We're off to a good start. Can't speak to long-term durability yet but various annoyances with the usual chalk lines have already been bypassed.
* It's not clearly mentioned in the marketing materials and many folks won't read the fine print, so be aware that you don't want to use extreme tension with this line, or it could break. That said, it's designed to not need as much tension and yet produce a quality line.
- Form factor is easier to have on me. The shape (and hook-stay and handle and so on) works into my rig better than other small boxes, and unlike those, the braided line seems so far good enough to cover for the giant irwin industrial chalk-rope that I sometimes had to fall back on (which doesn't really fit at all).
- Winding and unwinding so far going well. The little scroll lock does seem to work, but it doesn't have a lot of surface area or a satisfying click to convince me it's really going to hold when tested repeatedly and with vigor. The gear drive does make a noticeable difference on the job, and feels pretty solid.
- Filling it is FAR easier than any other chalk box I've dealt with. Just FYI, fill it only to the bottom of the pin (you'll see when you open it), and don't pack the chalk (might be obvious to more experienced folks but worth noting). Some might be concerned about capacity but aside from thinking it's plenty for most jobs, I also think ease of refilling would make up for the difference (if any - depends on what you're using currently).
- I shouldn't need to for a long time, but I checked out the process for repair and replacement of the line and it's straight-forward (pun entirely intended).
- Works with Tajima micro-chalk (purchased separately). Came with a sample of their snap dye which I have not used yet (concerned it's too permanent for my circumstances, but nice to know it's an option). Will work with standard chalk brands, but supposedly not as well. I have no idea how much of that is marketing nonsense versus real factors like grain and density. If/when I find out I'll update this.
The first day I used it, I ended up with several other folks standing around admiring the beauty of the chalk line. Of course, that could have just been because they didn't want to go back to work, but I'm choosing to believe my Tajima has magic powers. Using it again tomorrow, so we'll see if writing this review causes the whole thing to fall apart.
When it arrived the packaging (of the product itself, not the shipping box) was in terrible shape and appeared to have been ripped apart and put back together again (barely). That concerned me (I bought a NEW item), but since I couldn't find any visible problem with the device itself and wanted to go ahead and use it, I decided to ignore that. Hopefully it's a one-time anomaly having nothing to do with the product.
| Manufacturer | Tajima |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tajima |
| Item Weight | 0.01 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 10 x 5 x 2.5 inches |
| Item model number | CR201R-PR |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Red |
| Closure | Hook,Snap,Snaps |
| Pencil Lead Degree (Hardness) | H |
| Material Type | Aluminum |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Point Type | bold,micro |
| Line Size | 1.0mm |
| Ink Color | Red |
| Manufacturer Part Number | CR201R-PR |
