Crescent LUFKIN 50 ft. Compact Chalk and Reel with Blue Chalk

Experienced carpenter here, and I have tried this chalk box multiple times just in case I just was unlucky and bought a bad one and nope! This box has failed multiple times and I have purchased more then a few to try them out. After about 3 to 4 days the box locks up and will not pull out past 6-8 feet making it almost worthless. As much as I liked this one more then any on the market it obviously still has a lot of room for improvement.

At first impression it seems like just another chalk reel but of a smaller size. It is styled after the new tape measure looks with the circular hand grip. I like the nonslip molded rubber exoskeleton and provides a decent grip. The length is 50’ which is an ok length for most remodeling projects that a pro or “diy”er may need if they are trying to save on space in their tool pouch or apron. Seems to fit in my tool pouch nicely and is not small enough that it tends to get buried by other things. It does have nice action for the gearing to return line to housing. The 3x faster would be of opinion depending on whose competitor’s chalk reel you would be comparing to. The chalk container included with your purchase is blue, 1.5 oz, #1 permanence, which is not considered staining. The chalk compartment door seems to be adequate allowing the tip of the chalk bottle to almost seal it so as you squeeze the bottle you don’t get a big blue puff of chalk coming out. However, that is bitter sweet as it makes it darker inside the compartment so it tends to be a bit easier to over fill the compartment making it tighter on the line. The more aggressive tines help grip the edges of lumber and plywood. It also has the usual opening on the hook to loop over a nail or screw. The hook stowage area is also nicer than most others that I’ve used. Now for the most important part of a chalk reel review… How well does it hold chalk? It took three times pulling out at least 40’ to load the line with chalk enough to get a chalk line when snapped. One down side is that the line never gets chalk on the first ½”, combine that with the length of the hook and you don’t get a chalk line for the first 1-1/2” when snapped. As for holding chalk, I could only get two lines snapped on an 8’ sheet of plywood per chalking which would not be comparable to others that I have used. In the end, I would have to say “It’s just another chalk reel but, with some nicer standard features”. I would recommend, but don’t be fooled by the American flag on the packaging. This is American designed and produced in China.

Got this tool awhile ago and it's been terrific. The crank and hook stow easily to take up less space, the case is strong and durable, and it holds the chalk well. 0 issues with it at all. Highly recommended.

I purchased this Chalk Reel on a whim. Every Contractor and home remodeled I know has at least three of the from different companies somewhere in their truck or shop, well this one is the last you will ever need! I have used in multiple jobs and the reel retracts perfectly given a nice clean chalk line making it so easy to see what you are working on. The hooper is easy to fill and did not make a mess when loading. I highly recommend this chalk reel and through if all the other ones you have hanging around.