Customer Reviews

Chalk Holder - Commando Clear Anodized Handle with Standard School Chalk (See Item 152-1214 for Chalk Holder with Bonus Protective Storage Tube)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

These chalk holders were a great investment. They are expensive, but worth every cent. They really grip the chalk very firmly - other chalk holders that I have used in the past do not grip the chalk very firmly at all, with the result that the chalk was inevitably pressed back into the chalk holder the moment I started writing on the blackboard. I keep two or three chalk holders at hand for every colour - in case the stick of chalk breaks or gets used up during the course of a lesson. (Breaking of the chalk during writing can be avoided by letting it protrude no more than a centimetre from the tip of the chalk holder - but then it may not last the whole lesson.)

I keep a set of the Commando chalk holders in a plastic pencil box in my briefcase. I use the clear anodised chalk holder for white chalk; the gold anodised chalk holder for yellow, orange and red chalk; and the blue anodised chalk holder for green, blue and purple chalk. The chalk holders look very professional, and best of all - they stop my hands getting covered in chalk dust!

To the person who gave this one star, shame on you. Breaking chalk is hardly the fault of the holder and more often the product of someone who doesn't know how to use it properly, or 'not recklessly'.
I've used chalk chucks for nearly 20 years now, we use them in the film business for marking actors. They're invaluable and save a lot of time. I've tried and tested quite a few over the years and this one gets my vote because of one major factor that I've never seen before, and for some insane reason, it's not mentioned in the product description or any of the reviews.
The chalk is dispensed with a screw release top, loosen and chalk comes out, tighten and chalk stays in place. Whereas most chalk chucks rely on a spring top which you press like a click pen. This chuck is light, it's easy to grip, hold the chalk in place firmly, and has stood the rigors of my workdays for over a month now, no breaking chalk, comes with a little tube, and I'll definitely buy another.
The DELUXE CHALK KEEPER CHALK HOLDER by THE STIKKIWORKS CO, sells here on Amazon for 2 dollars more, and is really rugged and hardy, but it's spring loaded. So, if you like the idea of a screw dispenser buy this, otherwise get the Stikkiworks one!DELUXE CHALK KEEPER CHALK HOLDER

The pair of Commando Chalk Holders that I purchased came in excellent condition.
I carry two to class on a regular base, and they work nicely. The only complaint that I have is that once in a while a holder does not hold the chalk very firmly,
though the Commando Holders do a much better job of holding than other types of holders.

Now that I've gotten the hang of feeding out more chalk quickly while I'm instructing from the board, I'm very pleased with the way this chuck has improved my experience with chalk. Cuts out a lot of the mess and as others have pointed out, it holds the chalk much more securely than the spring models. I would recommend experimenting with different types of chalk till you find one that suits the holder; for instance, I have a more brittle brand that tends to break when I tighten the nut.

If you teach with traditional chalk, you usually have to wash your hands after class from the chalk. With this chalk holder I find myself washing my hands only half the time, and it is a fancy way of teaching. For everyone who loves the feel of metal, this is a great addition to your gear.

Of the three chalk holders I purchased, this is by far the best. The others were either too thick (plastic) or the chalk would slide in when writing on the board. This one holds the chalk well - the clip prevents it from rolling on desk - nice touch. The free, clear case is wonderful - keeps my bag clean. Yes, you have to unscrew the bottom when sliding out more chalk but that takes less than 2 seconds. I do it while talking to the class. I will be purchasing a couple more; One to have "ready to go" in case I don't want to stop for a few seconds. The other will be for colored chalk. Great product.

This chalk holder works in principle but become difficult to use if the chalk breaks. Shortly after opening the package I accidentally dropped the holder with a piece of chalk in it. The chalk broke off at the end and in several places within the holder. I had to find a screw driver to push the chalk out of the holder as you could not grab the broken end and the other broken pieces would not enter the clamping potion. Even after loosening the clamp completely it was still far too restrictive to easily remove the chalk. Note, the chalk can not come out of the other end.

Works for holding chalk, just don't drop it or it will be holding a bunch of little pieces.

I needed a chalk holder that I could pack into my tool bag and travel with. I think this will fill the bill. The construction is first-rate. U.S. made. Nicely machined aluminum. Almost reminds me of a Mag-lite, though not as heavy. Perfect fit for chalk that is 3/8" OD (exact).

Comes in a high-grade square plastic tube for protection (as if it needed it).

Uses a twist-type collet chuck. If there is a short piece stuck inside, you would have to push something slender in from the back end to knock it out. Minor inconvience owing to the no-slop fit for 3/8" chalk. The back end is open for this very reason. The black tip you see on the top is an open bushing.

The knurling is a bit sharp (my wife noticed this), but if your hands are that delicate, you could easily knock the points down a bit with some fine sand paper (I would use 400 grit carbide paper if it bothered me). They even knurled the upper end in two bands to keep the pocket clip from sliding off.

Some might prefer a push-button advance mechanism for frequent and continuous use as in a class-room. Personal preference I guess. I prefer the absolute quality of this product rather than taking a chance on some of the others shown at Amazon.

This fits the Sargent Art 66-2012 chalk perfectly.

I purchased this so that I wouldn't get my hands full of chalk while teaching. It works great! I'm so glad I made this purchase.

Good tool to not get your fingers dirty with chalk, looks good and professional. You still have to use your fingers to pull some chalk out, but overall your hands are not as dirty from chalk compared to not using this.