Crescent LUFKIN 100 ft. Professional Aluminum Chalk Reel

This is my 3rd one. 1st 2 got stolen.. lol. Definite pros and cons in my opinion being a union commercial roofer, and it gets used by just about everyone as well as for whatever reason that even have their own chalkboxes… so theres definitely something about it they all like. PROS: compact unit compared to most, precise lines if you have a steady cut hand, can take some abuse if dropped being an aluminum unit, price is competitive for similar units. I like the locking feature for when not in use. CONS: I don’t know if I got a defective unit or not as my 1st 2 never had issues like this one did.. even when they got damp/wet. The little flip out handle to wind it up, the knob broke off within the 1st 2 weeks of owning it, rigged up a machine bolt and nut and peened it together so the nut wouldnt walk off, brand new the reel seemed a bit hard to unwind to fill it like it was wound up too tight from factory, the hook I wish it was a little bigger for a set hole when using a screw as a Camo #9 3” wood screw barely fits without screwing it through the hole, and a roofing screw definitely wont fit as we don’t use standard roofing screws/nails being commercial. Filled it last week only for the stopper on the bottom to rip and fall out. Fixed that with rubber grommet and plug. Now this one got damp in my bag so I did just like I have done with any other box.. ran out the line in the sun, took the cap and bottom off and let it all dry out. The ‘nose’ piece now dry it seems like the line is jamming up in it a bit even when its 100% dry. Not too sure what thats all about. That one is a nitpick only because my 1st 2 when damp/wet, did the same thing above to dry out and no issues. Wish the line was a bit thicker sometimes as trying to snap a 50’ plus line by yourself sometimes requires 2 snaps or more. Unlike my 100’ Irwin.. one snap and you got a line you can see for whatever distance with only 1 snap by yourself. Comments: if there was a parts kit for this.. I would buy it instead of a new unit. Hook definitely can use a redesign, as well as the rubber fill plug. If anything that should be a hard plastic screw in type, or just cast it solid and undo the top piece to fill it. Thing is.. I would recommend this box to others and buy another one! When the unit works like it’s supposed to… its a dream to use! Like I said before.. I think I got a defective unit from Lowes as it was on their clearance rack for whatever reason seeing how they sell these.

I got this about a month ago and was pretty excited to try it. In my hand it felt very sturdy and reliable. It’s built tough. First time I used it it made great lines. The lines were crisp and didn’t leave a lot of chalk all over the board. I was pretty impressed until I put it down. The bottom fill hole for the chalk would spill out every time I sat the chalk box down. It would leave quarter size spots of chalk everywhere.

I got this about a month ago, first thing I notice is the string is a lot smaller then most chalkline. You go to snap the line and it makes a small line with chalkline. Snags up every once in awhile when u go to reel it in. Good for use every once in awhile. Also is a bit heavy compared to most chalklines

Got this at Christmas time. This is much more solid feeling. Locks really well. My only real issue is the quick fill plug does leak a little powder, it is a rubber plug with slits but powder leaks out.