Power string and chalk line

Abstract

A power string and chalk line tool for obtaining a straight line reference using a line having a wound end and a free end is provided. The tool includes a housing having an upper face and a lower face, a support rod mounted between the upper and lower faces, and a line aperture. A spool having two end plates separated by a hollow axle is sized to fit and rotatably mounted about the support rod inside the housing, such that the wound end of the line can be wound around the spool and the free end of the line can be pulled from the housing via the line aperture. A coil spring affixed to the spool maintains rotational tension on the spool, biasing the spool against unwinding the line from the spool and towards rewinding the line onto the spool. A speed control member is provided that is movably attached to the housing and extends adjacent the spool for applying pressure against the spool to create friction, thereby reducing the speed of or stopping spool rotation. A slip-lock member is provided that is attached to the spool and allows continuous movement of the spool in either direction, but restricts movement of the spool if continuous movement of the spool is desired to be halted. The present invention therefore provides a tool for easily extending a line to obtain a straight-line reference, and a mechanism for quickly and efficiently retrieving the line in a controlled manner once the reference is obtained.