Shinwa Sokutei 77963 Neo Handy Chalk Line, Automatic Winding, Fine Thread, Valencia Orange

When I first got this I was a little annoyed at the size. I would be even happier if it were 1/2 to 3/4 the size it is. I didn't mark anything off for that, because I've yet to find anything but vintage chalk lines the size I want.That said, this chalk line is amazing. It has 3 features that really make it stand out.* Auto rewind - At first I thought this was just a gimmick to make it sound more impressive, but I love it. The spring tension is adjustable, and it is easy to get it set to the point that it'll hang without rewinding or unwinding. This means it can be used as a chalk line + plumb bob, which by itself makes this twice as useful and convenient.* Dust brush - This is the reason I bought this line. It does an excellent job of brushing off excess dust so you don't unwind the line in a cloud of dust. The only downside is that the resulting snap line is dimmer than normal. This can also be considered a feature, since it cleans up easier, and you don't really need the line to be super bright.* Push pin - Most lines have a hook at one end, Which is nice if you want to hang the line on a nail, but most of the time you put in a nail or screw just to run the line. The push pin is strong enough to hold the line in plumb bob usage, and handy when you don't want to put in a nail. Also the hold left behind generally closed back up in wood, so it isn't generally a problem when you don't use the line to guide cut.

Absolutely love it.THE GOOD: Easy to use, with the end coming out with a retractable needle for pushing into soft surfaces (drywall etc.) so you don't ever have to set a nail to pull your string. The micro chalk line leaves a perfectly thin chalk line. I use neon pink chalk and it shows up great on most surfaces.Really easy to adjust the tension on the retractable string.THE BAD: Not easy to find the Japanese neon color mirco chalks that are compatible with this sting line.OVERALL: Very awesome product for interior trim! I've been using it for a few years now and I love it.

My father loves this brand and it's tools, anything to make his job easier

I now have 2 of them. They are great to use when working alone. It comes with a fine thread and retractable pin to insert in to material. Leaves a very fine marking line.

I like like the line this tool produces. I am using a fluorescent green chalk that is visible on most surfaces. Other colors are available. I wish the end had a hook as well as the pin, because in some situations, The pin can’t be used. I’m glad I bought it but I would like to see a few changes.

Why wind up a chalk box when this will do it for you? I'm a amateur cabinetmaker, so I don't need longer than about 20 feet, which is what this one retracts with an internal spring.Note that this is clearly a domestic market Japanese tool; the packaging and the unit are Japanese language only. That was not a problem, just play with it for a minute before you put the chalk in. The only parts I had any concern with were: Open the chalk door to turn the ring around the reel to take the reel out. Twist the black dial on the back to tension the spring. Google translate on your phone will sort-of translate if you are really interested.This unit does not have a place to store the hook. I suspect Japanese customers prefer the pin. The pin does retract into its body if it comes out of the wood, to keep you from getting poked if it flies back at you.No chalk with the unit, buy that separately.Shinwa is a good Japanese brand, perhaps a notch above what Empire is in the U.S.. I recommend their bevels with the screw on the bottom as well.

I like this product because it snaps a really fine line. There are no english instructions with it. I filled it with caulk per the diagram and it jammed on the first three ft out. I figured out how to open it up and saw that the line had jumped the spool. Also once I removed the spool I heard the tension spring for recoil unwind. Oh crap I thought, I then discovered what the yellow toggle button was for. I reassembled it and worked fine after that. The hassle was blue caulk every where and took 20 minutes to figure stuff out. Tip: take this apart before you fill it with caulk and see how it work and how to fix it if and when it jambs (again no instructions in english). After I put it back together I realized it was a well thought out tool.

Never fully retracted from day one. Used it on a kitchen job, made a few lines on the wall then it broke. Line keeps getting stuck inside and breaks when you try and free it! Tierd of opening it and losing chaulk all over the place to fix it. Wish I would of used it before the return window closed because this would of went back!! Cheap buyer beware!