OX Pro Precision Chalk Reel
An award-winning compact chalk reel with an innovative braking mechanism and an integrated
karuko pin.
RedDot Design Award, Patent Pending
concept-to-production, innovation, user research, brand language, range development
Designed a complete new range of chalk reels in under 3 months
for a successful pitch to Lowe’s
(the US’s second-largest home improvement retailer).
The Pro Precision model stands out as the most innovative of the range and is now sold in Lowe’s.
User Research
Depending on the trade, users have many different preferences for their chalk reel.
The precision chalk reel is designed for
tradies for whom precision is vital (primarily finish carpenters and woodworkers) who value:
- a compact chalk reel
- a precise yet durable line
- keeping their hands free of chalk
photography by Dominic Florio
Key Issues Identified in Motion Studies
1. The string is often pulled out without using the push button* and often the hook won’t hold onto the edge (and no nail can be placed to fix the hook), turning the task into a two-person job.
*A button which acts as a clutch release by disengaging the gears which connect the crank to the string spool, meant to be used to preserve the longevity of the gears.
2. Many people pull the line taut by wrapping the string around their finger.
3. Snapping line leaves chalk on hands (which depending on the grade ranges from brush-off to permanent and then gets transferred to tools, clothes, etc.).
4. Finally the line is rewound by spinning the crank.
Ideation
Problem #1: Many people pull the line taught by wrapping the string around their finger.
The Solution: A tip which acts as a brake and using the stored handle as a lock
Problem #2:
Standard hooks are limited
The Solution: A Hook/Pin Combo
(the #1 most requested feature from a survey to OX Tools’ Tuff Club)
This allows the user to:
-
set the hook into a soft surface without any additional tools
-
fasten the hook away from an edge without leaving significant damage
- snap lines more easily at any angle
Pin is able to snap onto the hook, whereby the tooling for the hook is only slightly modified by changing the shape of the slot in the center.
The pin can either be left on the hook or be stored in chalk reel when not in use.
(Small Sumitubo. Dieter Schmid Fine Tools, https://www.fine-tools.com/ba1.html. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.)
This feature is inspired by the
karuko pin
from the sumitsubo, a
tool dating back to the 8th century which was, and still is, used for marking ink lines in woodworking.
Problem/Solution #3: Creating a visually cohesive range
Manufacturing Challenges
Chalk reels are usually manufactured with a housing that consists of two halves in plastic, metal, or overmolded plastic (which provides the best balance between durability and weight).
94% of survey respondents said it was essential that their chalk reel be ‘durable’.
47% said it was essential that it also be ‘lightweight’.
Due to the squishable tip, standard overmolding wouldn’t work.
The rubber grip had to be manufactured as a separate component which is held fast between the two halves of the shell.
‘An eco ‘friendlier’ solution’
Components of this chalk reel’s case can be recycled if disassembled, whereas usually, overmolded plastics cannot be recycled.
Educational Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDiKrBTB0s1/
Promoting use via industry professionals.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCdBeeXixBv/
Promoting the use of the clutch release and how the handle storage can be used as a built-in lock.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC_otQKo_F3/
Showing how the tip as an alternative to wrapping the string around your finger
Social Media Content by Evan Clark
Final Design/Features
The Complete Range
The range features various gear ratios, line thickness / compositions, housing materials, and features depending on the preferences of various user groups and trades which were identified during user research.
Timeline
Video created for Lowe’s innovation event
Video shot and edited by Dominic Florio
Publications
Red Dot Award 2025
https://www.red-dot.org/project/ox-pro-precision-chalk-reel-80656
Pro Tool Innovation Award 2024
https://protoolinnovationawards.com/winners/2024-pro-tool-innovation-awards/hand-tools/
Patent Pending – Chalk box with a flexible tip
WO2025233924A1
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2025233924A1US20250346066A1
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20250346066A1