I would say they are worth the price.  Ink lines are incredibly handy but still hard to get in North America.  The standard Tajima product is an ink-line with a pin instead of a hook.  They are perfect for framing and finish work as well.  A lot of log house builders use them in Canada.  I guess they have not marketed the pin-type chaulk boxes in North America because of safety issues involving the pins.

  9. User avater
    ProDek | Apr 07, 2005 09:48pm | #11

    Worth every penny! I've had mine for about six months and really like it. I'm always a little worried that stretchy nylon line is going to sling the clip back in my face.

    Buy it , you'll like it!

    "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

    Bob

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Mortar for Old Masonry

Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 690: Sharpening, Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips
  • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Old House Journal – August 2025
    • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
    • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in