Chalk Lines and Marking Chalk

A chalk line is used to mark a straight reference line quickly on walls, floors and slabs, for laying tiles, aligning partitions, fixing suspended ceilings or setting out the runs for services. The line is stretched between two points, lifted and released against the surface, leaving the mark. For slopes and precise levels you need a level, while the chalk line is faster for long straight lines.

An ABS body is light and suited to occasional use or carrying in a pocket. An aluminium body is more rigid and withstands knocks on site better. The bi-material body combines the two characteristics, balancing weight and robustness. The collection includes 30 metre chalk lines in all three materials, so choose according to how often you use it and the weight you are willing to carry.

The rewind ratio indicates how many turns the handle makes relative to the spool: 1:1 means one turn for each turn, while 3:1 and 6:1 rewind the line faster. A high ratio is handy when you mark often and with a long line. The 1:1 ratio is slower but more controlled. In the titles you will find 1:1, 3:1 and 6:1 chalk lines, to be chosen according to the pace of the work.

The choice of colour depends on the contrast with the surface you are working on. The collection includes Pavan red and blue powders, and black powder in the FatMax set. Choose the colour that shows up well on the material, and test it on an inconspicuous spot before marking a finished wall. On dark surfaces a light powder shows up better, and vice versa.

Pour the powder into the chalk line's compartment after opening the lid, taking care not to overfill it. The pack size depends on the model: the powder for the Road RL50 chalk line comes in 336 grams, the one for the Mini-Road RL30 in 224 grams. Use only the powder indicated for that chalk line, because a different pack size may not close the compartment properly and let powder escape during transport.

A set combines the chalk line, the powder and in some cases a small line level, so on site you have everything you need to mark a reference line. It is useful for people who work with a single tool and do not want to look for compatible parts. The contents vary from set to set: check the product page to see whether the powder, the line level and the colour are included.

Stretch the line between the two points and secure it accurately before pulling and releasing it, so the line does not move. Do not shake the chalk line, because the powder spreads unevenly and the line becomes blurred. After use, rewind the line slowly and remove the excess powder, so that it lasts longer. On wet surfaces, wait until they are dry, because the powder does not adhere evenly.