IRWIN STRAIT-LINE Redesigns New Chalk Reels

IRWIN Industrial Tools, the company that invented the chalk reel in 1960, redesigns its new line of STRAIT-LINE chalk reels for the construction industry. Taking cues from professional tradesmen, these reels were specifically engineered to make them the fastest, toughest, most innovative reels in the industry. The IRWIN STRAIT-LINE Mach6™, the Speed-Line Pro™, the Speed-Line™ and the Aluminum chalk reels all have re-designed bodies and steel handles with larger center clutches to give Concrete Contractors, Carpenters and Roofers the performance they need.

The Mach6 chalk reel, with a powerful 6:1 gear system, retrieves line 6x faster than traditional reels. Made of polyester/nylon, the 100’ line is 2x more durable than a polyester line; delivering 5 - 6 strikes per pull. Its metal body, enlarged center clutch and high performance line, provide extra strength for unrivaled durability. The Mach6 has added convenient features like the EZ Access Door, Twist Off Cap and Wide-Prong Hook. The EZ Access Door allows the user to remove the back panel of the chalk reel with a phillips head screwdriver for simple spool changes and line cleaning. The Twist off Cap securely seals a wider mouth opening for adding up to 2 oz. of chalk, allowing the chalk to flow easily to the line, letting gravity do its job. The Wide Prong Hook anchors the line securely to the work surface, even when pulling the line at an angle.

The Precision™ chalk reel is ideal for detail finish work. Designed with a smooth 3.5:1 gear system, this advanced chalk reel retrieves line up to 3.5 times faster than traditional models. Its metal plates and handle, plus premium thin line, provide extra strength for unrivaled durability. The tool-less EZ Access Door allows for easy entry into the back of the chalk reel to change or clean the line

The Speed-Line PRO chalk reel

offers the same durable polyester/nylon 100’ line as the

Mach6, but with a 3.5:1 gear ratio for a 3.5x faster rewind and a lightweight plastic housing to handle jobsite wear and tear. The steel handle and enlarged center clutch, combined with the Twist Off Cap and Wide Prong Hook make this chalk reel a reliable tool for snapping lines.

The Speed-Line Chalk Reel has a 3.5:1 gear ratio, rewinding the line 3.5x faster than a traditional chalk reel. The lightweight plastic housing can withstand jobsite wear and tear while the 100’ polyester line delivers 5 strikes per pull. The re-designed body and durable steel handle, with the enlarged center clutch, are also standard features on the Speed-Line Chalk Reel.

The Aluminum Chalk Reel has a redesigned body casing and handle. It has a traditional 1:1 gear ratio, durable aluminum housing and 100’ of polyester line.

Enhancements have also been made to the STRAIT-LINE chalk bottles, making them more streamline to fit in the user’s tool pouch. For added convenience, the cap is resealable, eliminating the chance of losing the cap and spilling chalk in the tool box or on the work surface. This squeezable bottle allows air to enter the bottle, helping to move the chalk smoothly into the chalk reel. Available in Dust-Off, Standard, Hi-Visibility, Permanent and Permanent Staining chalks, they can be found in a wide variety of colors for any application or job.

IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® Fast Release™ Locking Tools

IRWIN Industrial Tool is a global manufacturer and distributor of professional grade hand tools and power tool accessories, has taken the next step in locking tools and created a line of VISE-GRIP® Fast Release™ locking tools.

The patented One-Handed Fast Release technology provides a 2X easier, more controlled opening of the locking tool. There is no longer the need to put pressure on a trigger to release the tool. The one-handed feature allows users to fully maximize their efficiency and still be confident that it will be easy to open from any angle by simply pushing or pulling on the release handle. No trigger means more finger room to better accommodate larger hands and welders gloves. The elimination of the trigger also means no pinched fingers during the release.

There are many trade professionals that have come to depend on the locking power of VISE-GRIP and find the patented One-Handed Fast Release beneficial to getting their job done. Welders and metal fabricators appreciate the controlled easy release for one-handed operation and the increased finger room for wearing gloves. Steel stud contractors welcome the increased finger room on the 6” clamp and hail the improved ease in opening given they lock and unlock the tool hundreds of times a day. Automotive mechanics often work in tight spaces and appreciate the ability to easily release the tool from any angle. Operations maintenance and repair professionals and other heavy users value the convenience of the new technology.

IRWIN offers this Fast Release model in 11 individual tools and 8 combination sets. This line includes curved jaw, straight jaw, long nose and C-Clamp models.