I never get tired of the jaw-dropping reaction I get when other carpenters see my self-retracting Tajima Chalk-Rite chalkline. “What is that?” and “Does that chalkline wind itself?” are the most common responses that don’t involve profanity. But far more than a gimmick aimed to impress, the $20 Chalk-Rite works great and is very durable.

I especially like how the fine, braided string leaves a distinct line and won’t ball up inside the housing like cheaper strings. The line maxes out at 33 ft., but self-retraction is limited to 23 ft. A steel ball inside the chalk reservoir breaks up the chalk and the sturdy hook grips both edges and corners of material quite well. In short: Get one.

Photo: Melinda Sonido