Tool Talk

Woodworking Forum => Woodworking Forum => Topic started by: OilyRascal on August 24, 2014, 02:03:26 PM

Title: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: OilyRascal on August 24, 2014, 02:03:26 PM
I'm assuming it's an earlier (than me) chalk box.  It has chalk in it.  It holds a string.....winds it up.  Missing a hook.  I can't find a marking on it.  I'm curious as to it's period.....who made them.

(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/20140824_132700_zps1f68e1ad.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/20140824_132700_zps1f68e1ad.jpg.html)

(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/20140824_132707_zps24fb3de8.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/20140824_132707_zps24fb3de8.jpg.html)

(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/20140824_132727_zps1ab8e6cd.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/20140824_132727_zps1ab8e6cd.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: mvwcnews on August 24, 2014, 03:13:13 PM
I got a similar one years ago in a box of smalls at an auction and for many years it was the only chalk line I owned.  No visible markings on mine -- the screw down cap around the felt is a stamped bit of sheet steel. 
Title: Re: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: jimwrench on August 24, 2014, 03:35:52 PM
 I've had this Seymour chalk line for years and use it when needed. Googoled Seymour products Seymour conn and they evidently make ammo magazines but didn't find chalk lines. Thought it might be a cousin to yours.
Title: Re: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: Chillylulu on August 24, 2014, 10:42:45 PM
I get the round ones at a ratio of one to every two teardrop shaped. Older chalk boxes didn't come with a "hook" from my observation. With a loop in the string you just loop it around a nail, go to the other end, hold down tight, lift the line, and 'snap'

Chilly
Title: Re: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: Branson on August 25, 2014, 11:18:36 AM
It's been my impression that the round lines like yours were from the '30s.  Yours, with the knurled cap, looks better made than any I've seen.  All the ones I've seen myself, or on eBay, have the stamped caps.
Title: Re: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: Bill Houghton on August 25, 2014, 04:46:16 PM
I'll be watching this conversation, because I picked one of these up a year or so ago.
Title: Re: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: RedVise on August 29, 2014, 04:01:52 PM
I had to chalk mine a bit to get the name.
It's an Eastmans Always Ready Chalk Line, stamped top and a different winding arm.
Looks like my hook is original, there is a couple on Etsy with the same hook.


Brian
Title: Re: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: OilyRascal on August 29, 2014, 04:41:33 PM
Interesting hook
Title: Re: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: scottg on September 02, 2014, 03:49:54 PM
Can I get a better shot of that hook? ??
 
  My plain round box, is unmarked too.  Not a mark on it anywhere,
 and the same knurled cap.   I made the hook that's on it now.

   See the ordinary Irwin with blue chalk on it, just behind? I bought that box from Buster Pence, at Happy Camp Hardware, must have been 1971. Its traveled with me many a mile, that box. Its been used a million times.   
 The round Dandee just behind that, is all chrome plated and the knurled cap on that one is ever heavier.
    yours Scott
Title: Re: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: RedVise on September 04, 2014, 09:15:31 PM
here are two from etsy with non rusty hooks.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/201403360/old-chalk-line-seymour-products-eastmans?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=Eastman's+Always+Ready+Chalk+Line&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery


https://www.etsy.com/listing/194463449/eastmans-always-ready-chalk-line?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=Eastman's+Always+Ready+Chalk+Line&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery



Brian
Title: Re: Unknown Chalk Box
Post by: Chillylulu on September 04, 2014, 09:38:04 PM
Those on Etsy had the stamped caps.  I had been wondering exactly what they look like.  I have 7 or 8 now ( I am still actively building those 5 tool kits for my kids)  All my round ones have knurled caps.  Do you think it is a regional thing or have I just never noticed them?

Chilly