We love Irwin tools and their Vise-Grip locking pliers remain one of our favorite go-to tools. Of course, their Marples woodworking chisels 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, SpeedLine Pro, and Aluminum chalk reels to address a variety of needs and users.
The Big Deal – 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 applications—a jam-free system definitely helps.
Irwin Mach6 Chalk Reel
The Irwin Mach6 Chalk Reel possesses the quickest attraction with a 6:1 gear system. It also includes a metal body and 100 feet of high-performance polyester/nylon line. Irwin claims the Mach6 can deliver up to 6 strikes per pull.
The Irwin Mach6 chalk reel also includes added features like an EZ access door on the 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 PRO Chalk Reel
The SpeedLine PRO Chalk Reel comes with a 6:1 gear system. It also features a lightweight ABS plastic body with overmold. Inside, you get 100 feet of high-performance polyester/nylon line.
SpeedLine PRO chalk reels also include the easy-fill twist-off cap and wide-prong hook that will hold onto the edge 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 SpeedLine Chalk Reel
Irwin’s SpeedLine Chalk Reel has a 3:1 gear ratio and a traditional lightweight ABS plastic body. Inside the case is 100 feet of polyester line that Irwin claims will deliver up to 5 strikes per pull. The large refill door makes it easy to reload, so you don’t 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 basic Aluminum Strait-Line Classic chalk reel features a redesigned solid aluminum body and steel handle. It uses a 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 reels give you just about any option you could ask for when snapping lines. We’ve 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 can’t 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.
