What are chalk lines made of?

Box
	There are many different makes and models on the market, and they are made from an equally varied amount of materials. Many chalk lines are made from die-cast magnesium and are often painted to resist corrosion.
	Injection molding Die casting is a metal casting process in which molten metal is fed under high pressure into a precisely machined mold cavity.
	magnesium Magnesium is a chemical element known as an alkaline earth metal. It has a brilliant gray color and is used in the production of chalk lines because it is light (75% lighter than steel), has high impact resistance and an excellent strength to weight ratio.
	Other models of the chalk line can be made from ABS (acrylonityl butadiene styrene). Buy this product
	Acrylonityl Butadiene Styrene (ABS) ABS stands for Acrylonityl Butadiene Styrene and is a common plastic used to make chalk line boxes as well as many other manufacturing processes because it is lightweight, strong and impact resistant. Children's building blocks, for example, are usually made of ABS plastic.
	aluminum There are also several models of chalk line boxes made from die-cast aluminium. Buy this product
	Aluminum is a chemical element. It is a soft, silvery white, ductile metal that is often alloyed to increase its strength. It is widely used in the manufacture of chalk boxes because aluminum alloys are strong, light and durable.
line
	The string in a chalk line tool can be made from a variety of materials, usually braided nylon or cotton. Buy chalk strings
	twisted cotton Cotton twist is a type of yarn made up of interwoven fibers and interlaced threads that have been twisted together to form a thread or rope, increasing its strength.
	Braided nylon Nylon is a silky synthetic plastic polymer that is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. The individual threads were woven together in an intertwining weave pattern to increase its strength.
hook
	Stainless steel The hook that attaches to the end of your string is usually made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong, durable and resistant to corrosion and rust.
	Stainless steel is a metal alloy obtained by mixing steel with chromium. Chromium gives the steel the ability to resist corrosion, rust, and staining, which conventional steel lacks. Stainless steel is one of the most widely used and recognized steels in the world.
Crank
	Although this can vary from model to model, the crank is usually made of stainless steel as this is the part of the chalk line that is used most often, so it must be resistant to wear.
Which material should I choose?
	Box If you are a frequent user, it is important to have a chalk line box that can withstand a few bumps and bruises. A chalk line box made from ABS will be impact resistant, durable, and slightly less expensive than its metal counterparts. If you're willing to shell out a few more pounds, then aluminum can last you a lifetime.
	line Nylon braided string is considered the best string for the job as it is stronger than the twisted varieties. Nylon is also waterproof, rot and mildew resistant. Cotton thread absorbs moisture better and can produce a crisper chalk line, but it can also loosen or break when exposed to the elements.
	hook Since the hook will often be under pressure, it is important to have a strong hook. Stainless steel is the way to go.
	Crank It is very important to have a handle that can handle heavy loads because if it breaks, your chalk line will be useless. The durable stainless steel handle will serve you for many years.