We love Irwin tools and their Vise-Grip locking pliersย remain one of our favorite go-to tools. Of course, theirย Marples woodworking chiselsย are a force to be reckoned with. Irwin continues to update their Strait-Line chalk reels. The newest Irwin Strait-Line Chalk Reels feature durable bodies, steel handles, and 100 feet of line. Irwin engineered the Mach6, Speed-Line, SpeedLineย Pro,ย and Aluminum chalk reelsย to address a variety of needs and users.
The Big Deal โ Internal and External Tweaked Designs
While Irwin has been making their Strait-Line chalk reels seemingly forever, they always seem to find room for improvement. This go-around we see some attention paid to adding overmolding to the SpeedLine PRO chalk reels. They also tweaked the spool design to further reduce chalk clumping and line jamming. When you feed out dozens of feet of line and reel it back in all day long on roofing or framing applicationsโa jam-free system definitely helps.
Irwin Mach6 Chalk Reel
The Irwin Mach6 Chalk Reel possessesย the quickest attraction with a 6:1 gear system. It also includes a metal body and 100 feetย of high-performance polyester/nylon line. Irwin claims the Mach6 can deliver up to 6 strikes perย pull.
The Irwin Mach6 chalk reel also includes added features like an EZ access door on theย back which allows you to more easily unclog blockages or swap out the line. A twist-off cap for refilling chalk and a wide-prong hook make this a compelling new product.
Specs
- Housing: Aluminum
- Model: IWHT48445
- Line size: 100 ft.
- Chalk color: Blue or Red (permanent)
SpeedLine PROย Chalk Reel
Theย SpeedLine PROย Chalk Reel comes with a 6:1 gear system. It also features a lightweightย ABS plastic body with overmold. Inside, you get 100 feet of high-performance polyester/nylon line.
SpeedLine PROย chalk reels also includeย the easy-fill twist-off cap and wide-prong hook that will hold onto the edgeย of the workpiece even when the chalk line is held at an angle.
Specs
- Housing: ABS plastic w/overmold
- Model: IWHT48443
- Line size: 100 ft.
- Chalk color: Blue or Red (permanent)
Irwin SpeedLineย Chalk Reel
Irwinโsย SpeedLineย Chalk Reel has a 3:1 gear ratio and a traditional lightweight ABS plastic body. Inside the case is 100 feet of polyester line thatย Irwin claims will deliver up to 5 strikes per pull. The large refill door makes it easy to reload, so you donโt spill chalk all over.
Specs
- Housing: ABS plastic
- Model: IWHT48442
- Line size: 100 ft.
- Chalk color: Blue or Red (permanent)
Strait-Line Classic Aluminum
The more basicย Aluminumย Strait-Line Classic chalk reel features a redesigned solid aluminum body and steel handle.ย It uses aย traditional 1:1 gear ratio and includes 100 feet of polyester line.
Specs
- Housing: Aluminum
- Model: IWHT48441
- Line size: 100 ft.
- Chalk color: Blue or Red (permanent)
Final Thoughts
The Irwin Strait-line series of chalk reelsย give you just about any option you could ask for when snapping lines. Weโve used several of these throughout the years and have found them to hold up well. In particular, I love the wide fill opening and extra-wide hook. They wind and unwind easily, and if you want a super-quick rewind, you canโt beat the 6:1 Mach6 geared system.
With a retail price range of $4.98 to $14.98, you can find a chalk reel for any budget. Pick one of these up at your local home improvement warehouse, Irwin Tools dealer, or hardware store.
