I'm not a professional carpenter but but have built a few things and have found that using an awl is really handy when working alone so you can place it quickly as well as remove it quickly instead of using a nail that you might have to start and remove with your hammer. Also, not matter which you use, nail or awl, I find that if you insert it on a slight angle (away from the direction of the line) when you pull the line tight it will pull the hook tight to the surface ensuring the line doesn't try to creep up the nail or awl. Thanks for all the great videos, there is always something new we can all take away from continual learning.......even if we think we know everything ;)
Funny you mention the awl, yes that is a great tool for holding the end of a chalk line - we elected to not include it since fewer and fewer of our partners have an awl in their starter tool set any longer Great suggestion for the angle on the fastener
Very good point about the fill level of a chalk line. I usually keep mine about half full or the line starts getting too wide. Plus they aren’t giving chalk away at the lumberyard
Try one of the Tajima chalk line: really fast to get the line back into the body with its winding mechanism, not messy at all comparing with a Stanley, and no handle to jam in a recess hole. And its just the perfect size for my Occidental leather tool belt.
