Chalkline, reel

This wooden reel and chalkline forms part of a group of tools contained in a fine early 19th century toolchest. Many of the tools are marked W Gray. The chalkline has no mark and was possibly not part of the original compliment of tools in the chest.

The wooden reel with a length twine was used for setting out lines on lengths of timber. The twine was rubbed with chalk and fixed in place at one end and then the correct alignment was selected. The twine was then snapped, known as 'snapping the line', and left a straight chalk line along the surface.