Tajima CHALK-RITE Dura CR401S/D1 Chalk Line Reel, 30 m, 1.0 mm Line, No Chalk

Tajima CHALK-RITE Dura CR401S/D1 Chalk Line Reel, 30 m, 1.0 mm Line, No Chalk

Tajima CHALK-RITE Dura (article CR401S/D1, EAN 4975364057402) is a chalk line reel for marking long straight lines on concrete, masonry, timber, plasterboard and roofs. It holds 30 m of 1.0 mm braided line, the case is die-cast aluminium and the reservoir takes 60 g of chalk. The FASTWIND mechanism rewinds the line at double speed. The reel is sold without chalk: you fill it with the powder that suits how long the line has to last.

What it is for

A chalk line transfers a straight line between two points in seconds. The line is pulled out of the case, stretched between the points, lifted in the middle and released - the chalk on it leaves a print on the surface. That is how tile and flooring rows, plasterboard tracks, cutting lines on sheet material, roof lines and wall or joist centre lines are laid out. Tajima lists the model for carpenters and remodellers, concrete and tile contractors, drywallers, framers and roofers.

CR401S/D1 and the American CR401S

CR401S/D1 is the article number under which Tajima AG sells the CR401S model in Europe (EAN 4975364057402). In the USA the same reel is the CR401S (UPC 049296057404), with the same 1.0 mm x 30 m line, the same case and the FASTWIND mechanism. The manufacturer does not explain what D1 stands for. The article in this shop is one reel.

The line: 30 m, 1.0 mm, Extra Bold class

The line is braided nylon and polyester. Tajima sorts its lines into four thickness classes: Ultra-Thin 0.5 mm, Extra Bold 1.0 mm, Extreme Bold 1.8 mm and Maximum Bold 2.8 mm. The Dura CR401S/D1 sits in the Extra Bold 1.0 mm class - between the fine line used for finish carpentry and the heavy lines used on rough construction. The end of the line carries a hook that catches on the edge of a slab or board, so the line can be stretched without a helper.

Case, seal and mechanism

The case is die-cast aluminium. An elastomer gasket runs round its edge and doubles as the non-slip grip surface (Positive-Seal Gasket / Grip). The FASTWIND SYSTEM winds at double speed. The Integrated Handle Release disengages the crank from the spool while you pull the line out, so the crank does not spin in your hand; when you rewind, the crank drives the spool again.

Filling, felt and replacement line

The fill port is large and gasket-sealed, which makes it easy to fill straight from the bottle. The same port gives access to the felt - the pad that spreads the chalk evenly along the line - so it can be replaced. A worn line is replaced with Tajima's PL-ITOL replacement line (listed as PLITOL-EUR in the European catalogue), which has the same 1.0 mm thickness. The new line is threaded with the Snap Line Pull-Through Tool, a small silver tube kept in a slot on the face of the case.

Which chalk to choose

Any chalk line powder will work. Tajima recommends its own Micro Chalk and Snap Line Dye and ranks them on five permanency levels, as in its 2026 US catalogue:

Technical specifications

What's in the box

• 1 x Tajima CHALK-RITE Dura CR401S/D1 chalk line reel with 30 m x 1.0 mm braided line wound on
• end hook on the line and built-in felt applicator
• Snap Line Pull-Through Tool for threading a new line, stored in a slot on the case
• no chalk - sold separately
• no replacement line

Tips for use and care

• Fill the reel in a dry place and with dry chalk: damp chalk clumps and coats the line unevenly.
• Do not put in more than 60 g - the line has to run freely through the chalk.
• After filling, tap the case lightly so the line picks up chalk. Stretch the line tight, lift it straight up in the middle and let go; if the line comes out faint, rewind and pull it out again.
• Empty the old chalk before changing colour - mixed colours give a muddy line. Snap Line Dye is for permanent marking (levels 4 and 5) and the dark red stains the surface, so keep both off surfaces that will stay on show.
• If the line gets wet, let it dry before winding it back in.
• Replace a frayed line with PL-ITOL / PLITOL-EUR 1.0 mm. If the line comes out uneven with a full reservoir, check the felt - it is changed through the fill port.

Questions and Answers