Customer Reviews

Tajima CR202B-P Chalk-Rite II Ultra Thin Chalk Box

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've had a few different chalk lines, with varying degrees of success. The Stanley met the business end of a framing hammer after one jam too many. The Irwin experienced a hail mary pass from the roof deck (the street below, incidentally, received that pass expertly.) The tajima, however, has been in use for six months and has yet to frustrate.

The first glance shows it to be a very well engineered product. The gearing is solid and fast. The lock not only works, but works well - a welcome change from the others - and you'll find yourself actually using it. The reel is designed to be pressed, nose down, against the work surface. This method, when compared to pulling the line past the edge of a sheet, makes a more accurate mark and is less likely to wear on the line.

The mark itself is excellent. The 1mm line produces a bright line the size of a pencil scribe, and I am happy to have the accuracy. The quality and crispness of the snap is rewarding, every time I use it. The line does wear, especially just after the hook, but what line doesn't? I'd rather cut off 6" off every few weeks than buy a new reel with every chalk refill.

Tajima's chalk works wonderfully, as well. It really helps to have finer chalk with such a thin like. I've started using the Irwin chalk, with no difficulties as long as i don't overfill. My personal favorite is a blend of fluorescent green and standard blue that demands the eye's attention in any light on any material. If you do use standard chalk instead of the extra fine chalk, don't expect to get many snaps before you have reel up. I don't agree with the other reviewers' comments that this chalk line isn't suitable for framing, although the line it leaves is perhaps too light against asphalt shingles on a wavy roof deck. I don't experience the same problem when shingling a newly framed roof.

we mainly do finish carpentry and fat snap lines with chalk splatter do not help with accuracy so i find the combination of the ultra thin line and the tajima chalk to be a great alternitive - it leaves a nice thin line with out all the excess chalk - i would not recommend this combo for some of the more abusive trades IE framers and masons, as the line is thin and you can tell it would not take a lot to break it, so thin that when stretched out on nice flat surface it can be difficult to get a pinch on the line just to snap it.

The thin line makes the difference. This is 3 times the price of an Irwin, but the line is very crisp and worth it. I would recommend getting the Tajima chalk as well. It's like baby powder.

Great product i have had another tajima for 6 years used almost daily, except for snapping the line about 4 times just like new, very durable. Sturdy aluminum housing can take more jobsite punishment than the plastic snaplines can, mine fell out of my nail bag from the second story floor trusses to the first floor and recieved only a small scratch. The thin line in this unit is a great deal better than the regular ones especially for cabinetry and trim work. The line is about as thick as a sharp pencil line. As for the rewind reeling it in from 12' takes only 3 turns of the handle very fast.

We use this Chalk Box for lot of different precise tasks (setting cabinets, rolling crown b/c ceiling is undulating, laying borders in hardwood floors, etc.) or when we don't want a line that is too prominent and would come through the finished paint (e.g. installing clear finish or prefinished cedar shakes (recommend the white chalk), crown at the frieze or fascia). I think Mr. Berry bought the wrong product. This is for very fine work (.5 mm line), as is indicated by the name of the tool, "Chalk-Rite II ULTRA THIN..." For 'OSB or rough plywood,' I would recommend the Tajima Chalk-Rite II Extra Bold Snap Line with Triple Speed Rewind with Free Red Dye This line is 1.2mm (that's 2.4 times wider). Perfect for rough materials or, as one may infer, rough individuals. Really this entire line of chalk boxes is above reproach. A tool this good is well worth the investment.

Thin chalk lines. More accurate layout. Good for inside carpentry. Would wonder if it is rugged enough for framing though. Too many moving parts to break. Kind of bulky compared to the Irwin chalkbox which I have used for years.

I bought this line immediately after using someone else's on a jobsite. Had it for a few weeks and the handle promptly snapped off. Returned for a new one and that one also broke off a few weeks later. Then the lock broke. I've kept it in my toolbelt in spite of this, due to the incredible, thin line it makes. Finally, last week it decided to not wind back up at all...so now my Irwin is back in business. Too bad, because the Tajima has such a good felt for keeping half of your chalk from dumping out as you release line, and of coure the crisp line that you get every time. I may just put the Tajima line in my Irwin case and see how that works.

Maybe they don't need an aluminun case and they could use better quality materials for the reel mechanism.

It is a nice tool for installing crown molding...not too good for exterior work. Nice quality

I bought this chalk line in may 2007 I install cabinets and do trim for a living. This is the best chalk line I have ever owned for this if you want a thin crisp line buy this if you do rough work buy a bigger line. After 4 years I finally ordered new line for my chalk line purchased in 2007 usually I am lucky to get 1 year from a chalk line this really is a quality tool.
Andy

I purchased a Bostitch Chalk Box about a month ago and have been fairly aggravated with it... Hard to wind up and dumps way too much chalk... Feels like I'm gonna snap the crank handle right off because its so stiff... I decided to give the Tajima a try after all the great reviews... And I must say, I do agree...Line pulls and retracts as easy as it gets... And I really like the nice clean thin chalk line it produces ... I can't tell yet if it will stand the test of time, but it feels sturdy enough... The line lock is a nice feature... This unit is more than double the cost of your "everyday" chalk boxes... And the line is really thin, so I'm sure its a lot more susceptible to breaking... I think it would be overkill if you need lines on concrete or rough framing... But for more delicate and percise situations (e.g. tile layouts), I think this unit is the way to go.....If it came with a belt clip, It would be perfect (at least for me)...